Strawberry Letter

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.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Cedric Walker. Founder of the UniverSoul Circus, shares his journey from producing gospel plays to creating a globally recognized, culturally rich circus experience. He discusses the inspiration behind the circus, the challenges he faced, the importance of representation, and the evolution of the show. The conversation emphasizes family entertainment, cultural authenticity, and global talent development. 🧭 Key Points 1. Origins and Vision Cedric began in gospel theater, producing plays that reflected real-life challenges in the Black community. Inspired by the power of theater to reflect culture, he envisioned a circus that celebrated African-American heritage and family unity. 2. Challenges and Breakthroughs Faced skepticism from both Black and white industry professionals. Overcame legal hurdles with Universal Studios by renaming the circus to UniverSoul Circus. Maintained his original vision despite pressure to conform. 3. Cultural Representation The circus was designed to be inclusive and multigenerational, with acts that resonate across age groups and backgrounds. Emphasized showcasing Black excellence in performance arts, from aerialists to unicyclists. 4. Global Talent and Training Talent is sourced globally from Ethiopia, Cuba, China, and the Caribbean. Performers undergo 4–5 years of training before appearing under the big top. Ethiopia is now a leading source of Black circus performers. 5. Evolution of the Show Transitioned away from animal acts due to changing laws and ethics. Integrated Afrobeats, hip-hop, and global dance styles to reflect evolving cultural trends. The show is described as a “family reunion under the big top.” 💬 Notable Quotes “The idea was to create something where a father, mother, daughter, and grandson could all sit together and enjoy the show.” “We wanted to uplift and celebrate the positive achievements and cultural contributions of African-Americans.” “Everything you see under the big top is curated—it takes 4 to 5 years before an act hits our stage.” “Ethiopia is leading the world in producing Black circus performers.” “It’s like a family reunion under the big top.” “We’re not going after any specific audience—we’re going after the world.” “UniverSoul Circus starts on time. Don’t be late—you’ll miss something great.” #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 Coach Gregory Green. Head men’s and women’s tennis coach and REACH advisor at Tuskegee University. Here's a summary of the key themes and highlights: 🎙️ Guest: Coach Gregory Green Former college football player and coach at schools like Alabama State, Kentucky State, Savannah State, and UAB. Currently coaching tennis at Tuskegee University and mentoring student-athletes. 🧠 Key Topics Discussed 🏈 NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) and College Athletics NIL has transformed college sports, allowing athletes to earn money through endorsements and sponsorships. Power Five schools (like Ohio State and Michigan) have massive NIL collectives, sometimes offering millions to high school recruits. HBCUs and smaller programs are participating but on a smaller financial scale. NIL deals are often driven by alumni and corporate partnerships. 🔁 Transfer Portal Explained as a tool for athletes to transfer schools without sitting out a year. While it offers flexibility, it also raises concerns about commitment, development, and long-term planning. Athletes risk losing scholarships if they enter the portal without securing a new opportunity. 🎾 Tuskegee Tennis Program Coach Green leads a successful program with high academic and athletic performance. His teams have won championships and maintained top GPAs in the region. Emphasizes holistic development—athletics, academics, and career readiness. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Mentorship & Parental Advice Encourages parents to let student-athletes make their own college decisions. Stresses the importance of attitude and effort as the only two things athletes can control. Advocates for intrinsic motivation and resilience in the face of adversity. #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.