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

Purpose of the Interview

The discussion aimed to educate the audience about the health risks associated with hair care chemicals—including relaxers, dyes, and synthetic hair—and to advocate for safer practices. It also highlighted Dr. Maclin’s pioneering work in hair and skin supplements and her ongoing mission to raise awareness about these issues.

Key Takeaways

1. FDA Ban on Hair Chemicals

   • In 2023, the FDA considered banning certain chemicals in hair products due to health risks, but no ban has been implemented yet.
   • These chemicals are linked to breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, and hormone disruption.

2. High-Risk Chemicals Identified

   • Hair Relaxers: Sodium, calcium, guanine, and lithium hydroxide.
   • Hair Dyes: Para-phenylenediamine (especially in permanent dyes).
   • Synthetic Hair: Contains benzene, posing risks of lung cancer and leukemia.

3. Impact on African-American Women

   • African-American women face a 45% higher risk of certain cancers due to combined use of relaxers and dyes.
   • Cultural and aesthetic pressures contribute to continued use despite health risks.

4. Children at Risk

   • Applying relaxers to young girls can cause early puberty, uterine fibroids, infertility, and increased cancer risk.
   • Chemicals penetrate the scalp, enter the bloodstream, and disrupt hormones.

5. Industry Resistance

   • Pushback from salons and manufacturers due to financial interests.
   • Comparison to tobacco and alcohol industries—profit prioritized over health.

6. Solutions & Advice

   • Avoid chemical treatments when possible.
   • If used, protect the entire scalp with petroleum jelly to reduce absorption.
   • Space out relaxer applications (every 8–10 weeks, max 10 minutes for children).

7. Dr. Maclin’s Contributions

   • Launched Bella Nutri supplements (2004 for women, 2008 for men).
   • Advocates internal nutrition for hair and skin health.
   • Website: drmacklin.com and bellabeauproducts.com.

Notable Quotes

• On FDA inaction:
  “Still to this day, that ban has not occurred… We’re continuously having women going to the next generation of life as a result—next generation cancers.”

• On cultural pressures:
  “We’re so into wanting to have a certain look versus wanting to be healthy.”

• On children’s exposure:
  “We’ve got to keep chemicals off of little girls’ hair… It’s causing hormone disruption, early puberty, infertility, and increased cancer risk.”

• On industry resistance:
  “People care about the green-eyed devil called money… Look at the tobacco industry.”

• On her mission:
  “I feel like I’m caring more about someone’s health than they’re caring about their own.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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

Serial entrepreneur and founder of Maxwell, a platform focused on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), also known as tiny homes:

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

To educate listeners on the growing trend of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), their practical uses, legal considerations, and how platforms like Maxwell help homeowners navigate the process of building or buying tiny homes—especially in light of new options like Amazon’s prefab homes.

🗝️ Key Takeaways

1. What Are ADUs?

   • Formerly known as tiny homes or granny flats, ADUs are small, secondary housing units built on residential properties.
   • They range from 150 to 1200 square feet and serve various purposes: rentals, studios, housing for aging parents, or personal retreats.

2. Growing Popularity

   • Driven by housing shortages and affordability issues, especially in states like California.
   • Governments are easing restrictions to allow more ADUs to be built, including San Diego’s initiative to allow unlimited ADUs if they’re affordable.

3. Use Cases

   • Rental income
   • Housing for retirees or aging parents
   • Studios (music, yoga), guest houses, or nanny quarters

4. Amazon’s Entry

   • Amazon now sells prefab two-story tiny homes under \$50,000.
   • While appealing, buyers must understand the additional costs and logistics: foundation, utilities, permits, and construction.

5. Legal & Practical Considerations

   • ADUs must be permitted and built to code to be safe and legally rentable.
   • Homeowners should consult their city’s building department before starting.
   • A certificate of occupancy is required for someone to legally live in the unit.

6. Maxwell Platform

   • Offers resources, videos, and guidance for anyone interested in building or buying ADUs.
   • Helps users find reliable contractors and understand the full scope of building an ADU.

7. Impact on Property Value

   • ADUs generally increase property value by adding rentable living space.
   • They are a viable wealth-building strategy through real estate investment.

8. Social Impact

   • ADUs could be a solution to homelessness by providing affordable housing options.
   • Cities like San Diego are already exploring this potential.

💬 Notable Quotes

• “You’re not building a Lego kit here.” — Paul Dashevsky on the complexity of constructing ADUs
• “There’s no success without sacrifice.” — Rushion McDonald, echoing the theme of entrepreneurship
• “Go down to your building department at your city and ask them what guidelines they have.” — Paul’s advice on starting an ADU project
• “If you invest in real estate… that’s a great way to build wealth.” — Paul on the financial benefits of ADUs
• “I wish America would look at the possibilities of seeing what ADUs can do for the homeless community.” — Rushion McDonald on the social potential of tiny homes

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.