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Info You Can Use: Are you ready to take control of your financial future, then listen Up! Feb 08, 2025

Show notes

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 Dr. Leketa Hawkins.

Also known as the Pocketbook Strategist. She is a financial literacy advocate and business consultant based in North Carolina, offering tools and resources to help individuals and small business owners take control of their financial futures.

🔑 Key Themes and Takeaways: 💼 About Dr. Leketa Hawkins

Founder of PocketbookStrategies.com, which offers financial literacy programs, tools, and resources.
Also runs Hawdleigh.com, a platform for financial education courses and templates.
Her mission is to provide low-cost or no-cost financial education to underserved communities.

💡 Financial Literacy & Upbringing

Like many, Leketa grew up in a household where money was not discussed—a common cultural norm that left many unprepared for adult financial responsibilities.
She emphasizes the importance of breaking generational cycles by involving children in financial conversations early.

🧠 Emotional Spending

One of the most common financial pitfalls she sees is emotional spending—buying things to cope with stress, boredom, or celebration.
She recommends tracking spending for one week to identify patterns and triggers.
Online shopping makes emotional spending easier and more dangerous due to its convenience.

📊 Budgeting Strategies

Advocates for the 50/30/20 rule:
- 50% for needs
- 30% for wants
- 20% for savings or debt
Encourages people to “name your money before you spend it”—assign every dollar a purpose.

👧🏾 Youth Financial Literacy

Stresses the importance of teaching kids that money is a tool, not a goal.
Encourages parents to:
- Let kids ask financial questions.
- Teach saving from every dollar earned.
- Explain compound interest and the value of investing.

👩🏽‍💼 Empowering Women Financially

Many women feel overwhelmed or disempowered financially.
Dr. Hawkins encourages women to take small steps toward financial clarity and view financial wellness as a form of self-love.

💬 Final Lessons

“Money doesn’t change who you are—it amplifies who you are.”
Understanding the difference between assets and liabilities is foundational:
- Assets put money in your pocket.
- Liabilities take money out.

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success.

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Uplift: Recognizing Dr. Gladys West's significant contribtions to GPS technology and importance of June 19th. Feb 08, 2025

Show notes

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Jacque Rushin & Robyn Donaldson.

🎙️ Podcast Overview
This special Juneteenth episode of Money Making Conversations Masterclass, hosted by Rushion McDonald, features Dr. Jacque Rushin and Robyn Donladson, two award-winning educators and thought leaders. The episode commemorates the legacy of Dr. Gladys B. West, a pioneering mathematician whose calculations led to the creation of GPS. Together, the guests discuss how her story ties into the mission of Juneteenth, the importance of STEM education, and their newly launched Westward Bound life and STEM skills program.

📚 About Dr. Gladys B. West
• Legacy: Mathematician and GPS pioneer
• Era: Born in 1930, came of age during segregation
• Alma Mater: Virginia State University (HBCU), later earned a PhD
• Recognition: Often called a “living hidden figure”—though not featured in the Hidden Figures film
• Current Home: Fredericksburg, VA

📘 Books Discussed
• It Began With a Dream: Dr. West’s memoir, chronicling her life from sharecropping roots to GPS trailblazer
• Westward Bound: A curriculum-based program developed by Dunson and Rushing inspired by Dr. West’s principles

💡 Key Themes & Insights
• Juneteenth Connection: The delayed recognition of Dr. West mirrors the delayed liberation of enslaved Black Americans
• STEM Equity: Many students aren’t underperforming—they’re underexposed. The Westward Bound program seeks to close that gap
• Mental Health & Tech: While Dr. West helped pioneer GPS, she herself still uses maps to keep her mind sharp—a warning about over-reliance on tech
• AI & Overconsumption: Dr. Rushin draws attention to how misuse of AI and technology can impair critical thinking and mental wellness
• STEM as Liberation: STEM exposure is not just about careers—it’s a path to freedom, agency, and long-term resilience

🎓 About Westward Bound
• Mission: Teach not just hard skills (STEM) but soul skills—endurance, vision, self-awareness, and purpose
• Framework: Uses the acronym W.E.S.T. (Wisdom, Endurance, Strategy, Tracking)
• Audience: Underserved communities, students, adults in transition, entrepreneurs
• Access: Currently partnering with colleges, camps, and educational programs nationwide

🔁 Personal Journeys
• Dr. Jacque Rushin: A humanitarian, mental health expert, and curriculum developer who fuses wellness and educational development
• Robyn Donaldson: A global STEM advocate and 2025 Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. She discovered Dr. West’s book and launched the movement to amplify her story

📣 Call to Action
Listeners are encouraged to include Dr. Gladys West in Juneteenth programming, integrate It Began With a Dream into school libraries, and explore the Westward Bound program as a tool for transformative education. Visit stemxposure.org or call (813) 990‑7700 for more info. #best

#straw

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How to start a business

Small business funding

Entrepreneur success stories

Business leadership podcast

Wealth building strategies

Black entrepreneur podcast

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Startup funding opportunities

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Perseverance: Mindright #1 Financial educator shares his journey from working as a bank teller to a leading financial expert. Feb 08, 2025

Show notes

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

A financial educator and author, shares his journey from working as a bank teller to becoming a leading financial expert. He discusses financial literacy, wealth-building strategies, and the mindset needed for financial success.

🔑 Key Themes & Highlights

Career Growth & Financial Education
- Started as a bank teller at 19 and worked his way up to private banker and credit union CEO.
- Transitioned into financial education, writing books, and speaking at events to empower communities.
Financial Literacy & Wealth Building
- Emphasizes the importance of understanding banking, taxes, and financial tools.
- Encourages people to shift their mindset from fear to knowledge when managing money.
Overcoming Financial Struggles
- Shares personal experiences of financial setbacks and how he rebuilt his wealth.
- Discusses how negative financial experiences can shape people’s perceptions and behaviors.
Mindset & Success Principles
- Advocates for surrounding oneself with mentors and positive influences.
- Encourages listeners to focus on their own financial journey rather than comparing themselves to others.
Financial Coaching & Community Impact
- Talks about his work in prisons, churches, and community organizations to teach financial literacy.
- Highlights the importance of mentorship and education in breaking financial barriers.

📘 About Ash Cash
Ash Cash is a financial educator, author, and speaker known for his culturally responsive approach to teaching financial literacy. He has written multiple best-selling books and is dedicated to helping individuals achieve financial independence.

#STRAW

#BEST

#SHMS

Business Podcast

Entrepreneurship

Small Business

Business Growth

Financial Literacy

Wealth Building

Black Entrepreneurs

Minority Business

Leadership

Executive Leadership

Business Funding

Marketing Strategies

Personal Development

Startup Advice

Sales Training

CEO Interviews

Founder Stories

Professional Development

Economic Empowerment

Business Success

Networking

Brand Building

Innovation

How to start a business

Small business funding

Entrepreneur success stories

Business leadership podcast

Wealth building strategies

Black entrepreneur podcast

Minority business development

Marketing for small businesses

Business growth strategies

Startup funding opportunities

Executive leadership training

Financial literacy education

Success mindset podcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Torn Between Two Lovers - 02.07.25 Feb 07, 2025

Show notes

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Manhood: Single Dad took his 3-year-old son to college classes with him. Now a Lowe's contractor and mentors HBCU students. Feb 07, 2025

Show notes

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

Mr. Woodward began his interest in real estate renovations as a youth, working with his grandfather, father, and great-uncle doing handyman and maintenance services. He also studied architectural design in high school, taking first place at county and state-level housing design competitions. After graduation, he enrolled in the architectural design program at Miami-Dade Community college. He also purchased his first property and renovated it himself at just 20 years old. He then took his aspiration to become an architect to Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Fl where he majored in Architecture and minored in African American Studies.

After much consideration, the future graduate of Florida A&M University decided to change his major from architecture; though, he never lost his passion for the real estate profession. He eventually graduated with undergraduate degrees in History, Geography, and Secondary Education. He was able to complete the triple degree in 3.5 years. He also has a Masters Degree in Applied Social Science with a concentration in African American History and an Add-on in Educational Leadership. This was completed while engaging in an 18year career in the education-al system and investing in real estate. Mr. Woodward is currently pursuing his PhD in History and Humanities at Clark-Atlanta University. He has completed all of his coursework and his comprehensive exams. The dissertation is all that remains between now and graduation.

Utilizing all of his prior knowledge and experience in real estate, Mr. Woodward was able to turn a hobby and part time residual income opportunity into an incorporated business. After 2 years of being incorporated, Michael decided to leave the education profession. Nine years later, Woodward Property Group (www.woodwardpropertygroup.com), a full service home improvement and property management company is still going strong. In addition to being a leader in the property management and renovation business, we are contractors for Lowes Stores under their kitchen a bathroom renovation program. We have 7 stores on the east side of Atlanta and we have an A+ Rating with the Better Business Bureau as well as multiple partnerships throughout the Atlanta Area.

He is also the founder and CEO of Alpha Educational Consultants, Inc. (www.aecga.com a company that was started in graduate school as a tutoring company for K-12 students and college students. To-date it has expanded to assist individuals in all areas of real estate such as purchasing, renovation, cost calculations and profit maximization.

Additionally, he is The Director of The LEAD Foundation (www.theleadfoundation.org), LEAD, standing for Leadership Education and Development is an organization designed to teach soft skills to middle and High school students such as leadership skills, interviewing skills, test taking skills, oratorical skills, etc. Under the foundation, students are able to learn financial planning, college preparation and selection, take college tours, and attend workshops on college campuses. Additionally, students earn college scholarships and laptop computers.

#BEST

#SHMS

#STRAW

Business Podcast

Entrepreneurship

Small Business

Business Growth

Financial Literacy

Wealth Building

Black Entrepreneurs

Minority Business

Leadership

Executive Leadership

Business Funding

Marketing Strategies

Personal Development

Startup Advice

Sales Training

CEO Interviews

Founder Stories

Professional Development

Economic Empowerment

Business Success

Networking

Brand Building

Innovation

How to start a business

Small business funding

Entrepreneur success stories

Business leadership podcast

Wealth building strategies

Black entrepreneur podcast

Minority business development

Marketing for small businesses

Business growth strategies

Startup funding opportunities

Executive leadership training

Financial literacy education

Success mindset podcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Uplift: She tells you how to navigate workplace fears: job security, performance anxiety, and change. Feb 06, 2025

Show notes

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

Founder and CEO of a leading employee engagement and workplace culture consulting firm:

🎙️ Interview Summary

Guest: Heather R. Younger
Role: CEO, workplace culture consultant, author, speaker
Topic: Employee engagement, workplace culture, self-leadership, and overcoming fear

🧭 Purpose of the Interview

To explore Heather Younger's journey as a workplace culture expert, her insights into employee engagement, and her new book The Art of Self-Leadership. The conversation centers on empowering individuals to lead themselves, navigate workplace challenges, and overcome fear to unlock personal and professional growth.

🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Employee Advocacy & Engagement

Heather has read over 30,000 employee surveys and facilitated 100+ focus groups.
She emphasizes active listening and creating safe spaces for employees to express concerns.
Her mission is to amplify the voices of employees, especially during organizational transitions like mergers.

2. Self-Leadership & Personal Growth

Heather encourages individuals to be their own advocates and not wait for others (including HR) to “save” them.
She promotes intentional reframing—shifting negative thoughts into rational, empowering ones.
Her new book, The Art of Self-Leadership, includes exercises like fear mapping to help readers identify and overcome internal barriers.

3. Navigating Fear in the Workplace

Heather outlines five ways fear holds people back professionally:

Fear of feedback – avoiding growth due to fear of criticism.
Fear of retribution – hesitating to speak up.
Fear of speaking truth to power – lacking psychological safety.
Inherited fears – generational or cultural fears that shape behavior.
Fear of regret – not taking action and living with “what ifs.”

4. Daily Practices for Mental Strength

Reflect nightly on what went well and what you controlled.
Practice gratitude and mindfulness.
Prioritize sleep, hydration, and mental clarity.
Treat each day as a chance to iterate and improve.

💬 Notable Quotes

“I needed to be the change I was seeking.”
“Feedback is a gift—even if it hurts.”
“You have to fight tooth and nail for your own mental space.”
“Don’t wait to be invited—ask.”
“See yourself as a work in progress, not a finished product.”

📚 Book Mentioned

Title: The Art of Self-Leadership
Focus: Empowering individuals to lead themselves through fear, change, and uncertainty

📞 Contact Info

Website: HeatherYounger.com
LinkedIn: Heather R. Younger
Social Media: Active on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram

#STRAW

#BEST

#SHMS

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I Can't Believe She Likes It Like That - 02.06.25 Feb 06, 2025

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If I Don't Do It He Will Leave Me - 02.05.25 Feb 05, 2025

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She's Caring For My Baby And My Husband - 02.04.25 Feb 04, 2025

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Uplift: HBCU Grad helps members open 3,000+ accounts to invest over $7.4 million, reaching users in 24 countries. Feb 04, 2025

Show notes

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Ashley M. Fox.

Ashley M. Fox is the Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Empify, a leading fintech company dedicated to democratizing financial education. Fox is a former Wall Street analyst, a Howard University graduate, and an expert in her field as a Financial Education Specialist. Building upon her career managing portfolios for high-net-worth individuals, Fox founded Empify to empower the 99% that Wall Street overlooks with the tools to build generational wealth including investing courses, estate planning, retirement planning, and more. Fox has earned numerous accolades including her recognition as one of Black Enterprise’s 2024 40 Under 40 awardees. She was also named as a Black Woman Trailblazer for her groundbreaking work in financial education at the 2024 Hallmark Mahogany Honors. A frequent keynote speaker at international events, her story and expertise have been featured on prominent media outlets, including Jim Cramer’s “The Street,” Yahoo Finance, CNBC, Inc. Magazine, Afrotech, Business Insider, Fox News, ABC, Huffington Post, Glamour Magazine, and Forbes.

Company Description *
Empify, named by merging the words EMPower and modIFY, revolutionizes how users learn to build wealth. The company’s membership-based WealthBuilders Community app, widely referenced as the “Netflix of Finance,” simplifies financial concepts through its life-alternating programs and digital content designed to remove fear around investing. Since inception, Empify has equipped millions of individuals with the tools to build wealth and has enabled tens of thousands of adults and children to become first-time investors. Its educational programs have been implemented in hundreds of schools, prison systems, and organizations across the United States and over 20 countries including the School District of Philadelphia, the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business, US Bank, Essence, and Google. Underscoring its impact, Empify was ranked in the top 50 companies in the Financial Services category for Inc. Magazine’s 5000 Fast-Growing Companies list, securing an overall ranking of #652 in August 2024.

#STRAW

#BEST

#SHMS

Business Podcast

Entrepreneurship

Small Business

Business Growth

Financial Literacy

Wealth Building

Black Entrepreneurs

Minority Business

Leadership

Executive Leadership

Business Funding

Marketing Strategies

Personal Development

Startup Advice

Sales Training

CEO Interviews

Founder Stories

Professional Development

Economic Empowerment

Business Success

Networking

Brand Building

Innovation

How to start a business

Small business funding

Entrepreneur success stories

Business leadership podcast

Wealth building strategies

Black entrepreneur podcast

Minority business development

Marketing for small businesses

Business growth strategies

Startup funding opportunities

Executive leadership training

Financial literacy education

Success mindset podcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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