Strawberry Letter

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Ashley M. Fox.
Summary of the Interview
In this episode of Money Making Conversations Masterclass, Rushion McDonald interviews Ashley M. Fox—former Wall Street analyst, Howard University alum, financial educator, and founder/CEO of Amplify, a fintech platform focused on making wealth‑building accessible to everyday people.
Ashley shares her journey from working with ultra‑high‑net‑worth clients on Wall Street to becoming an entrepreneur determined to bring financial education and empowerment to communities traditionally excluded from wealth conversations. She discusses the creation of Amplify, her financial fall and recovery, her work in schools and prison systems, and how digital content has allowed her to scale her mission globally.
The discussion emphasizes mindset, self‑belief, access, and a practical path to wealth, even starting with as little as $20.
Purpose of the Interview
The interview aims to:
1. Inspire financial empowerment
Ashley explains how anyone—regardless of background or starting point—can begin building wealth and shift generational outcomes.
2. Demystify investing and wealth-building
She breaks down how simple investing can be, the power of small consistent contributions, and how wealth isn’t limited to entrepreneurs or high earners.
3. Highlight her fintech platform Amplify
She shares how Amplify democratizes financial education through online tools, community, and accessible investing classes.
4. Encourage a mindset shift
Ashley stresses the importance of eliminating fear, building confidence, and using logic instead of emotion when making financial decisions.
Key Takeaways 1. Wealth Begins with Belief and Mindset
Ashley learned on Wall Street that the biggest difference between wealthy and non-wealthy people is not education—it's self-belief. Many people don’t believe wealth is possible for them because they've never seen it.
2. You Don’t Need a Lot of Money to Start Investing
She urges people to start with $20, even buying fractional shares. It’s consistency—not starting amount—that builds wealth.
3. You Can Invest in Others’ Ideas—Not Just Your Own
Building wealth doesn’t require launching a business. Buying stock is one of the easiest ways to participate in wealth creation.
4. Ashley’s Own Journey Included Failure
After leaving Wall Street, she was evicted, slept on her parents’ couch for two years, and maxed out credit cards. Her purpose kept her going.
5. Financial Education Should Start Early
She developed financial education programs for schools, prison systems, and everyday families because adults often learn too late.
6. Amplify Scales Wealth Education
Her platform offers 300+ hours of videos and tools, helping members open 3,000+ investment accounts and invest $7.4M collectively.
7. Social Media Is Her Biggest Access Point
Ashley reaches millions by being authentic, relatable, and consistent—meeting people where they are.
8. You Must Pay Yourself First
Most people pay bills, companies, and creditors before investing in themselves. She emphasizes reversing that pattern.
9. Logic Over Emotion
Wealth requires logical decision‑making, especially in the market. Emotional reactions undermine long-term financial growth.
Notable Quotes (Taken From the Transcript) On Wealth Mindset
“When you think and know and believe you have the power to create wealth and you deserve wealth, you move a different way.”
“There is no president that can build the wealth that you can create for your family.”
On Starting Small
“You don't have to have a lot of money to start. You just have to have the will to begin.”
“A whole lot of $20 can get you to a million—as long as you don’t stop.”
On Investing
“Consider the companies you give your money to and own them, because they are a lot cheaper than you think.”
“If I’m helping you build a billion‑dollar business by using your products, I deserve a piece of the pie.”
On Self-Reliance
“You pay everybody… the bartender, the mortgage company—and you’re the one without money. Who’s going to worry about you?”
On Purpose and Identity
“My story never changed. The mission was always dedicated to the people I didn’t see coming into that building on Wall Street.”
“Amplify is the movement. It just has my DNA.”
#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 Cassandra Lester.
Purpose of the Interview
The interview introduces Cassandra Lester’s nonprofit Grow Give Prosper and its partnership with Google’s “Grow with Google” initiative. The goal is to provide free career certification scholarships to underserved and economically impacted communities, helping individuals increase earning potential and gain financial literacy.
Key Takeaways
Mission of Grow Give Prosper
Founded in 2023, focused on financial education and empowerment.
Aims to help communities grow together, give to each other, and prosper collectively.

Google Partnership
Offers free career certifications in high-demand fields: Cybersecurity
Data Analytics
Digital Marketing & E-commerce
IT Support
Project Management
UX Design

Certifications are self-paced, online, and typically take 3–6 months.
No prior experience required; participants receive a portfolio upon completion.

Accessibility
Scholarships are free; the only requirement is commitment.
Available to anyone in the continental U.S., regardless of education level (GED, college dropout, etc.).
Registration via growgiveprosper.org (scroll to Google Career Scholarships).

Impact
Over 300 scholarships awarded; previously had 500.
Designed to level the playing field for those without Ivy League degrees.
Certifications can stack (e.g., Project Management + Data Analytics) for greater career potential.

Financial Literacy
Defined as understanding financial concepts and applying them to daily life.
Misconceptions persist—some communities avoid discussing money or undervalue credit scores.
Cassandra emphasizes breaking cycles of predatory lending and poor financial habits.

Challenges
Cultural reluctance to discuss money.
Skepticism about legitimacy of programs.
Difficulty securing grants as a small nonprofit.
Cassandra combats these through grassroots outreach and workshops.

Personal Drive
Cassandra’s passion stems from seeing financial struggles across all demographics.
She actively promotes opportunities through community centers, adult education classes, and social media.

Notable Quotes
“I want us to grow together so that we can give to each other and then prosper as a collective.”
“Google is leveling the playing field—you don’t need an Ivy League education to earn a livable wage.”
“The only fee is commitment.”
“Financial literacy means you understand the words, you hear the conversation, and it’s not Greek to you.”
“You can’t talk about managing finances if you really don’t have anything coming in.”
“You don’t want to miss this opportunity to increase your earning potential.”
“Once you’re certified, that’s yours for life—you can’t repo a degree or certification.”
#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 Cathy Yoder.
SUMMARY OF THE INTERVIEW (CATHY YODER x RUSHION McDONALD)
In this Money Making Conversations Masterclass episode, Rushion McDonald interviews Cathy Yoder, known as the Queen of Air Fryers—a mother of eight whose air‑fryer passion turned into a thriving social‑media‑driven business. Cathy explains how she learned to master air fryers, built a YouTube channel with massive growth, developed ebooks and cookbooks, and built a business through authenticity and service-oriented content. The conversation blends cooking education, digital‑branding lessons, entrepreneurship, and personal purpose.
PURPOSE OF THE INTERVIEW 1. Educate Viewers About Air Fryers
Cathy breaks down what an air fryer is, how it works, how to choose one, and common mistakes.
2. Highlight How Social Media Can Build a Business
Rushion explores how she grew from a blogger to a YouTube creator with hundreds of thousands of followers and multiple revenue streams.
3. Inspire Entrepreneurs to Pursue Authentic Branding
Cathy’s journey shows how consistency, authenticity, and audience connection can turn a simple idea into a successful brand.
4. Illustrate the Emotional Impact of Serving an Audience
Her stories of widowers, overwhelmed parents, and new cooks show how content can genuinely empower people.
KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Air Fryers Are Mini Convection Ovens
They cook faster, often require no preheat, and can grill, bake, roast, and more—but not everything (like wet batters or funnel cakes).
2. All Air Fryers Are Not Equal
Cathy stresses choosing 6‑quart, ~1700‑watt models and avoiding units that are too small or underpowered. Size and wattage matter more than brand.
3. Her Content Strategy Was Data‑Driven
Initial uploads in various recipe categories revealed that air‑fryer recipes consistently outperformed, so she went all‑in on that niche.
4. YouTube Growth Takes Time
Her first monetization check was $1.36, rising to $146, then $300, then to $8,000–$9,000/month by the time she reached 100,000 subscribers.
5. She Generates Multiple Revenue Streams
YouTube AdSense
Amazon affiliate links
E‑books (first launch made $15,000 in a weekend)
Physical cookbooks (first batch of 500 sold out immediately)
6. Authenticity Builds Trust
She films mistakes, includes her kids’ real reactions (including spitting out bad food), and refuses to promote products she doesn’t believe in.
7. Listen to Your Audience
Comments guided her content direction (like dropping background music, creating cookbooks, responding to questions). Audience feedback = brand refinement.
8. Digital Marketing Tip: Serve People, Not Algorithms
She emphasizes helping overwhelmed home cooks first—consistent service leads to trust, community, and natural growth.
9. Emotional Impact Matters
Her biggest motivators are heartfelt messages, especially widowers learning to cook for the first time because of her tutorials.
NOTABLE QUOTES FROM THE INTERVIEW On Air Fryers & Cooking
“All air fryers are not created equal.”
“If you can grill it or bake it, you can usually air‑fry it.”
“Buying too small can make you come back and want to upgrade—now you’re wasting money.”
On Starting Her Channel
“My first check was $1.36… that’s a lot of work for $1.36.”
“I believed I was filling a gap… there wasn’t enough good content.”
On Content Strategy
“They need to know within the first three seconds that you’re going to deliver on your promise.”
“In the beginning, you just need to start publishing some crappy videos.” (On practicing, learning, and improving)
On Authenticity
“I will only share what I can authentically stand behind.”
“If I make mistakes, I show them.”
On Impact
“If I was in a room with 10,000 people, that’s still a lot of impact.” (Perspective on viewer counts)
“What matters is that person who felt hopeless now feels empowered.”
#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 Jeremy Anderson.
SUMMARY OF THE INTERVIEW
The conversation between Rushion McDonald and Jeremy Anderson on Money Making Conversations Masterclass covers Jeremy’s personal transformation, his mission-driven approach to motivational speaking, the creation of Next Level Speakers Academy, the power of environment and mindset, and his philanthropic work in South Africa. The interview highlights values such as purpose over profit, taking ownership, perseverance, and maximizing one’s potential. [
PURPOSE OF THE INTERVIEW
The purpose of the episode is to:
1. Introduce Jeremy Anderson’s Work
Showcase Jeremy’s role as a premier motivational speaker, founder of Next Level Speakers Academy, and co‑founder of Next Level Living, which feeds a thousand children weekly in South Africa. [
2. Inspire Listeners Toward Purpose‑Driven Success
Encourage viewers to move from “wasted potential” to purposeful, impactful living by believing in themselves and pursuing their gifts.
3. Demonstrate How Jeremy’s Principles Apply Broadly
Rushion emphasizes that Jeremy’s business, branding, and mindset strategies apply not just to speakers, but to entrepreneurs, executives, and everyday people.
4. Promote Actionable Personal Growth
The interview seeks to motivate listeners to take ownership, adopt non‑negotiable success habits, and maximize opportunities.
KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Wasted Potential is a Universal Struggle
Jeremy defines wasted potential as having greatness inside but failing to believe in it or pursue it. Many people don’t lack talent — they lack belief and action.
2. Purpose Over Profit
He warns new speakers not to chase “the bag.”
Impact first → income follows. If your heart is for people, success comes naturally.
3. Your Story Is Your Superpower
Every struggle someone has overcome is a testimony meant to help others. Keeping quiet keeps your gift hidden.
4. Maximize Every Opportunity
Whether you’re speaking, laying concrete, or running a small business, get every drop out of every engagement — testimonials, photos, referrals, and relationship‑building. citeturn1search1
5. Environment and Mindset Matter
True growth starts by changing your internal environment.
Jeremy’s life changed when teachers chose to see the best in him, showing that belief from others can shift self-belief.
6. Non‑Negotiables Build Discipline
Success requires habits you don’t negotiate with: early rising, prayer, meditation, cold plunges, challenging discomfort, and consistent personal development.
7. Extreme Ownership Replaces Excuses
Greatness comes from responsibility, not excuses. Jeremy demands accountability from his teams and himself.
8. Brand Is Built on Transparency
Jeremy’s brand centers on perseverance, faith, and family—not perfection. He shares both triumphs and private struggles.
9. Giving Back Is Central to His Purpose
Next Level Living feeds 1,000 children weekly and sponsors students in South Africa through college. Impact must extend beyond business.
NOTABLE QUOTES FROM THE INTERVIEW On Purpose & Potential
“Don’t come to me for profits. Come to me for purpose. Don’t come to me for income. Come to me for impact.”
“It’s only a testimony if you testify.”
“Most people don’t believe and they don’t pursue — that’s wasted potential.”
On Mindset & Environment
“I wasn’t living a life of purpose… I had to stop blaming others and go all in on me.”
“Sometimes the shackles we have are in our mind.”
On Discipline
“Success requires non‑negotiables.” (Waking early, prayer, meditation, discomfort training)
“People want comfort — but everything great comes with discomfort.”
On Value
“If you want to be valuable, you must have value.”
“They’re not paying me top dollar because I'm motivational. I solve a problem.”
On Legacy & Family
“My brand is perseverance and family.”
“These things don’t happen to me — they happen for me.”
On Accountability
“No excuses — take ownership.”
“I’ve never met anyone who became great from excuses.”
On Giving Back
“We’ve been feeding a thousand starving children every week since 2018.”
“We put 60 kids through college — and we’re just getting started.”
#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 Teresa Edwards.
Purpose of the Interview
The interview aims to introduce Teresa Edwards’ book The Mirror Method: 12 Weeks to Stop Abandoning Yourself, a guided workbook designed to help individuals overcome people-pleasing tendencies, set boundaries, and prioritize their own needs without guilt. It focuses on personal empowerment, mental health, and rediscovering one’s authentic self.
Key Takeaways
People-Pleasing and Boundaries
People-pleasing becomes harmful when you agree to things you don’t want to do, leading to stress and resentment.
Setting boundaries is essential for self-respect and mental health.

The Mirror Method
A 12-week guided process to “unravel” harmful patterns and rediscover your true self.
Emphasizes self-reflection, journaling, and gradual transformation at your own pace.

Selfishness vs. Self-Care
Edwards reframes “selfish” as a positive concept: prioritizing your health and happiness is necessary, not negative.
You can’t be your best for others if you’re not your best for yourself.

Health as a Wake-Up Call
Stress is a silent killer; Teresa’s own health issues (high blood pressure) forced her to reevaluate her life.
Happiness and well-being should not be age-limited—“You’re never too old to return to yourself.”

Letting Go of Toxic Relationships
Users often exploit people-pleasers; recognizing and removing such relationships is crucial.
Fully committing to the Mirror Method means accepting hard truths and being okay with losing people who drain you.

Therapy and Mental Health
COVID accelerated acceptance of therapy in communities where it was previously stigmatized.
Mental health is as important as physical health—“The mind is a muscle too.”

Workbook Details
Available on Amazon and at themirrormethodworkbook.com in print and downloadable formats.
Exercises involve writing and self-reflection to confront truths and break patterns.

Notable Quotes
“Boundaries are key.”
“Selfish is not a negative word—it’s perseverance of yourself.”
“You can’t throw a party and be mad at your own party.”
“Enough is enough—look in the mirror and say it.”
“You’re never too old to return to yourself.”
“Stress is that silent killer.”
“Fully commit means accepting all those good, bad, or ugly moments—and being okay with letting go.”
“The mind is a muscle too.”
“Be okay with being okay.”
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.