Overcoming the Odds: Failed 11th grade, earned a GED, became the first GED student to attend Morehouse,

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Monique Strong. President of the Atlanta Chapter of the National Association of Black Women in Construction (NABWIC). Here's a breakdown of the key highlights and takeaways: 🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways 1. Breaking Barriers in Construction Monique Strong is a trailblazer in a traditionally male-dominated and white-dominated industry. She leads NABWIC’s Atlanta chapter, advocating for leadership, equity, and professional development for Black women in construction. 2. What “Construction” Really Means Construction isn’t just hard hats and manual labor—it includes: General contracting Project management Estimating Safety coordination Architecture and engineering Business ownership and development 3. Legacy and Inspiration Monique’s passion for construction was inspired by her grandfathers and her grandmother, who helped build the home she grew up in. Her journey includes a degree in engineering from Clark Atlanta University and further training in construction management. 4. Challenges and Triumphs Faced skepticism from family and industry peers. Overcame stereotypes and isolation as a young Black woman in construction. Emphasizes the importance of knowing who you are and embracing your identity as a woman in the field. 5. The Power of Mentorship and Community NABWIC provides a supportive network for women at all stages of their construction careers. Weekly calls, mentorship, and shared resources help members grow and succeed. 6. Why Diversity in Construction Matters Diversity reflects the makeup of the country and brings innovation and detail-oriented excellence to the field. Inclusion in leadership and contracting opportunities is essential for equity and community development. 💬 Notable Quotes “You don’t have to be hard. You just have to be hungry.” “We are the unicorns people are looking for.” “I like to take something that’s nothing and make it something.” 🎯 Advice for Women in Construction Get involved with a community like NABWIC that supports your growth. Seek mentorship from women at all stages—beginning, middle, and end of their careers. Embrace your uniqueness and use it to lead and innovate. #SHMS #STRAW #BEST #AMISteve 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 Teri Williams. Thanks! The transcript from this episode of Money Making Conversations Masterclass features a powerful and informative interview with Teri Williams, President, COO, and owner of OneUnited Bank, the largest Black-owned bank in the United States. Here's a breakdown of the key highlights and takeaways: 🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways 1. OneUnited Bank’s Mission & Reach Formed by merging four Black-owned banks in Boston, Miami, and Los Angeles. First Black-owned digital bank (since 2005). Serves customers in all 50 states. Offers accessible, affordable financial services and promotes financial literacy. 2. Digital Banking for Underserved Communities OneUnited provides: Mobile check deposit (via smartphone). Early direct deposit (get paid 2 days early). Access to 100,000+ surcharge-free ATMs (including Walgreens, 7-Eleven, Chase, Citibank). Designed to combat financial deserts and predatory check-cashing services in Black communities. 3. Financial Literacy & Trust Teri emphasizes the need for Black communities to trust Black-owned institutions. OneUnited is FDIC-insured and uses cutting-edge technology, including AI. Financial literacy is key to building generational wealth. 4. WiseOne AI Tool An AI-powered financial assistant that: Tracks spending and subscriptions. Offers insights on saving and debt reduction. Aggregates data from multiple accounts to show net worth, cash flow, and financial health. 5. Youth Financial Literacy – “I Got Bank” Contest 15th annual contest for kids ages 8–12. Participants submit an essay or artwork based on a financial literacy book. Ten winners receive $1,000 savings accounts. Book: I Got Bank by Teri Williams (available free at oneunited.com/book). 6. OneTransaction Concept Focuses on six key financial transactions to build generational wealth: Homeownership Life Insurance Investments Profitable Business Credit Score Savings Encourages individuals to focus on just one to start their wealth-building journey. Learn more: oneunited.com/onetransaction 💬 Notable Quotes “We are a real bank, not a fintech. We are FDIC-insured.” “We are great with money. We just haven’t always had access.” “Focus on one transaction. That’s all it takes to start building generational wealth.” #SHMS #STRAW #BEST #AMISteve 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. Isaiah Tatum. A 24-year-old entrepreneur, touring artist, and hotel owner: 🎯 Purpose of the Interview The interview showcases Dr. Isaiah Tatum’s extraordinary journey from homelessness to becoming a venture capitalist, hotel developer, and touring saxophonist. It aims to inspire young entrepreneurs by highlighting the importance of faith, planning, mentorship, and financial literacy. 🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Early Passion for Music Began playing saxophone at age 10. Influenced by legends like Kenny G, Curtis Mayfield, and Aretha Franklin. Practiced obsessively, leading to proficiency and touring opportunities. Maintains a strong connection to music despite business ventures. “I couldn’t wait to get home and play… I practiced six hours a day.” — Isaiah Tatum 2. Entrepreneurial Drive & Financial Literacy Overcame homelessness and used that experience to fuel ambition. Became an equity investor in Jazz Pharmaceuticals at 18. Invested in real estate and hotel development with a focus on recession-proof models. “I didn’t want to be an artist who had to stay on tour to maintain. I wanted to be financially free.” — Isaiah Tatum 3. Hotel Ownership & Strategy Owns two Candlewood Suites and an Embassy Suites in Georgia. Focuses on extended-stay models for consistent revenue. Emphasizes customer experience and operational efficiency. “Even if they’re spending $160, make them feel like they’re spending $1 million.” — Isaiah Tatum 4. Mentorship & Education Studied finance and earned credentials from Wall Street Prep. Values mentorship from icons like Kenny G and Keith Worsham. Now mentors others and encourages financial literacy and self-confidence. “Don’t look for who you are to fit in with everybody else… Elevate yourself.” — Isaiah Tatum 5. Vision & Future Endeavors Developing new properties in Tupelo, MS and Nashville, TN. Planning a Sweat Hotel concept and returning to music with a new album and tour. Driven by a daily mindset of growth and execution. “Even though I’ve done really good, it’s about what I’m doing tomorrow.” — Isaiah Tatum 📌 Notable Quotes “Faith and a plan. A lot of people jump out there on faith. You better have a plan in your back pocket.” — Rushion McDonald “I fell in love with credentials… I wanted to maximize every opportunity.” — Isaiah Tatum “Let your results speak for themselves.” — Isaiah Tatum #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. Jamal Harrison Bryant. 🎙️ Interview Summary: Dr. Jamal Bryant Guest: Dr. Jamal Harrison BryantHost: Rushion McDonaldTopic: Faith, leadership, financial literacy, and community empowerment Dr. Jamal Bryant, senior pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, shares his journey from academic setbacks to becoming one of the most influential voices in faith and social justice. The conversation explores how the Black church can evolve, empower communities economically, and embrace technology and education to uplift future generations. 🔑 Key Takeaways 🏛️ Church Beyond the Walls COVID-19 forced churches to rethink their purpose and expand beyond traditional worship. Over 3,000 people joined New Birth online during the pandemic. “Culture changes every four years, but Black church culture changes every 20. The average church is 15 years behind schedule.” 💰 Financial Literacy & Economic Empowerment The Black church must teach not just tithing, but how to multiply the remaining 90%. Black dollars circulate only 30 minutes in the community, compared to 23 times in Asian communities. “We ask for 10%, but never show people how to multiply the 90.” 🏦 Debt Reduction & Stewardship Dr. Bryant inherited a church with significant debt and reduced it through stewardship, savings, and refinancing. “We got no corporate donations. It was model stewardship and aggressive debt reduction.” 🎓 HBCU Advocacy HBCUs produce the majority of Black professionals in medicine, law, education, and politics. Despite limited resources, they outperform many predominantly white institutions. “North Carolina A&T graduates more Black engineers than any other program in the country.” 📚 Financial Habits & Credit Awareness Many African Americans live at 110% of their income. Dr. Bryant promotes the 10-10-80 rule: save 10%, give 10%, live on 80%. “We have housewarming parties for apartments… we don’t talk about homeownership.” 🌍 Personal Journey & Mentorship Failed 11th grade, earned a GED, became the first GED student to attend Morehouse. Interned for Nelson Mandela, earned a master’s from Duke, and became the youngest NAACP youth director. “You can’t achieve success by yourself. Everywhere I went, someone stepped in and moved me forward.” 🕊️ Role of the Church The church should be a “recycling center” for discarded lives, transforming people spiritually and socially. “You can come as you are. Just be clear, you won’t stay as you are.” 💬 Notable Quotes “Your revenue is in your reflection.” “The church must be high-tech and high-touch.” “We don’t like to sit down. We like to dance and dribble.” “People are dying from a lack of knowledge.” #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 Isaac Hayes III. 🎯 Purpose of the Interview To highlight Isaac Hayes III’s entrepreneurial journey, his stewardship of his father’s legacy, and his creation of Fanbase, a Black-owned social media platform designed to empower creators and challenge the status quo of tech ownership and monetization. 🗝️ Key Takeaways 1. Legacy & Identity Isaac Hayes III discusses the duality of carrying a famous name—both a burden and a blessing. Early in his career, he used a pseudonym to avoid bias and prove his merit as a music producer. Quote: “In the beginning, it kind of hurt you… down the line, it’s going to help you tremendously.” 2. Music Publishing & Ownership He explains the difference between masters and publishing in music rights. Publishing is like “musical real estate”—you own it until you sell it. Quote: “As long as you hold on to that musical real estate, you own it forever.” 3. Social Media as a Business Tool Hayes recognized the power of social media around 2008–2009. He emphasizes how Black culture drives social media engagement but lacks ownership. Quote: “Black culture elevates all infrastructures of entertainment, but we don’t own them.” 4. Fanbase: A Visionary Platform Fanbase is a subscription-based social media platform that: Doesn’t run ads. Allows creators to monetize directly via in-app purchases. Sends content to all followers without suppression. Quote: “I’m the first social media founder to create a mechanism where people could subscribe to people using in-app purchases.” 5. Innovation & Influence Fanbase pioneered features like gold verification badges and mobile subscriptions before major platforms adopted them. Hayes asserts that Fanbase moves at the speed of Black culture, unlike competitors who mimic it. Quote: “The only separator between us and them is capital.” 6. Political Impact Hayes used social media to support political campaigns, including helping elect Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens. He views social media as a tool for civic engagement and community empowerment. Quote: “Social media spreads messages through virality… it can create engagement and action very quickly.” 7. Investor-thon & Community Support Fanbase raised nearly \$700,000 in 10 days through an equity crowdfunding event featuring celebrities and influencers. Hayes stresses the importance of Black ownership in tech infrastructure. Quote: “If we’re not owning infrastructures, we’re just contributing to other people’s wealth.” 🧠 Final Message Isaac Hayes III is a visionary entrepreneur who blends legacy, innovation, and cultural empowerment. His mission with Fanbase is to create a platform where creators—especially from the Black community—can thrive, monetize, and own their digital presence. #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 Holly Cotton (breast cancer survivor, nurse, author) and Dewayne Charleston (stage 4 prostate cancer survivor). Topic: Raising awareness and eliminating disparities in Black men’s health, especially prostate cancer. 2. Holly Cotton’s Story Breast cancer survivor and nurse with a master’s degree. Author of Strong More Than Muscles. Uses her survivorship to inspire others and promote health awareness. Advocates for being a “life survivor,” not just a cancer survivor. 3. Rushion McDonald’s Personal Experience Thyroid cancer survivor since 2015. Shares how the diagnosis changed his perspective on life and purpose. Uses his platform to raise awareness and encourage proactive health decisions. 4. Dwayne’s Journey Diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer at age 46. All 16 biopsy samples came back positive. Told by MD Anderson urologist Dr. Lewis Sisler that only prayer could help. Fought cancer for 14 years and founded a prostate cancer awareness foundation. 5. Foundation Mission Educates Black men on prostate cancer, clinical trials, and health disparities. Addresses emotional, sexual, financial, and relational impacts of cancer. Aims to break silence and stigma around men’s health issues. 6. Breast Cancer Awareness vs. Prostate Cancer Awareness Holly explains the success of “Go Pink” campaigns for breast cancer. Dewayne and Holly aim to replicate that success with “Go Blue” for prostate cancer. Goal: Encourage men to prioritize their own health and get tested. 7. Community Impact Importance of storytelling and visibility at events like HBCU games. Emphasis on legacy, education, and proactive health care. Holly and Dewayne’s collaboration bridges gender and cancer awareness gaps. 8. Closing Rushon thanks guests for their advocacy and friendship. Encourages listeners to lead with their gifts and keep winning. 💡 Key Takeaways Cancer is not a death sentence—early detection and support can save lives. Black men face the highest disparity in prostate cancer diagnoses and deaths. Storytelling and visibility are powerful tools for health education. Foundations and community events can drive awareness and action. Men must prioritize their own health, not just encourage women to get checked. Faith, support, and education are critical in the cancer journey. 🗣️ Notable Quotes “I am a life survivor, not just a cancer survivor.” — Holly Cotton “God is still in the healing business.” — Dr. Lewis Sisler (quoted by Dewayne) “Don’t ever wait to that moment to make changes in your life.” — Rushion McDonald “Tuskegee was not a clinical trial—it was a criminal conspiracy.” — Dewayne “We want those men to also be worried about their own health and have resources.” — Holly Cotton “Of all the disparities in cancer, the greatest is in prostate cancer among Black men.” — Dewayne #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 Marcus Sonnier. Founder of Snowie Atlanta: 🎯 Purpose of the Interview To showcase Marcus Sonnier’s journey from corporate America to entrepreneurship, highlight the inspiration behind Snowie Atlanta, and share insights on financial literacy, legacy-building, and faith-driven decision-making. 🔑 Key Takeaways 1. From Corporate VP to Entrepreneur Marcus left a successful career as VP of PR supervision at a financial services firm to start Snowie Atlanta. He worked both jobs for five years before fully transitioning. His leap was guided by faith and a desire for self-reliance. “I looked at my wife and said, ‘Hey, I'm getting one more bonus check. And then I'm jumping off the plane.’” 2. The Product: Shaved Ice with a Twist Snowie Atlanta offers customizable shaved ice with self-serve flavor stations. Inspired by childhood experiences in Louisiana with snowball stands. “We give away the shaved ice, but we sell you the smiles.” 3. Family Legacy & Financial Literacy Marcus started the business to teach his sons about money—earning, saving, investing, and giving. His sons were involved from the beginning, learning entrepreneurship firsthand. “I said, guys, look, we're going to be entrepreneurs in this business. We're going to do it together.” 4. Faith as a Driving Force Marcus credits divine guidance for his journey and connections. He views his business as a calling and a platform for community impact. “I could feel God in my spirit saying, ‘Oh, you trust me, you really do.’” 5. Community Impact & Expansion Snowie Atlanta is expanding into Truist Park, home of the Atlanta Braves. The goal is to become a staple attraction and enhance the fan experience. “I want all kids to want to go to a Braves game… to get a Snowie and have an experience.” 6. Giving Back Snowie Atlanta participates in fundraising for schools, churches, and nonprofits. Marcus finds joy in writing checks back to organizations that serve the community. 💬 Notable Quotes “You may not get everything you work for, but you will work for everything you get.” “We serve memories.” “I’m just trying to be obedient and do what I think God wants me to do in this business.” #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 Celebrity Chef Jernard Wells. Award-winning television personality, author, and entrepreneur, joins Money Making Conversations Masterclass to discuss his journey from launching a seasoning line to building a successful culinary brand. Known for his hit shows New Soul Kitchen and New Soul Kitchen Remix on Cleo TV, he shares insights on branding, cooking strategies, and his bestselling cookbook Southern Inspired: More Than 100 Delicious Dishes from My American Table to Yours. 🔑 Key Themes & Highlights Building a Culinary Brand Chef Jernard started his career selling seasonings, expanding into hot sauces and barbecue sauces using recipes passed down from his father. Landing a Whole Foods distribution deal was a major turning point, allowing him to scale his business and enter other markets. He believes in volume sales, ensuring his products are widely available nationwide while creating brand demand through media appearances. TV Appearances & Media Strategy Competing on Food Network Star and Cutthroat Kitchen opened doors for national exposure. He views television as a platform to direct audiences toward his products rather than just an entertainment opportunity. Hosting New Soul Kitchen gives him an avenue to teach cooking techniques and engage with viewers beyond a traditional chef role. Cooking Philosophy & Efficiency Advocates for organized cooking, reducing time in the kitchen by prepping ingredients in sections before starting. Encourages using quality spices and flavors to enhance dishes effortlessly. Believes that cooking should be about enjoyment, avoiding unnecessary complexity—especially for holiday meals. Essential Holiday Cooking Tips Choosing the right wood for smoking—hickory, cherry, apple, peach, or pecan—enhances turkey or ham flavors. Prefers injection-based seasoning for turkey, using Cajun and butter blends. Mac and Cheese Mastery – Uses cavatelli pasta, smoked Gouda, sharp cheddar, and a touch of nutmeg for depth. Advocates for simplified candied yams, avoiding overly complex versions that extend cooking time. Signature Recipes from His Cookbook Creole BBQ Shrimp – Jumbo prawns baked in garlic, Worcestershire sauce, butter, smoked paprika, and lemon. Whiskey Cranberry Glazed Ribs – Uses cranberry juice, whiskey, brown sugar, and chipotle for rich, festive flavor. Seafood Mac and Cheese – Combines lobster, shrimp, crab, chicken, and sausage for a decadent twist. 📘 Resources & Contact InformationChef Jernard’s work is accessible through:🔗 Website: Jernard Wells🔗 Social Media: @ChefJernard🔗 Book: Southern Inspired: More Than 100 Delicious Dishes from My American Table to Yours (Available on Amazon & major retailers) #BEST #STRAW #SHMSSteve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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