Strawberry Letter

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 debt
Negotiate with creditors
Remove charge-offs when possible
Avoid 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 assets
Healthcare proxies & POAs
Instructions 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 matches
Favor S\&P 500 index options in retirement plans
Fund a Roth IRA for tax-free growth
Open brokerage accounts with established firms (e.g., Schwab, Fidelity)
Buy fractional shares to invest even with small amounts
Focus 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 trends
Earnings calls
Layoffs (strategy vs. crisis)
Market cycles
Influential investors’ moves
7. Legacy Building LLC merges financial education + legal protection
Her dual firms allow clients to:
Learn how to build wealth
Legally protect their assets
Create 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 money don’t make money.”
On financial habits
“Be diligent in your acquisitions.”
“You cannot make any money if you are not investing. Period.”
On opportunities in new investment tech
“Tokenized real estate is very new and novel… real physical assets backing crypto.”
“Ginnie Mae securities are now eligible for fractionalized shares… with guaranteed repayment.”
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 growth
Their mental health
Their career progression
Their 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 #BEST
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Willie Jolley.
SUMMARY OF THE INTERVIEW
In this energetic and motivational conversation, Hall of Fame speaker Dr. Willie Jolley joins Rushion McDonald on Money Making Conversations Masterclass to discuss his new book, “Rich Is Good, Wealthy Is Better.” The interview covers the difference between being rich and being wealthy, the mindsets required for long-term financial growth, and how individuals—no matter their background—can build generational wealth. Jolley also emphasizes discipline, humility, planning, multiple streams of income, overcoming setbacks, and the importance of insurance and protection of assets.
PURPOSE OF THE INTERVIEW
The interview aims to:
1. Introduce and promote Dr. Jolley’s new book
“Rich Is Good, Wealthy Is Better” and the teachings within it.
2. Educate listeners on the distinction between rich and wealthy
Jolley wants audiences to understand wealth in generational, not short-term, terms.
3. Motivate individuals to shift their financial mindset
From “working money” to “mailbox money.”
4. Empower entrepreneurs and families
To adopt discipline, drop pride, and create multigenerational financial systems.
5. Share Jolley’s personal setback‑to‑success story
To reinforce that anyone can grow wealth with the right principles.
KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Rich vs. Wealthy
Being rich = high income, often tied to active labor (e.g., athlete contracts).
Being wealthy = passive income, ownership, generational sustainability.
A rich football player earns millions; the team owner earns billions and doesn’t have to “run up and down the field.”
2. The Five Money Mindsets
Jolley explains five financial mindsets:
One‑day mindset – living day to day.
30‑day mindset – fixed incomes/check-to-check living.
One‑year mindset – annual thinking (raises, annual income).
Decade mindset – typical for entertainers/athletes with multi‑year contracts.
Generational mindset (Wealth Mindset) – building wealth to last multiple generations.
Jolley’s goal: move people up just one level at a time.
3. Five Types of Wealth
Jolley breaks wealth into five categories:
Financial Wealth
Health Wealth (“A sick person has one dream; a healthy person has a thousand.” – Les Brown)
Relationship Wealth
Reputational Wealth (Brand)
Intellectual Capital Wealth (What you know and can charge for)
4. Discipline Is the Key
Wealth requires:
Living below your means
Investing the difference
Consistency
Avoiding arrogance and ignorance
5. Pride Is an Enemy of Wealth
Pride leads people to overspend to keep up appearances.
Jolley argues that pride “kills wealth” and must be replaced with planning and humility.
6. The Three Legs of Wealth
To build sustainable wealth, you need:
Income
Investment (letting money work for you)
Insurance (life, health, car, disability, long-term care)
7. Multiple Streams of Income
Jolley urges everyone to build at least two streams of income from:
Stocks
Bonds
Real estate
Crypto
Collectibles
Jewelry
Art
Content creation
8. Overcoming Setbacks
Jolley details his own journey from unemployed nightclub singer to globally recognized motivational speaker.
He reinforces that a setback is a setup for a comeback—the core message of his earlier bestselling book.
9. It’s Never Too Late to Start
He cites examples of:
A secretary who retired with $8M by investing small amounts over time
Invested $12,000 at age 65 and grew it to $890,000 by age 72
NOTABLE QUOTES FROM THE INTERVIEW On Time & Opportunity
“I have only just a minute… but it’s up to me to use it.”
On Mindset
“Wealth starts in your mind.”
On Rich vs. Wealthy
“Regular folks work for their money. Wealthy people make their money work for them.”
On Pride
“My pride was killing my wealth.”
On Growth & Learning
“If you’re willing to learn, no one can stop you.” [On Setbacks
“A setback is a setup for your greater comeback.”
On Starting Late
“When is the best time to plant a tree? Eighty years ago. The second-best time? Today.”
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Pastor Dexter Jenkins.
Purpose of the Interview
The interview aimed to educate and inspire listeners about wealth creation through real estate and financial literacy, particularly for individuals over 50. Pastor Jenkins shared strategies for building generational wealth, shifting mindsets about money, and leveraging real estate as a primary tool for financial independence.
Key Takeaways
Intersection of Faith, Finance, and Business
Pastor Jenkins emphasizes that faith and financial success are not mutually exclusive. He advocates using biblical principles as a success manual, especially from Proverbs.

Real Estate as “Low-Hanging Fruit” for Wealth
Real estate is one of the simplest and most effective ways to build wealth because land is finite and historically valuable.

Mindset Over Money
Wealth building starts with changing beliefs about money. Many misconceptions learned in childhood or church need to be unlearned.

Refire, Don’t Retire
For those over 50, Jenkins encourages leveraging life experience to create new income streams instead of slowing down.

Social Security Reality Check
The average Social Security check (~$1,400/month) is insufficient for most Americans, highlighting the need for personal wealth strategies.

The SHIP Method
Stewardship: Direct your money intentionally.
Ownership: Own assets that appreciate and generate cash flow.
Entrepreneurship: Consider business ownership as a wealth-building tool.

Education Before Action
Start with learning—books, podcasts, seminars—before diving into real estate or other ventures.

Community Wealth Building
Jenkins supports initiatives like “buying back the block” to revitalize neighborhoods and build collective wealth.

Secrets to Success
Desire, planning, education, and execution are essential. Dreams without plans remain dreams.

Upcoming Resources
Jenkins is releasing a book: The Real Estate Wealth Creation Blueprint, offering practical steps for using real estate to build wealth.

Notable Quotes
“Real estate is the lowest hanging fruit on the wealth creation tree.”
“People came here to work the land—now it’s time for us to own it.”
“It’s not time to retire; it’s time to refire.”
“Social Security was designed for a different era. You can’t live on $1,400 a month in America.”
“The Bible is more than religion—it’s a success manual.”
“If you don’t have a desire for wealth, we can talk all day and nothing will change.”
“Stewardship, Ownership, Entrepreneurship—those are the pillars of wealth.”
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Cary Carbonaro.
A certified financial planner and author of Women and Wealth.
1. Guest Introduction: Cary Carbonaro
Certified Financial Planner with 25+ years of experience.
Leads a multimillion-dollar financial planning practice.
Focuses on empowering women and increasing financial literacy.
Promoting her second book: Women and Wealth.
2. Why Cary Wrote the Book
To share her 25 years of experience working with women.
To address the lack of female-friendly practices in the financial industry.
Key stat:
“By 2030, women will control two-thirds of the nation’s wealth—$30 trillion.”
4. Challenges in the Financial Industry
Industry built by men, for men.
Not ready for the shift in wealth ownership to women.
Harvard Business Review (2009):
“Financial services is the least sympathetic to women and has the most to gain if they get it right.”
5. Financial Planning Philosophy
Everyone deserves a financial plan.
Quote:
“If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.”
Financial planning includes: Risk management
Cash flow
Tax strategy
Investments
Retirement
Estate planning

6. Making the Industry Female-Friendly
Women often leave their financial advisors after a spouse dies (80% of the time).
Reasons: lack of connection, poor communication, feeling ignored.
Not a DEI issue, but a dollars and cents issue:
“What other industry would ignore a $30 trillion opportunity?”
7. Stereotypes and Societal Expectations
Women face pressure to look attractive in professional settings.
Stereotypes persist in media and even in AI-generated images.
Example: AI generated a man when asked for an image of a financial planner with long hair.
8. Cary’s Personal Journey
Inspired by her father, a JPMorgan Chase executive.
Grew up learning about money and finance.
Built her business by focusing on women, not traditional male-dominated marketing.
Quote:
“Money equals power, and women need more of both.”
9. The Wealth Gap
Beyond the wage gap, the wealth gap is driven by caregiving responsibilities.
Termed the “good daughter/spouse penalty.”
Lifetime cost to women: $1 million.
10. Call to Action
Women should seek financial literacy and independence.
Encourage planning before crisis hits.
Quote:
“Wealth gives you choices in life.”
📌 Key Quotes & Highlights
“If you don’t start dreaming about what you want today, you will not get it tomorrow.”
“By 2030, women will control $30 trillion in wealth.”
“The industry was built by men, for men. But the clients are changing.”
“Money equals power, and women need more of both.”
“The wealth gap is generated by caregiving responsibilities, costing women $1 million over a lifetime.”
“Everyone deserves a financial plan.”
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.