Episodios

  • Music Icon: He shares real-world lessons from a 40+ year entertainment career. Highlight professional preparation, mindset, and integrity.

    Music Icon: He shares real-world lessons from a 40+ year entertainment career. Highlight professional preparation, mindset, and integrity.
    Mar 30 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 Howard Hewett. Legendary R&B vocalist and former frontman of Shalamar—joins Rushion McDonald to reflect on his early career, his rise through the music industry, and the philosophy that fueled his longevity. Hewett recounts growing up in Akron, Ohio, his early professional singing experiences, and ultimately his path to Los Angeles where he worked in show groups before joining Shalamar. A large portion of the discussion focuses on preparation, visualization, integrity, and being ready when opportunities show up. Hewett reveals the remarkable story of how he joined Shalamar: a surprise phone call during a tense meeting at the Motown building, followed by an audition the next day, a flight to meet the group, and a TV performance within 72 hours. The interview blends career storytelling, business lessons, and personal philosophy—making it valuable for creatives, entrepreneurs, and anyone pursuing long-term success. 🎯 Purpose of the Interview Rushion McDonald brings Hewett on to: Share real-world lessons from a 40+ year entertainment career.Highlight professional preparation, mindset, and integrity as keys to sustained success.Inspire listeners to embrace vision, self-belief, and business readiness—especially small business owners and creatives.Pull back the curtain on the origin story of Shalamar's most iconic lineup and Hewett’s personal development journey. This episode is crafted as both an inspirational masterclass and a historical narrative. 💡 Key Takeaways 1. Preparation is the difference-maker Hewett emphasizes that being in the right place is useless unless you’re prepared. His decades of singing before Shalamar prepared him for the moment he had to sing on the spot for Dick Griffey. Lesson: Preparation turns chance into opportunity. 2. Visualization is a powerful tool After moving to California, Hewett meditated and visualized every day by the pool—imagining performing for audiences of thousands and negotiating high-paying gigs. Lesson: Vision boards and mental rehearsal help create your future. 3. Integrity is a non-negotiable asset Even when offered the biggest opportunity of his life (joining Shalamar), Hewett insisted on giving Motown a chance to fix their mistake because he gave them his word. Lesson: Integrity strengthens your reputation more than any contract. 4. Career breakthroughs come fast—when you’re ready Within three days: Friday: received offer from ShalamarSaturday: auditioned for Dick GriffeySunday: rehearsedMonday: filmed a TV performance Lesson: Momentum happens suddenly, but only to the prepared. 5. Value of small beginnings From gospel singing at 10 to small clubs, to overseas show groups—every stage built foundation and resilience. Lesson: Don’t despise early stages; they prepare you for later success. 6. The music industry requires adaptability & consistency Hewett’s story shows how artists must navigate gigs, shaky contracts, and unreliable companies—but maintain professionalism. Lesson: Talent opens the door; discipline keeps you in the room. 🗣️ Notable Quotes (From the Transcript) On professionalism: “You're professional when you can sustain yourself… when this is how you pay your bills.” On visualization: “Every day… I would go down to the pool and just visualize what I wanted to do.”“I visualize singing in front of thousands of people.” On preparation: “Right place, right time is important. But people forget the most important part—be prepared.” On integrity: “Your word is worth more than any piece of paper you could ever sign.” On the Shalamar turning point: “That changed my whole life.”“If I wasn’t what they needed right then, they already had another cat in mind.” On life purpose: “All those things… were preparing me for that moment.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    33 m
  • Financial Strategies: She explains the value of estate planning and clarifies the differences and roles of wills, trusts, and powers of attorney

    Financial Strategies: She explains the value of estate planning and clarifies the differences and roles of wills, trusts, and powers of attorney
    Mar 29 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 Attorney Whitney Knox Lee Explains practical estate‑planning strategies—wills, trusts, powers of attorney—and how entrepreneurs, families, and especially parents of disabled children can protect assets, avoid costly probate, and maintain eligibility for critical benefits. The conversation also touches on integrating insurance with estate planning, small‑business contingency planning, and Lee’s personal mission and background in civil rights work. Purpose of the Interview Educate listeners on estate planning as a wealth‑preservation strategy (not just documents)—to reduce court costs, taxes, and confusion for families.Clarify the differences and roles of wills, trusts, and powers of attorney, including when each is appropriate and how they work together.]Highlight special considerations for entrepreneurs and families with disabled children or aging relatives, including insurance, operating agreements, and special‑needs planning.Share Lee’s values and practice approach, including culturally responsive service and sustainable advocacy rooted in prior civil‑rights work. Key Takeaways 1) Wills vs. Trusts vs. Powers of Attorney A will is not the plan—it’s just one piece and still goes through probate, which can be slow and expensive; think of a will as a “letter to the judge.]Revocable living trusts can help families bypass probate, reduce delays, and retain more control over how assets are managed after death.Powers of attorney (financial and health) are essential for incapacity scenarios; even 18‑year‑olds heading to college should have them so parents can access information if needed. 2) Why Insurance Belongs in the Plan Life insurance can protect the family’s ability to keep the home by paying off a remaining mortgage or covering living expenses—turning an asset into a sustainable legacy rather than a burden.For entrepreneurs, key‑person insurance can replace income when the owner can’t work, keeping the business afloat. 3) Minimizing Probate Costs and Taxes Probate involves court filings and legal fees; in some states fees scale with estate size (example discussed: percentage‑based fees in other jurisdictions), which can significantly erode wealth passed to heirs. Proper planning reduces those leakages. 4) Special‑Needs and Elder Planning Parents of children on need‑based benefits (e.g., Medicaid) must avoid transfers that jeopardize eligibility; the right trust structures preserve benefits while providing support.Elder law planning anticipates long‑term care costs (nursing home, assisted living, in‑home care) so families don’t have to deplete assets later. 5) Business Continuity for Owners Establish operating agreements and buy‑sell agreements that spell out who runs the business if the principal is incapacitated; pair with business powers of attorney. 6) Values, Audience, and Access Lee intentionally centers Black and Brown women and their families, grounding services in community uplift and transparent referrals to trusted financial pros (no paid referral arrangements).Contact approach: 15‑minute intake, then a four‑meeting process (legacy planning → design → review → signing). Notable Quotes (for pull‑quotes & captions) “Think of a will as a letter to the judge… a will still has to go through probate court.“A trust allows families to bypass probate altogether so they aren’t paying legal fees or leaving things to people who want to challenge the will.“Life insurance is a huge tool—it can help the family pay off the mortgage so they can keep the home and the equity.”“Estate planning is a strategy—not just documents.”“Even 18‑year‑olds should have powers of attorney—parents can’t just call doctors once kids are legal adults.”“I stay in my lane—I’m an attorney. I work closely with trusted financial professionals and make non‑compensated referrals.”“For special‑needs planning, don’t jeopardize need‑based benefits—use the right trust so support continues.“I want to build a sustainable practice that lets me serve my community and rest well, aligned with my family and values.” Quick Action Items (for listeners inspired by the episode) Draft or update POAs (financial and health) for every adult in the household, including college‑age children.Evaluate whether a revocable living trust ...
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    28 m
  • Mental Health: Her mental wellness practice helps people through coaching, writing, and speaking.

    Mental Health: Her mental wellness practice helps people through coaching, writing, and speaking.
    Mar 29 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 Yasmine Cheyenne.

    📝 Summary of the Interview

    Yasmine Cheyenne, an Air Force veteran, mental wellness advocate, and author, joined Rushion McDonald to discuss her journey from a disadvantaged upbringing to becoming a published author and wellness coach. She shared insights from her books—The Sugar Jar and her latest, Wisdom of the Path—which focus on boundaries, healing, and self-empowerment. The conversation explored her military experience, personal transformation, and how she helps others confront fear and reclaim their lives.

    🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Overcoming Fear and Taking Risks

    • Fear of failure and disappointment keeps many people stuck.
    • Yasmine encourages people to confront fear and take action anyway.
    • Her own decision to join the Air Force was a leap of faith that changed her life.

    2. Military Discipline and Life Lessons

    • The Air Force taught her discipline, consistency, and resilience.
    • She applies these lessons to her personal and professional life.
    • Quote: “Do you want to bet on yourself? Be willing to believe in yourself.”

    3. Writing as Empowerment

    • Her first book, The Sugar Jar, focuses on boundaries and self-care.
    • Her second book, Wisdom of the Path, is about using past experiences as wisdom, not shame.
    • Writing helped her transform her life and inspire others from similar backgrounds.

    4. Boundaries and Self-Prioritization

    • Without boundaries, people become overwhelmed and resentful.
    • Saying “no” and advocating for yourself is essential to mental wellness.
    • Quote: “We have to get comfortable letting people be disappointed with us.”

    5. Redefining “Selfish”

    • Being selfish is often misunderstood.
    • Prioritizing yourself is necessary for success and well-being.
    • Quote: “Every successful person has had to be selfish at some point.”

    6. Wisdom of the Path

    • The book encourages readers to trust their instincts and take the next step.
    • It’s not a checklist—it’s a collection of relatable stories and reflections.
    • Quote: “Use those experiences that you’re judging yourself for as wisdom to help you move forward.”

    7. Mental Wellness Practice

    • Yasmine helps people through coaching, writing, and speaking.
    • She emphasizes healing through storytelling and shared experiences.

    8. Accessibility

    • Her books are available in print, digital, and audio formats.
    • She personally narrates the audiobook version of Wisdom of the Path.

    💬 Notable Quotes

    • “Even if things fail, you have what it takes to get yourself to where you want to be.”
    • “Take the meat and leave the bone.”
    • “You already know what the next step is. What would happen if you just took it?”
    • “We’ve been an enemy toward ourselves for years and don’t even realize it.”

    #SHMS #STRAW #BEST

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    21 m
  • Overcoming the Odds: Kidney cancer survivor leads by example, by taking care of people and they take care of the business.

    Overcoming the Odds: Kidney cancer survivor leads by example, by taking care of people and they take care of the business.
    Mar 29 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 Anthony Tuggle. Senior executive, transformational advisor, and founder/CEO of Tag Us Worldwide. With more than 30 years of leading global operations at AT\&T and other Fortune 10 organizations, Tuggle shares lessons in leadership, resilience, corporate success, personal health battles, entrepreneurship, and the importance of emotional intelligence in the AI era. His story blends professional excellence with survival, detailing how he overcame kidney failure, a transplant, dialysis, and even kidney cancer—while simultaneously rising to the executive ranks and later launching his own leadership transformation company. 🎯 Purpose of the Interview The interview’s goals were to: 1. Highlight Anthony Tuggle’s leadership journey From a corporate executive managing global teams to the CEO of Tag Us Worldwide. 2. Share actionable insights on corporate success and leadership development He explains the importance of foundation, consistency, emotional intelligence, and taking care of people. 3. Discuss the importance of DEI and equitable leadership Tuggle emphasizes why diverse backgrounds, and diverse thoughts build strong companies. 4. Reveal the personal health challenges that shaped his perspective His story serves as instruction, caution, and motivation. 5. Promote Tag Us Worldwide A transformation consultancy helping organizations elevate culture and leadership. 💡 Key Takeaways 1. Success Requires Hard Work, Foundation & Intentionality Success is not accidental.Tuggle stresses: Education (undergrad + MBA from Emory’s Goizueta Business School)Moving 12 times across the country for opportunitiesConsistency and showing up “Stay ready so you don’t have to get ready” is one of his core principles. 2. Leadership = Taking Care of People Tuggle explains that high-performing organizations have one thing in common:Leaders take care of people, and people take care of the business. He built a reputation for developing leaders who now lead in Fortune 50 companies. 3. Understanding the Rules of the Game Matters Whether you’re an entrepreneur or corporate professional, there are rules: ProfessionalismPerformanceRelationship buildingConsistencyRespecting organizational culture Many people fail because they enter the “game” without learning its rules. 4. DEI and Access Are Non-Negotiable for Strong Organizations Tuggle is a firm supporter of diversity, equity, inclusion, both in culture and thought.He says he would not be where he is today without people giving him a chance. 5. His Corporate Career Was Truly Global He managed large teams across: The PhilippinesCosta RicaMexico This global lens influences his approach to transformation and scaling businesses. 6. His Health Journey Defines His Resilience Anthony Tuggle's story is extraordinary: • Kidney failure in his 20s Doctor told him he “should be dead.”Caused by untreated hypertension. • 25-year kidney transplant survivor He received a deceased donor kidney and outlived the typical 10–15-year expectancy—twice. • Kidney transplant failed again after 25 years He returned to dialysis (hemodialysis → peritoneal dialysis). • Kidney cancer diagnosis—found early While preparing for another transplant, doctors discovered kidney cancer caused by long-term immunosuppressant medications.He survived it: stage 1, noninvasive. These challenges fuel his drive, urgency, and refusal to waste life. 7. Faith Was His Anchor Throughout When diagnosed with kidney failure, he got on his knees and prayed.He says God told him, “We're not done.”This became his mantra for survival and purpose. [ 8. Tag Us Worldwide: “Together Achieving Greatness” His company focuses on: Leadership transformationCultural elevationOrganizational outcomesPreparing leaders for the AI-powered future Tag Us delivers impact through: Real-world corporate experienceAI-enhanced strategyEmotional intelligence coachingBusiness transformation frameworks He blends AI + EQ, insisting companies should never rely on AI alone. 9. AI Won’t Replace Humans—But Humans Who Use AI Will Win Tuggle led an AI organization for four years, and his stance is clear: AI is here to stayThe “secret sauce” is peopleLeaders must embrace change, not fear itEmotional intelligence will enhance AI outcomes 10. Legacy = Family + Leadership + Service He emphasizes shaping his...
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    28 m
  • He Doesn't Care What I Do - 3.26.26

    He Doesn't Care What I Do - 3.26.26
    Mar 26 2026

    The Strawberry Letter heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show Thursday, March 26th, 2026. Subject: "He Doesn't Care What I Do"

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    14 m
  • Don't Rock The Boat - 3.25.26

    Don't Rock The Boat - 3.25.26
    Mar 25 2026

    The Strawberry Letter heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show Wednesday, March 25th, 2026. Subject: "Don't Rock The Boat"

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    14 m
  • I Love My Two Men Equally - 3.24.26

    I Love My Two Men Equally - 3.24.26
    Mar 24 2026

    The Strawberry Letter heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show Tuesday, March 24th, 2026. Subject: "I Love My Two Men Equally"

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    14 m
  • He Brought Home Bedbugs - 3.23.26

    He Brought Home Bedbugs - 3.23.26
    Mar 23 2026

    The Strawberry Letter heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show Monday, March 23rd, 2026. Subject: "He Brought Home Bedbugs"

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    13 m