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

💼 Business Overview

• Henry’s Soul Café: A family legacy restaurant founded in 1968 by Jermaine’s father. Jermaine expanded the brand while honoring its roots.
• Culinary Institute: Created to train and mentor youth in the culinary arts.
• Film & Talent: Produces films (Strange Love, Trophy Wife, Legendary with Earthquake) and manages comedians and entertainers.
• Real Estate: Active developer and investor in the DMV area.

💡 Key Insights

• Legacy & Mentorship: Inspired by his father’s generosity and work ethic, Jermaine emphasizes giving back and mentoring youth.
• Multiple Streams of Income: Jermaine diversified his career across food, entertainment, and real estate.
• Community Impact: Employs and mentors local youth, often becoming a father figure and role model.
• Soul Food Philosophy: Describes soul food as “cooked from the heart,” rooted in African American history and Southern traditions.
• Mumbo Sauce Origin: Shared the cultural history of D.C.’s iconic mumbo sauce and consulted McDonald’s on its rollout.

🧠 Business Wisdom

• “It’s not about what you acquire, it’s about what you help others acquire.”
• “Kids emulate what they see. Be the example.”
• “You don’t have to be the star to be the one who delivers the value.”

📦 Bonus Highlights

• TV Appearance: Featured on OWN’s Great Soul Food Cook-Off as one of the top 8 soul food chefs in the U.S.
• McDonald’s Collaboration: Consulted on the cultural authenticity of mumbo sauce for a national campaign.
• Faith & Focus: Attributes his success to staying grounded, being trustworthy, and having a heart for service.

#BEST

#STRAW

#SHMS

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

To explore Karimah McFarlane’s multifaceted journey—from her corporate leadership roles at Google and Workday to becoming the owner of Buckhead Art & Company—and to inspire others to embrace change, pursue entrepreneurship, and understand the value of art as a tool for wealth-building and cultural empowerment.

🧭 Key Takeaways 1. Corporate Career & Tech Leadership

• Karimah has 20+ years in Human Resources, specializing in mergers and acquisitions.
• At Google, she supported AI and Pixel teams as a People Business Partner, despite initially thinking the recruiter’s call was spam.
• Currently at Workday, she partners with the Chief Revenue Officer to build high-performing sales teams and develop leadership pipelines.

2. Navigating Change & Cultural Shifts

• Transitioned from the East Coast (DMV area) to the Bay Area, facing cultural adjustments (e.g., lack of familiar foods, hair products).
• Found support through Delta Sigma Theta sorority and Black Googlers Network.
• Emphasized the importance of embracing discomfort and new experiences for personal and professional growth.

3. HR as a Strategic Asset

• HR is more than hiring/firing—it’s about scaling businesses, developing talent, and preventing legal issues.
• Small businesses often undervalue HR until a crisis occurs.
• HR should be seen as a strategic partner on leadership teams.

4. Art as Wealth, Culture & Healing

• Karimah owns Buckhead Art & Company, the only art gallery in Buckhead, Atlanta.
• Inspired by her exposure to art investment at Google and her role in selecting art for corporate spaces.
• Advocates for marginalized artists by helping them with branding, IP protection, and business structure.

5. Making Art Accessible

• The gallery focuses on beginner and mid-level collectors, offering education and approachable experiences.
• Offers virtual consultations, art fairs, and community events to demystify art buying.
• Emphasizes the emotional, cultural, and financial value of art.

6. Recognition & Impact

• Buckhead Art & Company was named Best Art Gallery in Georgia (2023 & 2024).
• Uses her platform to educate, empower, and elevate artists and collectors alike.
• Promotes artist development through storytelling, branding, and business mentorship.

💬 Notable Quotes

• “Empowerment is figuring out what you do best and using your talent to help others.”
• “Don’t shy away from opportunities that give you insights and experiences.”
• “HR helps you scale your organization—it’s not just about hiring and firing.”
• “Art has always been at the forefront of royalty, wealth, and education.”
• “We specialize in humans. When you walk into our gallery, you are equal.”
• “You don’t have to win an Oscar to be a great actor. Same with art—you don’t need a traditional path to be successful.”

🔗 Connect with Karimah McFarlane

• Gallery: Buckhead Art & Company
• YouTube: Buckhead Art & Company
• Instagram: @buckheadartandcompany

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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 #BEST

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.