Episodios

  • Mental Health Tips: Her goal is to highlight burnout, financial struggles, and systemic issues in healthcare industry.
    Feb 22 2026

    Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning!

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

    Purpose of the Interview

    The interview focuses on advocating for healthcare professionals, addressing the challenges they face, and introducing Shelli-Ann McKenzie’s nonprofit organization, Help for Healthcare Professionals (HCPP). The goal is to highlight burnout, financial struggles, and systemic issues in healthcare while promoting programs that support mental wellness, financial literacy, and career development.

    Key Takeaways

    1. Healthcare Workforce Challenges

      • Nurses and healthcare professionals face high stress, burnout, and long hours, leading to workforce shortages.
      • Many professionals struggle financially—24% live in poverty.
      • Lack of professors in nursing schools limits the number of students entering the profession.
    2. Understanding Nursing Roles

      • Nursing includes multiple levels:
        • Registered Nurse (RN): Associate or bachelor’s degree.
        • Advanced Practice Nurses: Master’s level (e.g., Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator).
        • Doctorate Level: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or PhD.
      • Nurse practitioners often function as an extension of physicians, providing quality care.
    3. Respect and Recognition

      • Nurses provide more direct care than any other health profession but often lack recognition.
      • Advocacy is key to ensuring nurses can practice at the highest level and improve access to care.
    4. Why HCPP Was Founded

      • Born out of COVID-19 crisis and Shelli-Ann’s personal experience with burnout.
      • Mission: Provide mental health referrals, financial assistance (gift cards, gas), and professional development.
      • Programs include:
        • Financial literacy workshops
        • Entrepreneurship training for healthcare professionals
        • Scholarships and internships for aspiring professionals
    5. Youth Med Program

      • Targets ages 13–20 to build a healthcare workforce pipeline.
      • Offers hands-on training, CPR certification, exposure to neurosurgeons, and mentorship.
      • Tuition-free and designed to scale nationally.
    6. Funding and Community Support

      • HCPP is a nurse-owned nonprofit, funded by federal grants and donations.
      • Annual event: Night of Grand and Gratitude—a charity awards dinner to raise funds for programs.

    Notable Quotes

    • “No one else was coming to save us—so I created HCPP.”
    • “24% of healthcare professionals live in poverty.”
    • “If we don’t have enough professors, we cap nursing students—it’s cyclical.”
    • “The most rewarding part of nursing is showing up for people in their most vulnerable moments.”
    • “Every dollar we raise fuels education programs like Youth Med—strategic investment in the future of healthcare.”

    #SHMS #STRAW #BEST

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    25 m
  • Overcoming the Odds: A mother of eight whose air‑fryer passion turned into a thriving social‑media‑driven business.
    Feb 22 2026
    Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Cathy Yoder SUMMARY OF THE INTERVIEW (CATHY YODER x RUSHION McDONALD) In this Money Making Conversations Masterclass episode, Rushion McDonald interviews Cathy Yoder, known as the Queen of Air Fryers—a mother of eight whose air‑fryer passion turned into a thriving social‑media‑driven business. Cathy explains how she learned to master air fryers, built a YouTube channel with massive growth, developed ebooks and cookbooks, and built a business through authenticity and service-oriented content. The conversation blends cooking education, digital‑branding lessons, entrepreneurship, and personal purpose. PURPOSE OF THE INTERVIEW 1. Educate Viewers About Air Fryers Cathy breaks down what an air fryer is, how it works, how to choose one, and common mistakes. 2. Highlight How Social Media Can Build a Business Rushion explores how she grew from a blogger to a YouTube creator with hundreds of thousands of followers and multiple revenue streams. 3. Inspire Entrepreneurs to Pursue Authentic Branding Cathy’s journey shows how consistency, authenticity, and audience connection can turn a simple idea into a successful brand. 4. Illustrate the Emotional Impact of Serving an Audience Her stories of widowers, overwhelmed parents, and new cooks show how content can genuinely empower people. KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Air Fryers Are Mini Convection Ovens They cook faster, often require no preheat, and can grill, bake, roast, and more—but not everything (like wet batters or funnel cakes). 2. All Air Fryers Are Not Equal Cathy stresses choosing 6‑quart, ~1700‑watt models and avoiding units that are too small or underpowered. Size and wattage matter more than brand. 3. Her Content Strategy Was Data‑Driven Initial uploads in various recipe categories revealed that air‑fryer recipes consistently outperformed, so she went all‑in on that niche. 4. YouTube Growth Takes Time Her first monetization check was $1.36, rising to $146, then $300, then to $8,000–$9,000/month by the time she reached 100,000 subscribers. 5. She Generates Multiple Revenue Streams YouTube AdSenseAmazon affiliate linksE‑books (first launch made $15,000 in a weekend)Physical cookbooks (first batch of 500 sold out immediately) 6. Authenticity Builds Trust She films mistakes, includes her kids’ real reactions (including spitting out bad food), and refuses to promote products she doesn’t believe in. 7. Listen to Your Audience Comments guided her content direction (like dropping background music, creating cookbooks, responding to questions). Audience feedback = brand refinement. 8. Digital Marketing Tip: Serve People, Not Algorithms She emphasizes helping overwhelmed home cooks first—consistent service leads to trust, community, and natural growth. 9. Emotional Impact Matters Her biggest motivators are heartfelt messages, especially widowers learning to cook for the first time because of her tutorials. NOTABLE QUOTES FROM THE INTERVIEW On Air Fryers & Cooking “All air fryers are not created equal.” “If you can grill it or bake it, you can usually air‑fry it.” “Buying too small can make you come back and want to upgrade—now you’re wasting money.” On Starting Her Channel “My first check was $1.36… that’s a lot of work for $1.36.” “I believed I was filling a gap… there wasn’t enough good content.” On Content Strategy “They need to know within the first three seconds that you’re going to deliver on your promise.” “In the beginning, you just need to start publishing some crappy videos.” (On practicing, learning, and improving) On Authenticity “I will only share what I can authentically stand behind.” “If I make mistakes, I show them.” On Impact “If I was in a room with 10,000 people, that’s still a lot of impact.” (Perspective on viewer counts) “What matters is that person who felt hopeless now feels empowered.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    27 m
  • Business Tips: educates business owners—on how to secure funding responsibly, avoid scams, and develop a strategic financial plan.
    Feb 22 2026

    Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning!

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

    Purpose of the Interview

    The interview aims to educate entrepreneurs—especially women business owners—on how to secure funding responsibly, avoid scams, and develop a strategic financial plan. It also highlights Katrina Fitten’s expertise as CEO/CFO of New Day for You Financial and her mission to help startups and small businesses access capital.

    Key Takeaways

    1. Funding Opportunities & Qualifications

      • Katrina helps women business owners secure up to $100,000 in 100 days or less, with same-day approval and next-day funding.
      • Basic qualifications include:
        • Credit score of 680+
        • Existing credit lines (at least $10,000)
        • A clear business mission and low-risk profile.
    2. Avoiding Scams

      • Beware of unsolicited emails/texts promising easy money.
      • Do your homework:
        • Check companies on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
        • Look for testimonials and partnerships with reputable banks (e.g., Chase, American Express).
      • Never share sensitive information without verifying legitimacy.
    3. Importance of a Business Plan

      • Funding is not free money—you need a strategic plan.
      • Katrina calls it a “money mission”: know exactly how funds will be deployed.
      • Without a plan, money disappears quickly, leading to debt and bad credit.
    4. Family & Friends Lending

      • Treat personal loans like business loans:
        • Have written agreements with terms, repayment schedule, and penalties.
        • Decide upfront if it’s a gift or a loan.
    5. Services Offered by New Day for You Financial

      • SBA loans, equipment loans, purchase order financing.
      • Lines of credit and 0% interest credit cards (18–21 months).
      • Credit card stacking for higher funding amounts.
      • Credit restoration referrals for those with poor credit.
    6. Success Story

      • Example: A tax accountant secured $160,000 in less than a week due to strong credit, revenue history, and a solid business plan.

    Notable Quotes

    • “If you don’t have a plan for your money, your money will have a plan—and you’ll look up and it’s gone.”
    • “We don’t want to be out here racking up good debt and then you’re not going to be responsible.”
    • “You have to vet companies. Go to BBB, Google them, and check their credibility.”
    • “If I give you money, I decide—is it a gift or a loan? There are rules to borrowing money.”
    • “We say if you don’t get anything, we don’t get paid.”

    #SHMS #STRAW #BEST

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    22 m
  • Brand Building: Her firm helps individuals and organizations unlock potential, elevate performance, and lead with purpose, specializing in STEM leadership.
    Feb 22 2026
    Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Bamidele Farinre Founder of No Ceiling Consulting, a biomedical scientist, STEM expert, agile project manager, and advocate for professional development, mentorship, and removing internal and systemic limitations (“ceilings”). They discuss her STEM background, the evolving role of AI in science, the meaning of “no ceilings,” navigating personal and professional barriers, mentorship, setbacks, agile leadership, and how individuals—especially people of color—can create opportunity even in the face of bias and structural limitations. 🎯 Purpose of the Interview The purpose of having Bamidele on the show was to: 1. Highlight her work at No Ceiling Consulting Her firm helps individuals and organizations unlock potential, elevate performance, and lead with purpose, specializing in STEM leadership, DEI, professional development, and agile project management. 2. Explore the concept of “No Ceilings” She provides a framework for breaking through personal and professional barriers—emphasizing that many “ceilings” are internal, learned, or based on access and systemic issues. 3. Discuss STEM, AI, and the future of work She explains the growing role of automation and AI, how it reshapes STEM roles, and why professionals must upskill, adapt, and embrace professional development. 4. Provide strategies for career advancement Her insights include mentorship, persistence, self‑advocacy, managing setbacks, and adopting agile mindsets. 💡 Key Takeaways 1. STEM + AI = New Opportunities, Not Job Loss Automation and AI enhance efficiency, reduce manual labor, and create new roles—especially in labs and diagnostics. Instead of replacing workers, AI demands that professionals upskill and leverage technology for faster, better outcomes..txt).txt) 2. “No Ceilings” Means Removing Internal + External Barriers Bamidele distinguishes between: Personal ceilings Internal doubtsImposter syndromeFeeling “not enough” despite capabilityLearned perceptions from bias or discouraging environments Professional ceilings Being overlooked for opportunitiesLack of access to resources (even when resources exist)Systemic barriers, bias, and limited upward mobility “No ceilings” means operating from a mindset of possibility, not limitation. 3. Mentorship Is the Missing Link in Many Careers Mentorship provides: GuidanceAccessA blueprint from those who have “been there”Confidence building She explains that while mentorship is more visible today, access to the right mentorship still matters. 4. Setbacks Are Strategies in Disguise She argues setbacks can redirect you to more aligned paths. Her personal example: She failed her A‑level science subjects in the UKA lecturer told her to “rethink her career”Instead, she re‑enrolled, tried again, and succeeded Setbacks force reassessment, new strategies, and new paths—if you don’t let them define you. 5. Professional Success Requires Initiative and Advocacy She emphasizes: Don’t wait for opportunities—go after themKnock on multiple doorsApply for roles even if you don’t feel 100% readyLearn from interviews even if you don’t get the job Rushion supports this point with his IBM story: opportunity started when he stopped complaining and clearly shared his goals. 6. Agile Leadership Applies Beyond Technology Agile principles help leaders: Think quickly and adaptFocus on collaboration and accountabilityEncourage self‑managementSupport teams through “servant leadership”Reflect and iterate rather than waiting for perfect plans Agile mindset = resilience + responsiveness. 7. Faith, Vision, and Purpose Drive Her Journey Bamidele speaks candidly about: Faith guiding her through rejection and setbacksConversations with God grounding herBelieving her life is a “living testimony” of grace and perseverance 🗣 Notable Quotes (with citations) On AI and automation “Automation makes life easier… without it, manual methods take hours, weeks, months to get results.”.txt) [Bamidele F…(Podcast) | Txt] On embracing AI “AI is not taking your jobs, but those that ignore the AI will be left behind.” On personal ceilings “You’re thinking to yourself, ‘I can’t do it,’ even though you have the evidence to show you can.” On professional ceilings “You may have access, but you don’t have access to access.” On initiative “I don’t wait for opportunities—I always go for it. Worst case, you’ll say no.” On setbacks “When you have a setback, you’re thinking: what can I do? This can’t stop me.” On mindset “Life is all about risk. You have to look for solutions; there has to be another way.” On faith “Grace carried me to where I am today… my life is a living testimony.” On the meaning of ‘No Ceilings’ “Why do we even have a ceiling in the first place? Let’s operate in a world where we don’t...
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    32 m
  • Overcoming the Odds: Her workbook is designed to help individuals overcome people-pleasing and prioritizing your own needs.
    Jan 8 2026

    Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning!

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

    Purpose of the Interview

    The interview aims to introduce Teresa Edwards’ book The Mirror Method: 12 Weeks to Stop Abandoning Yourself, a guided workbook designed to help individuals overcome people-pleasing tendencies, set boundaries, and prioritize their own needs without guilt. It focuses on personal empowerment, mental health, and rediscovering one’s authentic self.

    Key Takeaways

    1. People-Pleasing and Boundaries

      • People-pleasing becomes harmful when you agree to things you don’t want to do, leading to stress and resentment.
      • Setting boundaries is essential for self-respect and mental health.
    2. The Mirror Method

      • A 12-week guided process to “unravel” harmful patterns and rediscover your true self.
      • Emphasizes self-reflection, journaling, and gradual transformation at your own pace.
    3. Selfishness vs. Self-Care

      • Edwards reframes “selfish” as a positive concept: prioritizing your health and happiness is necessary, not negative.
      • You can’t be your best for others if you’re not your best for yourself.
    4. Health as a Wake-Up Call

      • Stress is a silent killer; Teresa’s own health issues (high blood pressure) forced her to reevaluate her life.
      • Happiness and well-being should not be age-limited—“You’re never too old to return to yourself.”
    5. Letting Go of Toxic Relationships

      • Users often exploit people-pleasers; recognizing and removing such relationships is crucial.
      • Fully committing to the Mirror Method means accepting hard truths and being okay with losing people who drain you.
    6. Therapy and Mental Health

      • COVID accelerated acceptance of therapy in communities where it was previously stigmatized.
      • Mental health is as important as physical health—“The mind is a muscle too.”
    7. Workbook Details

      • Available on Amazon and at themirrormethodworkbook.com in print and downloadable formats.
      • Exercises involve writing and self-reflection to confront truths and break patterns.

    Notable Quotes

    • “Boundaries are key.”
    • “Selfish is not a negative word—it’s perseverance of yourself.”
    • “You can’t throw a party and be mad at your own party.”
    • “Enough is enough—look in the mirror and say it.”
    • “You’re never too old to return to yourself.”
    • “Stress is that silent killer.”
    • “Fully commit means accepting all those good, bad, or ugly moments—and being okay with letting go.”
    • “The mind is a muscle too.”
    • “Be okay with being okay.”

    #SHMS #STRAW #BEST

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    23 m
  • Perseverance: Yo‑Yo’s evolution as an artist and entrepreneur, personal transformation and love for cooking.
    Jan 6 2026
    Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Yolanda “Yo-Yo” Whitaker. SUMMARY OF THE INTERVIEW In this interview on Money Making Conversations Master Class, host Rushion McDonald speaks with Dr. Yolanda “Yo-Yo” Whitaker—Grammy‑nominated rapper, actress, radio host, philanthropist, and now the star of Downright Delicious with Yo-Yo, a cooking series on AspireTV. The conversation moves through Yo‑Yo’s evolution as an artist and entrepreneur, her spiritual and personal transformation, her love for food and cooking, and the creation of her television cooking show. She reflects on surviving and thriving in an unpredictable entertainment industry, learning discipline, overcoming fear, and discovering new purpose later in life through cooking. Yo‑Yo also shares her philosophy on authenticity, family, and faith. She describes how the pandemic deepened her love for cooking, how her show blends food + family + culture, and offers practical cooking tips. PURPOSE OF THE INTERVIEW According to the interview content, the purpose is to: Highlight Yo‑Yo’s transition from iconic hip‑hop entertainer to food‑focused TV personality. Promote her Aspire TV series “Downright Delicious with Yo‑Yo.” Share insights on career longevity, entrepreneurship, reinvention, and personal growth. Inspire listeners with actionable advice on fearlessness, budgeting, confidence, and purpose‑driven living. Celebrate cooking as an expression of love, culture, peace, and family connection. KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Reinvention Requires Honesty & Letting Go Yo‑Yo stresses that overcoming fear came from “getting real” with herself, abandoning trying to look successful, and restructuring her finances and lifestyle.She had to “let the old me die so the money could grow.” 2. Entrepreneurship Is a Lifelong Reality for Artists She and McDonald emphasize that entertainers are entrepreneurs, without the stability of 40‑hour jobs, making resilience essential. 3. Purpose Matters More Than Fame She encourages people to seek purpose—not just fame or quick money—and do the work that builds confidence and personal foundation. 4. Cooking Became Her “Happy Place” and Divine Gift Yo‑Yo says cooking is a God‑given gift and a therapeutic practice that began thriving during the pandemic.It helped her through depression and opened new creative fulfillment. 5. Her Cooking Show Blends Food + Family + Culture The show features: Her motherHer partnerHer kidsCelebrity friendsAuthentic cultural dishes with her unique twistIt’s not guest‑driven; it’s family‑driven storytelling in the kitchen. 6. Technique & Tools Matter She emphasizes: Good knives (sharpen weekly)Quality potsMeasuring ingredientsUnderstanding seasoningsBuilding confidence by cooking regularly 7. Simplicity + Love = Great Food According to Yo‑Yo, love is the secret ingredient, and cooking is about joy, connection, and comfort, not rigid perfection. [ NOTABLE QUOTES FROM THE INTERVIEW (All quotes drawn exactly or near‑exactly from the transcript.) [ On Fear and Growth “I had to let the old me die so that the money could grow.”“What I did to overcome my fear was to call myself fearless.”“You have to get real with yourself. You really have to do the work.” On Purpose and Success “If you don’t find your purpose, you’re just job hunting.”“God told me, because of your obedience, I’m going to give you the desires of your heart.” On Cooking “Cooking is my happy place.”“I’m not a chef—I just love to cook.”“If you don’t love what you cook, we don’t want to taste it.” On Family “More than serving a meal, I’m serving family.”“When mama’s in the house and they can smell food cooking… that’s everything.” On Her Show “You get to see Dr. Yolanda ‘Yo‑Yo’ Whitaker for the first time.”“I only cook things I love—things I’m comfortable with.”“The food is the star.” On Technique “Great knives will save your life.”“If you use your knives a lot, sharpen them every week.” On Pandemic Transformation “I started really cooking during the pandemic… it took me out of my depression.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    33 m