Strawberry Letter

• Financial Tip: The goal is to generate enough income from investments to replace employment income.

  Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Steve Selengut. Also known as The Income Coach. Here's a detailed summary of the episode: 🎙️ Guest: Steve Selengut Veteran private investment manager with over 40 years of experience. Author of Retirement Money Secrets, his second book. Focuses on helping people achieve income independence through smart investing. Runs an educational income investing community. 📘 About the Book: Retirement Money Secrets Written as a conversational story about a couple on a river cruise who learn about a different approach to retirement investing. Emphasizes common sense financial strategies over complex jargon. Focuses on closed-end funds as a key investment tool. 💡 Key Concepts Discussed 🔒 Closed-End Funds (CEFs) One of the oldest investment vehicles, dating back to the 1800s. Structured as pass-through trusts that must return 95% of earnings to shareholders. Focused on income generation rather than capital appreciation. Can invest in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and ETFs. 🔥 FIRE Movement Stands for Financial Independence, Retire Early. Steve aligns more with generating sustainable income than early retirement per se. 🎯 Income Independence The goal is to generate enough income from investments to replace employment income. Allows flexibility to retire, start a business, or pursue other passions. 🛡️ The Four Risk Minimizers Quality: Invest only in what you understand and in companies with a proven track record. Diversification: Spread investments across sectors, geographies, and management firms. Income: Only invest in securities that pay dividends or interest. Profit-Taking Discipline: Set target profits (e.g., 5%) and sell when reached, reinvesting gains. 💬 Common Sense Investing Tips Buy stocks in companies you use or understand (e.g., Home Depot, Apple, Chipotle). Use tools like Yahoo Finance or CEFConnect.com to research dividend history and fund performance. Avoid speculative or zero-income investments. Treat your portfolio like a retail store—sell when profitable and restock wisely. 🌐 Connect with Steve Selengut Available on Facebook and LinkedIn. Offers access to an educational investing community with 450+ members. Book includes full contact details and resources. #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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• Health Tip: Learn how to take control of your health, prevent disease, and potentially reverse aging.

  Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Naveen Jain. Founder and CEO of Viome. 🎯 Purpose of the Interview To introduce Viome’s revolutionary health technology that uses precision diagnostics and personalized supplements to help individuals take control of their health, prevent disease, and potentially reverse biological aging. 🧭 Key Takeaways 1. Viome’s Mission Viome aims to make illness optional by using AI-driven health diagnostics. The company’s tagline: “Imagine living in a world where illness is optional.” 2. The Full Body Intelligence Test Users submit saliva, blood (finger prick), and stool samples. Viome analyzes 100 million biomarkers to assess: Biological age Cognitive, heart, gut, oral, and immune health Root causes of symptoms like bloating, constipation, fatigue, etc. 3. Personalized Health Solutions Viome provides: Precision supplements tailored to your body’s needs Custom probiotics/prebiotics Oral microbiome lozenges Morning and evening toothpaste Supplements are reformulated monthly based on retesting. 4. Scientific Backing Viome has conducted placebo-controlled clinical trials showing: 64% improvement in gut health 25% reduction in fasting insulin 50% reduction in depression 47% reduction in anxiety—all within 90 days 5. Disease Detection Innovation Viome offers tests for: Stage 1 oral and throat cancer (available now) IBD and colon polyps (launching soon) Stage 1 pancreatic cancer (launching within 6 months) 6. Affordability & Access Full Body Intelligence Test: $299 Monthly supplement plans: $40–$200 depending on selected products Website: viome.com 7. Personal Story & Motivation Naveen Jain immigrated from India with $5, built 7 companies. Lost his father to pancreatic cancer—now developing early detection tests. Believes in purpose-driven entrepreneurship: “Making money is a byproduct of improving lives.” 💬 Notable Quotes “Your genes are not your destiny.” “There is no universally healthy food.” “Making money is like having an orgasm—if you focus on it, you’ll never get it.” “Don’t blame your ancestors for your sickness. You can change your lifestyle.” “If you think being healthy is expensive, try being sick.” 🔗 Action Steps for Listeners Visit viome.com Order the Full Body Intelligence Test Receive personalized health insights and supplements Retest every 6 months to track progress and adjust #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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• Changing Stereotypes: African American man partners with eight small, organic tea-growing families in Kyushu, Japan.

  Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed James Green. Purpose of the Interview The interview aimed to showcase James Green’s entrepreneurial journey as the founder of KyuTeaCo (Kyushu Tea Company), a premium tea brand focused on curating authentic Japanese tea experiences. It highlighted his unique position as an African-American entrepreneur bridging cultures, his passion for tea, and his mission to educate consumers about tea’s health benefits and heritage. Key Takeaways Background & Inspiration James Green grew up in Atlanta, studied international business and Japanese, and lived in Japan for five years. His passion for tea began during a high school exchange program in Fukuoka, Japan, and deepened through cultural immersion. Business Model KyuTeaCo partners with eight small, organic tea-growing families in Kyushu, Japan. Direct-to-consumer and B2B approach: e-commerce platform launching soon, plus partnerships with cafes. Simplified supply chain: Farmers → Kuti Co → Customer (eliminates middlemen, ensures fair pay for farmers). Mission & Differentiation Focus on storytelling and cultural connection, not just selling tea. Educates consumers on tea’s health benefits (e.g., reducing hypertension and diabetes risks). Premium curated experience vs. mass-market tea brands. Challenges & Lessons Kickstarter campaign failed due to lack of collaborators and marketing reach. Learned importance of storytelling and emotional connection for crowdfunding success. Social Impact “11% for Good” Program: 11% of every sale goes to sustainability efforts for Japanese tea farming. Name significance: “11” in Japanese sounds like “ii,” meaning “good.” Future Plans Launching e-commerce in January. Exploring subscription models and virtual tea tastings. Goal: Build a brand that consumers care about through cultural education and premium experiences. Notable Quotes On launching a business:“I’m learning now more than anything, just launch it. Just go. You’ll build it brick by brick, day by day.” On cultural connection:“We’re not just selling tea; we’re telling the stories of Kyushu and these families. It’s about legacy and sustainability.” On social impact:“Every bag of tea someone buys, 11% goes toward rehabilitating the Japanese tea industry. We’re investing in their futures.” On entrepreneurship:“Anybody can sell a product. What we’re doing is creating an experience and educating people about the culture behind it.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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• Family First: Became a teen father and took his son with him to college at Florida A&M University.

  Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Michael Woodward. A natural-born entrepreneur and community leader. 🎙️ Guest Background: Michael Woodward Grew up in Liberty City, Miami, in a low-income housing project known as the "Poke and Bean" projects. Learned early business skills from his grandmother, who was the local "candy lady." Served briefly in the military as a way out of poverty. Became a teen father and took his son with him to college at Florida A&M University (FAMU). Known for his hospitality and work ethic during college—cooked for friends and maintained a welcoming home. 🏠 Entrepreneurial Journey Bought his first duplex at age 20, renovated it, and rented it out. Built a real estate portfolio while working as an educator. Founded Woodward Property Group, a full-service home improvement and property management company. Became one of Lowe’s top contractors through a combination of skill, networking, and mentorship. 📚 Educational Impact Worked as an assistant principal and educator for 20 years. Founded Alpha Educational Consultants, Inc. Took students on college tours, especially to HBCUs, to expose them to higher education opportunities. Ran STEM programs and mentoring initiatives with a 99.9% college placement rate. 💡 Life Lessons & Advice Emphasizes financial literacy: avoid unnecessary spending (e.g., new cars every year). Advocates for education as a path to wealth. Believes in the village mentality—community support and shared success. Encourages young people to choose between college, military, or trade school. #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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• Uplift: She advocates for balancing career, relationships, faith, and health to avoid burnout.

  Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Patrice Washington. A transformational speaker and founder of Redefining Wealth, discusses personal development, financial success, and the importance of setting intentional goals. 🔑 Key Themes & Highlights Defining Success at Different Life Stages Washington explains how her definition of success evolved from her 20s to her 40s. Early success was driven by external validation, while later success focused on personal fulfillment. The Importance of a Life Blueprint Compares life planning to architectural blueprints—without a plan, success is difficult to achieve. Encourages listeners to set clear goals for the year to avoid feeling lost by year-end. The Six Pillars of Wealth Washington emphasizes integrating financial success with personal well-being. Advocates for balancing career, relationships, faith, and health to avoid burnout. Avoiding Burnout & Setting Realistic Goals Discusses the importance of safe goals (small, achievable steps) and support goals (seeking help from mentors or professionals). Encourages people to set reasonable expectations rather than overwhelming themselves. Results, Not Resolutions Washington promotes her Results, Not Resolutions framework, helping individuals create tangible action plans. Shares strategies for maintaining motivation and accountability throughout the year. 📘 About Patrice WashingtonPatrice Washington is a personal finance expert, speaker, and author recognized by Success Magazine as one of the top 25 influential leaders in personal development. She is dedicated to helping individuals redefine wealth by focusing on well-being, purpose, and financial literacy. #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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