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 #BEST

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

Comedian, Actor, Entrepreneur and Radio Host

• Comedy Icon known for his Netflix special Chappelle’s Home Team Presents Earthquake: Legendary (produced by Dave Chappelle).
• Host of Quake’s House on Kevin Hart’s Laugh Out Loud Network via SiriusXM.
• Longtime contributor to the comedy scene since the 1990s, with roots in Atlanta.

🎤 Key Themes & Insights 🧠 Comedy with Purpose

• Earthquake emphasizes that his comedy is rooted in truth and humor—not shock value or controversy.
• He uses comedy to educate, especially on health issues like colonoscopies, encouraging Black men to prioritize their well-being.

💼 Business of Comedy

• Talks about the evolution from performing for meals to becoming a headliner.
• Shares insights on managing a team and making tough decisions to grow professionally.
• Advocates for professionalism over loyalty when scaling a business.

📺 Upcoming Projects

• New comedy special titled “Joke Telling Business” filmed in Atlanta.
• Developing a sitcom with Bill Burr, backed by Fox Network President Michael Thorn.

📻 Quake’s House Radio Show

• A platform for emerging comedians.
• Described as “The View with comedians,” focusing on hot topics and real-life scenarios.

❤️ Personal Life

• Credits his fiancée (soon-to-be wife) for grounding and motivating him.
• Says being “properly loved by a Black woman” has transformed his life and career.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• “I’m in the joke telling business. I’m not your pastor, not your critic. Judge me on the jokes.”
• “Being properly loved by a woman, especially a Black woman, is a beautiful thing.”
• “Laughter is the best healing ever.”

#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 Brandon Bronaugh.

A life transition expert and one of the faces of A&E’s hit show Hoarders.

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

The interview aims to:

• Explore the deeper emotional and psychological aspects of hoarding.
• Highlight Brandon Bronaugh's unique approach to helping individuals and families transition through crisis-level home situations.
• Educate the audience on the realities behind the TV show Hoarders and the broader mission of Brandon's company, Lifecycle Transitions.

🧠 Key Takeaways 1. Hoarding Is a Mental Health Crisis

• Hoarding is not just clutter—it’s often a manifestation of unresolved trauma.
• The physical accumulation reflects emotional and psychological pain.

“You learn more about a person from their home than any other facet of their life.” – Brandon Bronaugh

2. Lifecycle Transitions: A Holistic Approach

• Bronaugh’s company blends emotional, logistical, and real estate support.
• Services include cleanup, therapy, home evaluations, and even relocation.
• The Transition Evaluation Assessment (TEA) helps clients decide whether to stay, sell, or relocate.

3. Clients Often Don’t Self-Identify as Hoarders

• Most clients are high-functioning individuals who don’t recognize their behavior as hoarding.
• Shame and embarrassment are major barriers to seeking help.

“Very few people have ever called it. I mean, we do… but what I didn’t know is what it took for them to get to that point.”

4. Health and Safety Risks

• Hoarding environments can lead to respiratory issues, mold, fire hazards, and even death.
• Bronaugh created a mold remediation division after realizing the health dangers hidden behind clutter.

5. Demographics and Challenges

• About 80% of Bronaugh’s clients are Caucasian, but hoarding affects all races and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Cases range from teenagers to the elderly.
• Hoarding has a high recidivism rate (65–70%).

6. Spiritual and Entrepreneurial Journey

• Bronaugh started as a property preservation contractor.
• His mission evolved into a humanitarian effort to save lives.

“God had a plan. He said, no, you’re going to save lives and change.”

💬 Notable Quotes

• “When you go home, that’s when the mask is taken off. That’s when you can be your most authentic self.”
• “For every one year that a client goes without addressing the hoarding conditions… is equivalent to about one day of actual cleanup.”
• “We’re going to build this ecosystem… that we can do what most companies would take nine months to do in 30 days.”
• “The home is killing them.”

📞 How to Get Help

• Website: LifecycleTransitions.com
• Email: info@lifecycletransitions.com
• Services include in-home evaluations, virtual assessments, and a zero-contact cleanup option for clients too ashamed to be present.

#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 Lisa Mulrain.

Role: Finance attorney, senior executive in the federal government, founder of Legacy Building LLC
Mission: To bridge the financial literacy gap for minority communities, emerging professionals, and small business owners, promoting lasting economic confidence and stability.

🧭 Purpose of the Interview

To highlight Lisa Mulrain’s transition from finance attorney to financial literacy advocate, and her efforts to empower underserved communities through education, legal expertise, and practical financial strategies.

🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Systemic Inequities in Finance

• Lisa’s work with Ginnie Mae exposed her to disparities in lending, appraisals, and access for low-to-moderate income families.
• She observed how minority communities were often preyed upon with unfavorable loan terms and undervalued property appraisals.

2. Financial Literacy Advocacy

• Lisa transitioned into advocacy to educate people on financial contracts, including mortgages, credit cards, and auto loans.
• She emphasizes understanding loan terms and avoiding high-interest debt traps.

3. Tips for Financial Empowerment

• Budgeting: Know your income vs. expenses.
• Multiple Income Streams: Invest in real estate and the stock market.
• Credit Awareness: Monitor and manage credit responsibly.

4. Small Business Guidance

• Avoid early debt accumulation.
• Scale inventory gradually.
• Understand the legal and financial implications of business credit.

5. Legal Expertise & Asset Protection

• Lisa offers estate planning and trust services to protect assets from lawsuits and creditors.
• She explains how trusts shield property and wealth from legal claims.

6. Insurance & Financial Stability

• Advocates for life and disability insurance as part of a financial toolkit.
• Recommends cash value whole life policies for long-term benefits.

7. Scam Awareness

• Warns against phishing and financial scams.
• Advises verifying sources and never sharing sensitive info without confirmation.

💬 Notable Quotes

• “The system is not set up for us to win.”
• “You have everything you need to acquire any finances that you desire.”
• “Don’t blindly hand your money over to someone if you don’t understand what you’re investing in.”
• “No one’s coming to save us. You have to do all you can to build multiple streams of income.”
• “A trust protects your assets from creditors and lawsuits.”

📞 Contact Info

• Website: LegacyBuildingLLC.com
• Instagram: @legacy_building_llc
• Phone: (202) 409-8513

#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 Attorney Felita Cornog.

An adoption attorney and foster care advocate.

Felita Cornog shares her personal journey from a traumatic childhood—losing her mother to domestic violence and her father to incarceration—to becoming a passionate advocate for children in foster care. She discusses the differences between adoption and foster care, the emotional toll of her work, and how others can support children in the system even if they don’t become foster parents themselves.

🧭 Interview Outline 1. Introduction

• Felita shares that her passion for law began in her teens but she pursued it in her 30s after becoming a mother and homemaker.

2. Personal Backstory

• Felicia’s mother died from domestic violence; her father went to prison.
• She and her brother were raised by extended family, avoiding the foster system.
• This inspired her to help children who aren’t as fortunate.

Quote: “I wanted to turn that story of pain into my passion.”

3. Understanding Foster Care vs. Adoption

• Foster Care: Temporary placement with the goal of reunification.
• Adoption: Permanent legal relationship.
• Children may be placed in foster homes or group homes.

Quote: “The goal of foster care is always reunification first.”

4. Stereotypes and Realities

• Many children in foster care are not abused but neglected or orphaned.
• Misconceptions about emotional instability are common.

Quote: “That’s one of the biggest myths—that all children in foster care have emotional problems.”

5. Emotional Impact of the Work

• Finalizing adoptions is joyful but bittersweet, especially when siblings are separated.
• Felita handles all types of adoptions except international.

Quote: “Adoptions are one of the few times people leave a law office happy.”

6. Support for Foster Parents

• Foster parents receive stipends and Medicaid support.
• Services include mental health, respite care, and caseworker assistance.

7. How to Help Without Fostering

• Volunteer with CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates).
• Donate to private foster care agencies.
• Use platforms to raise awareness.

8. Adoption Process & Requirements

• Must be 21+ years old.
• Can be single or married.
• Must pass background checks, home evaluations, and physicals.

Quote: “We’re not just going to give a child to anyone who raises their hand.”

9. National Adoption Month

• Celebrated in November, inspired by Dave Thomas (Wendy’s founder).
• Aims to raise awareness for children in foster care needing adoption.

10. Closing

• Felita shares her contact info:
  • 📞 Phone: (404) 298-7373
  • 🌐 Website: www.cornoglaw.com

Quote: “Keep leading with your gifts. Keep winning.”

#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 Dr. Farrah Laurent.

A former emergency room nurse turned entrepreneur and career coach, shares her journey from bedside care to building a six-figure business helping new nurses land high-paying jobs and launch their own ventures. The conversation explores nursing as a lucrative and flexible career path, the importance of mindset, and the power of personal branding.

🔑 Key Points 💼 Career Journey & Motivation

• Dr. Laurent was inspired by the TV show Trauma: Life in the E.R. to become an emergency nurse.
• She worked 13 years in ER nursing, including at a Level 1 trauma center in Detroit.
• Transitioned into education and leadership before launching her coaching business.

💰 Nursing as a High-Income Career

• New nurses in cities like NYC and Northern California can earn $100K–$175K starting salaries.
• National average is around $70K, but opportunities vary by region and specialization.
• Nurse anesthetists can earn $200K–$300K+.

“New graduate nurses today… are making baseline at least $100,000, up to $175K.”

🧠 Mindset & Coaching

• Emphasizes abundance mindset over scarcity.
• Coaches nurses on resume writing, interview prep, and personal branding.
• Encourages nurses to invest in themselves through coaching and professional development.

“If I can do it, you can do it too. It all starts with an idea and the mindset.”

📈 Entrepreneurship for Nurses

• Nurses are increasingly turning to consulting, coaching, and telehealth for flexibility.
• Dr. Laurent founded the Nurses Making Money Moves conference and authored a workbook by the same name.
• Organized her first conference in just 10 weeks, attracting 70 nurses from 20 states.

“You’re using your intellectual property—what you already know—to monetize.”

🌍 Diversity & Representation

• Advocates for racial, gender, and linguistic diversity in nursing and leadership.
• Notes that patient outcomes improve when care providers reflect the communities they serve.

“We need more diversity in nursing and nursing leadership to close the gaps in healthcare inequalities.”

💡 Advice for New Nurses

1. Get clear on your goals and ideal work environment.
2. Prepare thoroughly for interviews—don’t wing it.
3. Build a strong LinkedIn presence—95% of recruiters check it.
4. Negotiate: Know your worth, research salaries, and pitch your value.

“Don’t just settle. Go after what you want.”

🚩 Red Flags in Job Offers

• Disorganized interview process
• Unwelcoming management
• High turnover
• Rushed job offers without clarity on responsibilities

📣 Closing Quote

“Nurses are big problem solvers. Find the problem you want to solve and go for it.”

#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 Monty Garside.

A full-time attorney turned baker and founder of Confectionist Bakery.

Here are some key highlights from the episode:

🎙️ Guest Background

• Monty Garside is a practicing attorney with over 20 years of experience in litigation.
• He founded Confectionist Bakery in honor of his grandmother, Ruth Ilene Burns Garside.
• The bakery started in his home kitchen and now ships desserts nationwide.

🍰 Bakery Journey

• Inspired by nostalgia and family traditions, Monty began baking after his grandmother passed away.
• His first successful cake was a pound cake that tasted exactly like his grandmother’s.
• He was encouraged to start a business by a client who was the daughter of a professional baker.

🧁 Products & Flavors

• Specializes in cheesecakes, pound cakes, layer cakes, and pies.
• Unique flavors include:
  • Peach Cobbler Pound Cake
  • Amaretto Pound Cake
  • Banana Pudding Layer Cake
  • Sweet Potato Pound Cake

🚚 Shipping & Operations

• Operates out of a commercial kitchen in Atlanta.
• Cakes are wrapped and frozen for freshness and shipped nationwide.
• Orders typically take 2 days to process and 3–5 days for delivery.

💡 Business Insights

• Challenges included pricing products appropriately and managing holiday demand.
• Emphasizes the importance of:
  • Quality product
  • Excellent customer service
  • Knowing your target audience
• Target customers are busy professionals who appreciate homemade, Southern-style desserts but lack the time or skill to make them.

📈 Advice for Entrepreneurs

1. Don’t be afraid to try something new.
2. Control what you can—especially product quality and customer service.
3. Trust yourself through the ups and downs.

#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 Cicone Prince.

An international motivational speaker, award-winning author, and personal development strategist. The conversation explores Cicone’s journey from graphic designer to motivational leader, his TEDx experience, and his mission to help people discover their inner value and purpose.

🧑🏾‍💼 About Cicone Prince

• Founder of CiconePrince.com

• International motivational speaker and TEDx presenter

• Author of “Heal: Help Elevate and Learn – A Guide to Healing Your Inner Child”

• Host of a podcast focused on inner child healing and personal growth

• Former graphic designer turned personal development strategist

💡 Key Themes & Takeaways

📘 Personal Development & Inner Healing

• Cicone emphasizes the importance of healing inner child trauma to unlock personal growth.

• His book and podcast aim to start conversations around emotional healing and self-awareness.

• Encourages people to ask themselves deep, reflective questions to uncover their true purpose.

🧭 Purpose & Motivation

• Known for the phrase: “We make motivation personal by introducing you to yourself.”

• Believes everyone has a unique gift meant to serve others, not just themselves.

• Helps individuals identify what they do effortlessly that brings joy and impact.

🎤 Speaking & Impact

• Uses storytelling and emotional connection to inspire audiences.

• Aims to leave people talking about themselves and their potential, not just about him.

• Delivered a powerful TEDx talk and speaks internationally, including upcoming engagements in Kenya.

📚 Books & Recognition

• Author of “Are You Climbing the Wrong Mountain?” and “Heal.”

• “Heal” won an International Impact Book Award.

• His work bridges personal development and mental health awareness.

🌍 Vision for the Future

• Aspires to become a household name in personal development.

• Plans to expand his reach through national platforms and continued international speaking.

• Seeks to collaborate with mental health professionals to deepen the impact of his message.

🌟 Special Recognition

• Regular guest on Money Making Conversations Masterclass

• Recognized for his authenticity, emotional intelligence, and ability to inspire action

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.