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Money Making Conversations Master Class

Money Making Conversations Master Class

By: Rushion McDonald
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Hi, this is Rushion McDonald. Welcome to the podcast world of Money Making Conversations Master Class. I interview profits and nonprofits to learn their "Secrets to Success." I'm a former IBM Executive with a degree in Mathematics. I started my entrepreneurial career as a stand-up comic, then became a sitcom writer, award-winning baker, social media influencer, award-winning television Executive Producer, and brand architect for super-successful celebrities and products. Money Making Conversations Master Class interviews a diverse group of celebrities, entrepreneurs, and influencers in the financial and business community with their advice and tips so you can be successful, too. It's time to stop reading other people's success stories and start building your own. People always talk about their purpose or gifts. If you have a gift, Lead with your Gift, and don't let your friends, family, or co-workers stop you from planning or living your dream. Keep Winning!

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Episodes
  • Overcoming the Odds: Emmy Award-winning ESPN sportscaster shares how childhood influences, mentors, and Hampton University shaped his journalism career.

    Overcoming the Odds: Emmy Award-winning ESPN sportscaster shares how childhood influences, mentors, and Hampton University shaped his journalism career.
    Jan 28 2026
    Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Brian Custer. Summary of the Interview On Money Making Conversations Masterclass, Rushion McDonald interviews Brian Custer—Emmy Award–winning sportscaster, ESPN anchor, play-by-play commentator, cancer survivor, fashion enthusiast, and HBCU graduate of Hampton University. The discussion moves through Custer’s early life in Columbus, Ohio; the influence of Black media figures on his career; his journey from a childhood dreamer sitting beside his grandmother watching Walter Cronkite to becoming a nationally recognized sports broadcaster; and his path into fraternity life as a member of Kappa Alpha Psi. Custer describes how he discovered broadcasting at an early age, secured internships in high school, and worked grueling night shifts in radio before transitioning into television. But the most powerful portion of the interview is his emotional recounting of his battle with aggressive prostate cancer at age 42—a diagnosis he initially wanted to hide. He shares the moment his doctor insisted he use his platform to educate men of color about prostate cancer, a mission he now treats as a calling. The interview ends with sports talk—including commentary on the Gervonta “Tank” Davis vs. Ryan Garcia fight—and a heartfelt exchange about mentorship, legacy, and the importance of Black excellence and representation in media. Purpose of the Interview 1. To spotlight Brian Custer’s broadcasting journey He shares how childhood influences, mentors, and early opportunities shaped his journalism career. 2. To promote awareness about prostate cancer in men of color Custer uses his personal story to break stigmas surrounding screenings, early detection, and open discussion. 3. To inspire listeners to pursue their dreams despite obstacles He emphasizes resilience—from working overnight radio shifts to confronting a life-threatening diagnosis. 4. To highlight the impact of HBCUs and Black fraternities He explains how Hampton University and Kappa Alpha Psi shaped his identity and leadership. 5. To celebrate representation in sports media Custer honors trailblazers like Irv Cross, James Brown, and Carol Simpson, showing how visibility opened doors. Key Takeaways 1. Early exposure builds dreams Watching Walter Cronkite, Friday Night Videos, and Ted Koppel developed his passion for broadcasting.His grandmother’s nightly viewing rituals deeply influenced him. 2. Representation matters Seeing Irv Cross, James Brown, and Carol Simpson on television affirmed his ambition and provided powerful role models. 3. Hard work—not shortcuts—built his career Custer’s first job was midnight–8 a.m. radio, reading hourly newscasts.He later interned and volunteered long after programs ended to gain experience. 4. Prostate cancer is a silent but deadly threat His routine physical revealed a suspicious PSA level (5.4), leading to a biopsy and an aggressive cancer diagnosis.He initially refused repeat screenings due to stigma but credits his doctor’s persistence with saving his life. 5. Using his platform for good became a mandate His surgeon urged him to become an advocate for prostate cancer awareness—particularly for Black men, who are disproportionately affected. 6. Vulnerability creates connection Custer’s openness about fear, masculinity, and mortality mirrors Rushion’s own thyroid cancer journey, creating an intimate, healing conversation. 7. Career longevity requires authenticity and relationship-building Custer praises mentors like James Brown and the brotherhood of Black media professionals.He underscores the importance of connections—not shortcuts—in building a respected brand. Notable Quotes (All directly from the transcript.) [Brian Custer | Txt] On childhood dreams & representation “I knew what I wanted to do when I was five.”“Ted Koppel… the way he interviewed people… I was enthralled.”“Irv Cross was the guy… then it became James Brown for me.” On fraternity life “All I knew was Kappa Alpha Psi.”“The streets of heaven are crimson and cream.” On breaking into broadcasting “My first job… midnight to eight… delivering the newscast every hour.”“The news director said, ‘You certainly don’t look the way you sound.’” On prostate cancer “You got cancer. It’s aggressive.”“All I heard was cancer.”“My doctor said, ‘Use your platform… men of color need a young face like you.’” On stigma and survival “People stereotype what a cancer survivor looks like.”“Cancer doesn’t go away when you ignore it.” On sports and life (On Garcia vs. Tank Davis):“That liver shot… it was a business decision. He’s too pretty to get his face rearranged.” On brotherhood and mentorship “You’re a legend in this business.”“We’re brothers now… I’m lumping you in with my best friend.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSee omnystudio.com/...
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    28 mins
  • Financial Tip: The interview showcases how Legacy Building LLC helps clients improve credit, manage debt, understand investments, and plan estates.

    Financial Tip: The interview showcases how Legacy Building LLC helps clients improve credit, manage debt, understand investments, and plan estates.
    Jan 28 2026
    Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Lisa Mulrain. Summary of the Interview On Money Making Conversations Masterclass, Rushion McDonald interviews Lisa Mulrain—CEO of Legacy Building LLC, a financial literacy and legal services entrepreneur with more than 30 years of federal government experience as a securities attorney. Lisa’s mission is to empower individuals and small businesses through financial education, credit repair, debt management, estate planning, and investment strategy. The interview highlights her transition from government attorney to entrepreneur, the purpose behind Legacy Building LLC, and the unique combination of her legal expertise and financial coaching. She breaks down how underserved communities can close knowledge gaps, develop stronger money mindsets, repair credit, invest wisely, and protect assets through estate planning. She also explains the emerging opportunities in tokenized real estate, fractionalized Ginnie Mae securities, and the importance of research before investing. The conversation is highly practical—covering everything from budgeting to Roth IRAs, 401(k) matches, brokerage accounts, credit consolidation, and asset protection through trusts and wills. Lisa stresses empowerment through education and long-term wealth building. Purpose of the Interview 1. To introduce Lisa Mulrain’s financial literacy and legal services mission The interview showcases how Legacy Building LLC helps clients improve credit, manage debt, understand investments, and plan estates. 2. To educate listeners about emerging financial trends Lisa explains tokenized real estate, fractional Ginnie Mae securities, and policy changes that create new wealth-building opportunities. 3. To emphasize financial empowerment for underserved communities She focuses on shifting money mindsets, breaking cycles of scarcity, and building generational wealth. 4. To highlight the importance of estate planning She stresses that wills, trusts, and powers of attorney are foundational—not optional. 5. To offer actionable investing and credit strategies Listeners gain practical tools to start improving their finances immediately. Key Takeaways 1. Financial literacy begins with mindset Before fixing credit, individuals must understand their past beliefs about money and scarcity.Many financial mistakes originate from “lack mentality.” 2. Credit repair requires root-cause analysis Lisa teaches clients to: Identify how they fell into debtNegotiate with creditorsRemove charge-offs when possibleAvoid repeating harmful financial behaviors 3. Estate planning is essential for everyone—not just older adults A proper estate plan includes: A trust (primary document)A “pour-over” will for missed assetsHealthcare proxies & POAsInstructions for managing assets during incapacity or after death Common tragedies—Prince, Aretha Franklin, Michael Jackson—show how lack of planning complicates estates. 4. Invest intentionally and consistently Key investment tools Lisa recommends: Maximize 401(k) contributions, especially employer matchesFavor S\&P 500 index options in retirement plansFund a Roth IRA for tax-free growthOpen brokerage accounts with established firms (e.g., Schwab, Fidelity)Buy fractional shares to invest even with small amountsFocus on time in the market, not timing the market 5. Tokenized real estate and fractionalized Ginnie Mae securities are groundbreaking Lisa explains how changes in federal policy and crypto infrastructure enable new low-barrier investment opportunities—such as Ginnie Mae-backed fractional securities for as little as $50. 6. Research, research, research Before buying any stock, investors should monitor: Long-term trendsEarnings callsLayoffs (strategy vs. crisis)Market cyclesInfluential investors’ moves 7. Legacy Building LLC merges financial education + legal protection Her dual firms allow clients to: Learn how to build wealthLegally protect their assetsCreate generational stability 8. Wealth building requires discipline—not brand-driven spending She warns against sinking money into luxury goods without appreciating assets to match. Notable Quotes (All pulled directly from the transcript.) On why she does this work “Helping people has always been at my core.”“I wanted to get involved in finance because that was the one central factor that made the difference between the haves and the have nots.” On mindset & credit “Let’s examine your money mindset.”“We adopt a lack mentality… we already start from a place of ‘we don’t have it.’” On estate planning “Whatever you’ve accumulated… you don’t have a plan.”“It could take years for it to go through probate.”“Your trust is the main document.” On investing “You are leaving money on the table if you don’t get that 401(k) match.”“Don’t time the market… it’s about time in the market.”“Scare ...
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    39 mins
  • Perseverance: She shares her personal experiences with layoffs, career uncertainty, anxiety, and leadership failures.

    Perseverance: She shares her personal experiences with layoffs, career uncertainty, anxiety, and leadership failures.
    Jan 28 2026
    Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Heather R. Younger. CEO, workplace culture expert, author, and founder of a major employee engagement consultancy—joins Rushion McDonald to discuss leadership, employee empowerment, navigating fear, and self‑leadership in modern workplaces. She shares her personal experiences with layoffs, career uncertainty, anxiety, and leadership failures—and how these experiences shaped her mission to be “the voice for the voiceless” in organizational culture. They explore the emotional realities of layoffs vs. terminations, how employees can take control of their professional well‑being, and Heather’s framework for identifying and overcoming fear. PURPOSE OF THE INTERVIEW 1. To introduce Heather’s work and mission She champions active listening, employee empowerment, and self‑leadership after personally reading 30,000+ employee surveys and leading 100+ focus groups. 2. To teach listeners how to navigate workplace uncertainty She provides strategies for dealing with anxiety, job insecurity, change, and inconsistent leadership climates. 3. To share an empowering message about self‑leadership Central idea: No one is coming to save you. You must lead yourself first. 4. To explore how fear holds people back professionally She outlines how fear affects decision‑making, action-taking, and confidence. KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Why She Does This Work She witnessed firsthand how mergers, layoffs, and poor communication harm employees.After being laid off with 200+ others, she realized she needed to become the “voice of reason” who turns employee concerns into actionable insights for leaders. 2. Layoff vs. Termination — Emotional Differences Layoffs: painful but less shame; not personal fault.Termination: usually involves personal accountability, and often carries more shame.Both create a feeling of powerlessness, but each requires emotional processing and reframing. 3. No One Is Coming To Save You Employees must take responsibility for: Their growthTheir mental healthTheir career progressionTheir emotional well‑being HR cannot save you, Heather says—they play a dual role and cannot be personal rescuers. 4. Managing Workplace Anxiety Key strategies include: Nightly reflection → Write down what went well and what you controlled.Reframing → Turning irrational fears into rational thoughts.Breathing, sunlight, walking, self‑care → Especially for anxiety.Intentional mindset‑switching → Choosing thoughts that serve you. 5. The Five Ways Fear Holds You Back Professionally Heather identifies several fear patterns: 1. Fear of Feedback Avoiding action because you’re afraid of what others may say. 2. Fear of Retribution / Getting in Trouble Hesitating to take risks or initiative. 3. Fear of Speaking Up Not challenging authority or expressing dissenting opinions due to lack of psychological safety. 4. Fear Rooted in Family / Cultural Conditioning Inherited fear patterns from parents, grandparents, or trauma. 5. Fear of Regret / Non‑Action She teaches a powerful question: “What will I regret the longest—doing the thing or not doing the thing?” This question accelerates decision‑making and breaks the paralysis of fear. 6. Take Ownership of Your Life — Self‑Leadership Become the Chief Iterator of Your Life → Continue refining yourself like a living prototype.Accept mistakes as part of growth.Avoid perfectionism; aim for continuous improvement. 7. Practical Daily Habits Prepare mentally each night.Hydrate, sleep well, move your body.Train yourself to take small positive actions daily. NOTABLE QUOTES FROM THE INTERVIEW On Self‑Leadership “Ain’t nobody coming to save me. And in the workplace, no one’s coming to save you.” On Fear “Feedback is a gift—even if it hurts.” “We sit around waiting for green lights, access, invitations… It’s not coming. We need to seize it.” “What is the thing you will regret the longest—doing it or not doing it?” On Navigating Change “You get to fight tooth and nail for your own mental space.” On Personal Growth “See yourself as a work in progress—a constant iteration.” On Workplace Emotions “With layoffs, you didn’t have a hand in it. With termination, there’s more shame.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    24 mins
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