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

Purpose of the Interview

The interview aims to:

• Highlight alternative pathways to high-paying careers without a traditional four-year degree.
• Showcase how UXD Academy, founded by Everett Swain II, empowers individuals—especially from underserved communities—to leverage AI and design skills for financial and academic freedom.
• Inspire entrepreneurs and small business owners to embrace AI-driven opportunities.

Key Takeaways

1. AI as an Opportunity, Not a Threat

   • AI can amplify human capabilities rather than replace them.
   • Small businesses see 80% positive ROI from AI adoption, making it a major growth lever.

2. Career Without a Degree

   • Over 40% of tech companies no longer require degrees, focusing instead on certifications and portfolios.
   • UXD Academy teaches AI experience design and automation for learners as young as 13.

3. Everett’s Journey

   • Started as a graphic designer, pivoted to UX after self-learning via “YouTube University.”
   • Built UXD Academy to democratize access to tech careers and fight industry gatekeeping.

4. Business Model

   • UXD Academy offers free resources and paid guidance.
   • Created Our Table, an AI experience agency employing top students for real-world projects.

5. Impact on Underserved Communities

   • Programs can transform lives, moving individuals from low-income jobs to salaries of $75K–$140K within 3 years.
   • Focus on youth (starting at age 13) to break cycles of poverty and limited exposure.

6. Future AI Trends for Small Businesses

   • AI agents, automated workflows, and AI-powered customer experiences will dominate in the next 12–18 months.

7. Legacy

   • Everett aims to help 100,000 youth create their own reality through tech education.

Notable Quotes

• On AI’s role:
  “Think of AI as the smartest intern you know—you can train it to work specifically for you.”

• On education:
  “You don’t need a degree for what I do. Over 40% of tech companies don’t care about degrees anymore—they care about your portfolio.”

• On opportunity:
  “If you follow what I’m telling you, you can change your life in under a year and a half.”

• On underserved communities:
  “For the first time in history, people of color can bridge the gap to academic and financial freedom without a four-year degree.”

• On legacy:
  “If I can help 100,000 kids create their own reality, that will be my legacy.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Celebrity Chef Jernard Wells.

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

The episode showcases:

• Chef Jernard Wells’ entrepreneurial journey in the culinary industry.
• His approach to building a brand through food products, media, and publishing.
• Practical cooking tips and recipes from his cookbook Southern Inspired.
• Encouragement for aspiring chefs and entrepreneurs to simplify their process and stay true to their vision.

🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Brand Building Through Culinary Products

• Chef Jernard started with a seasoning line and expanded into sauces and cookbooks.
• He emphasizes volume-based sales and quality ingredients to grow his brand.

2. Leveraging Media Exposure

• TV appearances (e.g., Food Network, Cleo TV) helped him build visibility.
• He uses media as a platform to drive traffic to his brand, not just for fame.

3. Simplifying Cooking for Home Chefs

• Chef Jernard advocates for —organizing ingredients before cooking—to save time.
• He debunks the myth that holiday meals must take 12 hours to prepare.

4. Cultural Roots of Southern Cuisine

• He shares the African-American origins of macaroni and cheese, tracing it back to Thomas Jefferson’s chef.
• Emphasizes pride and heritage in traditional dishes.

5. Signature Recipes from His Cookbook

Chef Jernard highlights three standout dishes from Southern Inspired:

• Creole Barbecue Shrimp: Jumbo prawns baked in a rich broth of garlic, Worcestershire, butter, and Creole seasoning.
• Whiskey Cranberry Glazed Ribs: St. Louis-style ribs brushed with a glaze made from cranberry juice and whiskey.
• Seafood Mac & Cheese: A decadent blend of lobster, shrimp, crab, and smoked Gouda, topped with breadcrumbs.

🗣️ Notable Quotes

• “Cooking is about bringing people into my world.”
• “You can’t win if you don’t understand yourself.”
• “We are refrigerator and pantry cooks… that’s why our kitchens look chaotic.”
• “We romanticize mac and cheese… but it’s all about the cheese.”

#STRAW #BEST #SHMS

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

Purpose of the Interview

• To showcase Sharise Nance’s mission in mental health advocacy, entrepreneurship, and workplace wellness.
• To discuss her companies:
  • Hand in Hand Counseling Services – addressing mental health disparities in Black communities.
  • Vitamin C Healing – building trauma-sensitive, wellness-centered workplace cultures.
• To educate on stress, burnout, compassion fatigue, and financial equity in the mental health field.

Key Takeaways

1. Hand in Hand Counseling Services

   • Founded with college roommate Tess Kenny in Pittsburgh.
   • Created a safe space for mental health support in underserved communities.
   • Celebrating 12 years in operation.

2. Breaking Mental Health Stigma

   • Built trust through community presence and transparency.
   • Advocated therapy as normal: “I’m a therapist who has a therapist.”
   • Education on what therapy is and isn’t.

3. Understanding Stress

   • Eustress (positive stress) vs. Distress (overwhelming stress).
   • Physical signs: sweating, rapid heartbeat, tense shoulders, jaw clenching.
   • Stress can lead to depression and anxiety—seek professional help.

4. Impact of COVID-19

   • Isolation amplified mental health issues.
   • Introduced concept of co-regulation—healing through community and connection.

5. Vitamin C Healing

   • Originated from her book Vitamin C Healing for the Mind, Body.
   • Evolved into a brand offering workshops, consultations, and burnout assessments.
   • Focused on helping professionals and leaders prevent compassion fatigue.

6. Financial Equity in Mental Health

   • Advocates for fair pay: “We can care deeply and earn abundantly.”
   • Challenges the mindset that passion work means low income.
   • Encourages professionals to set boundaries and value their expertise.

7. Burnout & Organizational Cost

   • Unaddressed burnout costs companies millions annually.
   • Leads to quiet quitting, low productivity, and high turnover.
   • Investing in wellness saves money and improves culture.

8. Personal Journey

   • Biggest bet: leaving full-time job in 2017 to pursue entrepreneurship.
   • Therapy helped her navigate fear and grief (especially after losing her father).
   • Quote: “Feel the fear and do it anyway.”

Notable Quotes

• “We can care deeply and earn abundantly.”
• “I’m a therapist who has a therapist.”
• “Feel the fear and do it anyway.”
• “We heal when we are in community—it’s hard to heal in isolation.”
• “Compassion fatigue isn’t just a feel-good topic; it costs companies millions.”
• “Betting on myself was the best investment I ever made.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.