Strawberry Letter

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Nina Sossamon-Pogue. A former elite gymnast, Emmy-winning news anchor, bestselling author, and resilience expert. Here’s a summary of the key themes and insights from the episode: 🎙️ Guest Introduction: Nina Sossamon-Pogue Former USA Gymnastics team member and Emmy-winning news anchor. Author of This Is Not the End and host of the podcast This Seriously Sucks. Focuses on helping people navigate life’s toughest transitions with resilience. 🧠 Mental Health & Daily Routines Nina emphasizes the importance of gratitude, mindfulness, and limiting early phone use to start the day with clarity. Rushion shares his own structured morning routine and how it helps him manage stress and stay productive. 💪 Resilience and Personal Growth Nina defines resilience as the ability to adapt positively and grow stronger from adversity. She encourages people to reflect on what’s going right, what needs attention, and how to move forward with purpose. 🧍‍♀️ Body Image, Athletics & Social Media Nina shares her experience with body dysmorphia and bulimia during her gymnastics career in the 1980s. She discusses the long-term impact of being judged by appearance in both sports and television. Offers advice to parents and young athletes on navigating body image in the age of social media. 📘 Her Book: This Is Not the End Written for people facing major life setbacks—job loss, injury, grief, or personal failure. Nina shares five personal “this is the end” moments, including: Not making the Olympic team. Career-ending knee injury. Losing her job as a news anchor. A traumatic accident at age 37. The book provides seven strategies and a four-step framework (T.H.I.S.) to help readers move forward: Timeline: Gain perspective on your life journey. Humans: Lean on others—don’t go it alone. Isolate: Focus on the present moment. Story: Reframe your internal narrative to stay empowered and hirable. 🎧 Podcast Highlight Nina’s podcast This Seriously Sucks features guests who’ve overcome major life challenges. She highlights Joe Delagrave, a Paralympian and coach, whose story of resilience and transformation deeply inspired her. 💬 Closing Thoughts Rushion praises Nina’s authenticity, voice, and ability to connect. Nina encourages listeners to embrace their “this” moment and remember: “This is not the end.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Gregory Richardson. A cybersecurity expert and AI consultant. The conversation explores cybersecurity best practices, the rise of AI, and how Gregory is helping churches and nonprofits leverage technology to spread the gospel. 🔐 Cybersecurity Insights 🔹 Gregory’s Background Based in Dallas, Texas. Works full-time as an ethical hacker and cybersecurity consultant for major corporations and governments. Also a serial entrepreneur with ventures in real estate, consulting, and software. 🔹 Key Cybersecurity Takeaways Multitasking Myth: Gregory argues that humans are not wired for multitasking—focus leads to better outcomes. Password: Avoid using simple passwords like “1234.” Don’t reuse passwords across platforms. Use passphrases (e.g., Bible verses) for stronger security. Change passwords regularly. Password Vaults: Recommends using reputable services like Google or Microsoft. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Strongly encourages using 2FA to protect accounts. Phishing Scams: Be wary of urgent or fear-based emails. Always verify suspicious messages by contacting the company directly. Scammers often mimic trusted brands (e.g., Facebook, Bank of America). 🔹 The Bigger Picture Cybercrime now generates more revenue than global drug trafficking. Criminal organizations are well-funded and recruit tech talent to build sophisticated scams. 🤖 Artificial Intelligence & Opportunity 🔹 AI as a Tool for Good Compares AI to the Gutenberg printing press—initially misused, but ultimately transformative. Believes AI’s potential far outweighs its risks. 🔹 AI in Business Helps businesses identify “million-dollar problems” and solve them with AI. Example: Built a toll-tracking app for a car rental company that became more profitable than the rental business itself. Encourages entrepreneurs to use AI tools to build apps without needing coding skills. 🔹 AI in Education Created a custom math quiz app for his daughter using her course materials and AI. 🙏 AI for Churches & Nonprofits Gregory focuses on helping churches and nonprofits use AI to: Spread the gospel. Operate more efficiently. Compete with limited budgets. Offers consulting and resources through his website: GregoryRichardson.ai 📚 Book Mentioned Gregory has authored a book on using AI to solve business problems and create scalable solutions. 🎙️ Closing Notes Rushion praises Gregory’s passion, clarity, and practical advice. Plans to bring him back for a deeper dive into AI’s role in faith-based and nonprofit work. #SHMS #STRAW #BEST #AMISee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dexter B. Jenkins. He discusses his journey in real estate investing, the role of faith in financial success, and strategies for overcoming fear and building wealth through property ownership. 🔑 Key Themes & Highlights Overcoming Fear in Real Estate Real estate is often the largest purchase people make, leading to hesitation and uncertainty. Jenkins emphasizes education and networking as key tools to overcome fear and make informed decisions. Faith & Financial Success Jenkins integrates faith into his financial philosophy, highlighting biblical principles related to wealth and ownership. He discusses how faith and financial literacy work together to create long-term success. Real Estate Wealth Creation His book, The Real Estate Wealth Creator Blueprint, provides strategies for overcoming financial barriers. He shares insights on leveraging partnerships, securing funding, and building a sustainable investment portfolio. The Importance of Ownership Jenkins stresses the value of owning property and monetizing land for financial growth. He explains how real estate can generate cash flow and appreciation over time. Building Partnerships in Real Estate He discusses the importance of vetting partners and clearly defining roles in investment deals. Strategies for structuring agreements to prevent conflicts and ensure long-term success. 📘 About Dexter B. JenkinsDexter B. Jenkins is a real estate entrepreneur, financial strategist, and author dedicated to helping individuals build wealth through property ownership. His book, The Real Estate Wealth Creator Blueprint, provides a roadmap for overcoming financial obstacles and achieving success in real estate investing. #BEST #STRAW #SHMS See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Yolanda D. McElroy (aka “Dr. Yo-Yo”). 🎯 Purpose of the Interview To spotlight Dr. McElroy’s work as a pharmacist, educator, and author of the children’s book It’s Not Candy, which promotes medication safety. The interview also highlights her consulting company, MediManage, and her mission to improve health outcomes through education and community engagement. 🧠 Key Takeaways 1. Professional Background Dr. McElroy is a registered pharmacist in Louisiana with over 30 years of experience in retail and hospital settings. She began her academic journey at Grambling State University (HBCU) studying chemistry before transferring to pharmacy school. 2. MediManage Consulting Founded to promote medication safety and improve health outcomes. Focuses on educating communities about proper medication use, adherence, and preventing medication-related problems. 3. Medication Safety Advocacy Medications are a leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in children. Parents often leave medications and chemicals within reach of children. Emphasizes the importance of locking up medications and educating both adults and children. 4. Target Age Groups Focuses on children ages 3–10 to instill early awareness of medication safety. Also highlights teens as a vulnerable group due to increased drug experimentation and access to medications at home. Notes the importance of educating parents and senior citizens as well. 5. Book: It’s Not Candy Inspired by her ministry work with youth in mental health hospitals. Based on real-life experiences and includes a song to make learning fun and memorable. Demonstrates how medications can resemble candy, making it difficult for children (and adults) to distinguish. Aims to equip families with knowledge to prevent accidental overdoses and misuse. 6. Challenges in Pharmacy Profession Pharmacists face heavy workloads, including vaccinations, insurance calls, and patient counseling. Many are overworked and under-supported, leading to burnout and even strike considerations. 7. Book Creation Journey Took years to develop after encouragement from her pastor. Extensive research into publishing options and budgeting. Partnered with a publishing company and built a team including an editor and illustrator. Advises aspiring authors to be patient, budget generously, and seek support and education. 💬 Notable Quotes “Medications are a leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in children.” “If you’re not sure, ask a professional. Ask your pharmacist.” “We want to get them early and instill that training so they can make good decisions.” “Many medication-related injuries are preventable.” “If there’s no room at the table, bring a folding chair.” “Our children are important and their lives are valuable.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.