Strawberry Letter

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning!
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Marsha Evans.
A licensed mental health therapist, founder of Willow Tree Counseling & Educational Center, and creator of the FELT Experience and Marsha Listens wellness platform. The conversation centers on emotional health, nervous system education, sound therapy, community healing, and her evolution as a therapist and entrepreneur. Marsha shares her personal journey from being a competitive athlete to becoming a calming force for high‑functioning individuals dealing with burnout, stress, and emotional disconnection.
She explains the origins of her signature FELT Experience, a wellness model designed to help people reconnect with themselves through somatic movement, sound healing, intentional rest, and community. She also highlights the challenges and breakthroughs in mental health—particularly within the Black community—and reflects on 16+ years of therapeutic practice.
Purpose of the Interview
The interview aims to:
1. Introduce Marsha Evans’ holistic mental health approach
Rushion invites Marsha to explain how she blends psychology, somatics, and sound‑based healing to help people process stress differently.
2. Explain the FELT Experience and its healing framework
Marsha details her signature F.E.L.T. model—Free, Expand, Listen, Transform—and why embodied emotional experience is key to healing.
3. Share her personal journey
She discusses how sports, music, and modalities like breathwork and yoga helped her turn stress into purpose.
4. Encourage new perspectives on mental health in the Black community
She and Rushion address the stigma, evolution, and growing acceptance of mental health support.
5. Showcase community‑centered healing
Marsha emphasizes connection, shared experiences, and intentional spaces that allow vulnerability and transformation.
Key Takeaways 1. Healing Requires Intentionality
Marsha explains that activities like massage or yoga can be therapeutic—but only when approached with intentionality, presence, and consent to release emotional tension.
2. The Body Holds Stories (“The body keeps the score”)
She emphasizes that the body stores emotional experiences, and modalities like breathwork, sound healing, and somatic movement help release what the mind can’t articulate.
3. The FELT Framework
The FELT Experience moves participants through:
F – Free: Permission to just be (coloring, resting, arriving without expectations)
E – Expand: Allowing the body to open and receive
L – Listen: To one’s own body, movement, and emotional cues
T – Transform: The hardest phase—moving from chaos to peace
4. Safe Community Spaces Accelerate Healing
Marsha’s events often result in participants forming friendships, emotional breakthroughs, and even planning outings together—an indicator of her program’s power.
5. People Are Conditioned to Avoid Emotions
Growing up, she was taught to hide emotions in competitive sports—especially tears as a sign of weakness. Her therapeutic mission now is to help others unlearn similar conditioning.
6. Cultural Shifts Around Mental Health
Marsha highlights major strides in the Black community, especially post‑COVID, as more people (including athletes) publicly acknowledge mental health struggles.
7. Therapy Isn’t Just Talking
She incorporates nonverbal tools like:
Play therapy
Sand tray therapy
Sound healing
Somatic movement
Yoga
These help clients who can’t articulate their emotions—especially those conditioned to suppress them.
8. Human Connection Still Matters—even in an AI World
Marsha is open to exploring AI in mental health but insists that physical presence, touch, and human empathy are irreplaceable.
Notable Quotes (from the transcript) On her calming presence
“I think laughter is good for the soul… just being able to find peace has been really big for me… It’s just a God‑given talent.”
On coping mechanisms
“As long as I had some type of music or some form of therapy… I could navigate any stressful environment.”
On cooking as therapy (reflecting Rushion’s habits)
“You’re creating new neural pathways… recalibrating your nervous system.”
On intentional healing
“Yoga and massages can be therapeutic, but you have to be intentional.”
On the purpose of the FELT Experience
“In order to release whatever your body is experiencing, you have to have a felt experience.”
On the challenge of transformation
“We are used to chaos… but we’re not used to healed environments.”
On the evolution of her practice
“I wanted to understand the whole person… and help them change the dial on their dashboard to fit their calling.”
On mental health in the Black community
“People perceive admission as a flaw… but healing is about understanding your story.”
On creating safe spaces
“By creating a space of safety and healing… people get to live the life they desired and not a life from survival.”
#SHMS #BEST #STRAW
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning!
Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Alaysia Miller.
A certified nurse practitioner, travel nurse practitioner, and founder of NP Luxe CPR, a Florida-based CPR training company.
Alaysia discusses her journey from nurse to travel nurse practitioner, how frontline burnout pushed her into entrepreneurship, and why she launched a CPR education business. She explains the financial and lifestyle advantages of travel nursing, the importance of mentorship, the realities of entrepreneurship, and the major CPR survival gap in Black and underserved communities.
Rushion and Alaysia also dive into leadership, negotiating contracts, building a lucrative CPR business, and empowering community health through education.
🎯 Purpose of the Interview
The interview aims to:
1. Showcase a path to financial freedom through nursing entrepreneurship
By highlighting travel nurse contracting and CPR instruction as viable wealth‑building vehicles.
2. Highlight the importance of CPR education in underserved communities
Especially addressing the survival gap in Black communities due to low CPR literacy.
3. Encourage aspiring entrepreneurs—especially women and healthcare workers
By sharing Alaysia’s experiences with mentorship, confidence building, and launching a service-based business.
4. Educate listeners on the realities of entrepreneurship
Including time demands, imposter syndrome, and the need for consistency and proper pricing.
🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Travel Nurse Practitioners Have High Earning Potential
As a staff NP she would earn $100k per year, but as a travel NP she earned $100k in six months while gaining time freedom and flexibility.
Travel NP work is paid via 1099, opening the door to tax write-offs, investment flexibility, and entrepreneurial benefits.
2. Burnout Was the Catalyst for Change
Working six days a week during COVID and the pressure of commercialized urgent-care systems led to burnout, weight gain, and loss of self. This pushed Alaysia toward traveling, where she worked half the time for double the pay.
3. CPR Survival Rates Are Lower in Black & Underserved Communities
Alaysia explains that lack of exposure, knowledge, and basic emergency training leads to significantly lower cardiac survival rates in communities of color.
She addresses this through her nonprofit We Push Health, which brings CPR and medical education to rural and urban communities.
4. You Don’t Need to Reinvent the Wheel—Mentorship Is Key
She learned about mentorship in 2024 and emphasizes that mentors help you avoid costly mistakes and speed up your path.
“Find someone who is the ideal image of what you want to be and mimic what they do.”.
5. CPR Businesses Are Lucrative and Accessible
Almost every industry requires CPR certification:
Healthcare
Schools & daycares
Gyms
Police & fire departments
Hotels
Tattoo studios
These make CPR instruction a strong side hustle or full-time business, especially for healthcare professionals who already understand the material.
6. Entrepreneurship Requires Real Work
Alaysia breaks down the less glamorous side of building a business:
Imposter syndrome
The need for consistent marketing
Pricing confidently
Long hours initially
Learning branding, systems, and follow-up
“You only eat what you kill.”.
7. Communication and Adaptability Are Leadership Superpowers
Travel nursing requires walking into unfamiliar environments and leading without overpowering. She emphasizes:
Reading the room
Adjusting communication styles
Delegating the right way
Being assertive but team-oriented
“Adaptability is number one.”.
8. Negotiation Skills Changed Her Entire Career
She learned to stop undervaluing herself and start negotiating confidently:
First contract: underpriced
Second contract: raised rates dramatically
Uses supply‑and‑demand to justify price increases
“You miss 100% of the shots you never take.”.]
🗣️ Notable Quotes On Entrepreneurship
“If you know how to save a life, don’t you think you know how to run a business?”.
“You only eat what you kill.”.
On Burnout
“I lost myself giving it to a job.”.
On Community Health
“They can’t know what they don’t know.”
“Survival rates for cardiac arrest are significantly lower in communities of color because they lack access to basic emergency skills.”.
On Mentorship
“You don’t have to reinvent the wheel to be successful.”
“Find someone who is the ideal image of what you want to be.”.
On Negotiation
“What’s the worst they can say? No.”
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning!
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Bisa Lewis.
🎯 Purpose of the Interview
To spotlight the challenges and opportunities within the teaching profession, especially post-COVID, and to empower educators to leverage their skills for financial growth beyond the classroom. Dr. Besa shares her journey, insights, and strategies for educators to supplement their income while maintaining their passion for teaching.
🗝️ Key Takeaways 1. Educators Are Undervalued Yet Essential
Teachers are underpaid and often disrespected despite their critical role in shaping future generations.
COVID briefly highlighted their importance, but systemic undervaluation persists.
2. Mental Wellness and Structure Matter
Dr. Bisa emphasizes morning meditation, prayer, and silence to manage stress and set the tone for her day.
She avoids early meetings and uses Mondays and Fridays for planning and reflection.
3. Education Credentials Open Doors
Dr. Bisa holds four degrees and explains that credentials often determine access to influential spaces.
Degrees help gain respect and credibility, especially in leadership and public speaking roles.
4. The Paid Method for Educators
Dr. Besa developed the PAID Method to help educators monetize their skills:
P – Prospects: Who will pay for your skills?
A – Allies: Who can support your journey?
I – Information: What do you need to know?
D – Dollars: How much can you earn?
5. Teachers Can Earn Beyond the Classroom
Through coaching, curriculum development, speaking engagements, and grant writing.
Dr. Bisa’s curriculum is used in 30 states, showcasing how educators can scale their expertise.
6. AI and Education
AI should be embraced, not feared.
It won’t replace teachers but will transform education by shifting focus from theory to practice.
Educators must adapt and use technology to enhance learning and remain competitive.
7. Cultural and Economic Empowerment
Dr. Bisa advocates for Black educators and communities to overcome systemic barriers by embracing innovation.
She warns against fear-based resistance to technology and encourages strategic adoption.
💬 Notable Quotes
“It’s time to stop reading other people’s success stories and start living your own.” – Rushion McDonald
“Sometimes those papers just help you get in the room.” – Dr. Bisa
“Stop being afraid, stop being oppressed, and make sure that whatever comes out, you figure out how you can use it.” – Dr. Bisa
“Guide learning. That is what we should do.” – Dr. Bisa
“Consistency is what people gain trust in.” – Rushion McDonald
🌐 Resources Mentioned
Website: DrBisa.com
Podcast: The Paid Educator Podcast
Social Media: Consistent handles across platforms under “DrBisa”
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning!
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Nicole Roberts Jones.
🎯 Purpose of the Interview
The interview aims to:
Introduce Dr. Nicole Roberts Jones’ work helping entrepreneurs and professionals “bankroll their brilliance”.
Encourage listeners to monetize their unique talents and create multiple streams of income.
Inspire individuals to align their purpose with their profession for greater impact and fulfillment.
Share strategies for overcoming fear, embracing authenticity, and building scalable businesses.
🧠 Key Takeaways 1. From Casting to Coaching
Nicole’s early career in talent management and casting helped her develop a gift for recognizing people’s potential. She now uses that gift to help entrepreneurs and executives identify their “DNA” (Distinct Natural Ability) and turn it into income.
“I could see you and how you could fit into the script… That’s really what I do with entrepreneurs now.” – Dr. Nicole Roberts Jones
2. Purpose Is Your Power
Nicole emphasizes that purpose is the one thing you never get fired from. Aligning your work with your purpose leads to higher performance and deeper fulfillment.
“When you bless somebody with the thing that you do, they’re gaining—and you’re gaining for God.” – Dr. Nicole Roberts Jones
3. Multiple Streams of Income
She teaches clients to diversify their income by creating products, programs, and services that don’t require their constant presence—what she calls “money while you sleep” or “mailbox money.”
Examples include:
Lawyers creating online courses for clients who can’t afford billable hours.
Gymnasts licensing their training methods and renting out facilities.
“Your comfort zone is where your dreams go to die.” – Dr. Nicole Roberts Jones
“If you are physically tied to the money you make, you’re capping your potential.” – Rushion McDonald
4. Stop Giving Away Your Brilliance
Nicole warns against giving away intellectual property for free. She encourages professionals to recognize the value of their expertise and package it into paid offerings.
“You’re giving away your cookie for free… You have value that people will pay for.” – Dr. Nicole Roberts Jones
5. Create a Methodology
She helps clients build a blueprint for their expertise, turning routines and habits into teachable systems. Her metaphor: “You can’t see the label from inside the jar,” meaning people often overlook their own value.
“It’s really helping someone produce the value that is coming out of you effortlessly.” – Dr. Nicole Roberts Jones
6. Authenticity Is a Business Strategy
Nicole encourages people to embrace their full personality, even if it’s “too much” for some. She believes that being yourself is the key to attracting the right audience and opportunities.
“Stop letting people turn down your light. This is who I am. God made me this way.” – Dr. Nicole Roberts Jones
💬 Memorable Quotes
“Corporate doesn’t need more of corporate.”
“Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
“Each of us were born to disrupt whatever system we’re called to work in.”
🌟 Impact of the Interview
This episode is a masterclass in personal branding, purpose alignment, and entrepreneurial strategy. Nicole’s energy and clarity make her insights actionable and inspiring, especially for professionals looking to pivot, scale, or rediscover their value.
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning!
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Latrisha McIntosh and LaTasha Taylor.
Founders of BSM Media Group and the award‑winning BSM Magazine. The conversation covers beauty standards, entrepreneurship, their journey from a one-page blog during the recession to becoming media entrepreneurs, the highs and lows of their career, their spiritual grounding, their historic interview with Oprah Winfrey, and their mission to create dignified, uplifting media.
Purpose of the Interview
The interview serves to:
⭐ Highlight the twins’ entrepreneurial journey
How they built BSM Magazine and BSM Media Group from scratch during the 2008 recession.
⭐ Discuss their philosophy on beauty, representation, and purpose
They emphasize inner beauty, authenticity, and rejecting societal pressure—values that shape their platform and interviews.
⭐ Inspire entrepreneurs
Through transparency about lows (being undervalued) and highs (interviewing Oprah), they demonstrate resilience, faith, and consistency.
⭐ Showcase their impact
Including discovering rising talent early (e.g., Tabitha Brown), providing media opportunities, and evolving into producers, writers, and content creators.
Key Takeaways 1. The Origin of BSM Magazine
Started as a one‑page business blog during the 2008 recession to serve rising entrepreneurs.
They credit the magazine’s creation as “something that God gave us.”
Their natural creativity as twins carried over from childhood.
2. Inner Beauty and Authenticity
They define beauty as inner strength, confidence, and embracing the way God created you.
Social media culture magnifies appearance, but they insist “outer beauty must align with inner beauty.”
3. Sustaining Success
Their differentiation comes from focusing on: Quality content
Spotlighting overlooked talent
Doing things mainstream outlets often ignore

They interviewed Tabitha Brown before she became widely known and gave actress Essence Atkins her first magazine cover.
4. Challenges and Low Points
Being undervalued and overlooked in the media industry.
Being judged by numbers or pushed to the back of the line.
Yet, they emphasize:
“That ‘no’ comes back around … bigger and better.”
5. High Points
Their divine‑timed interview with Oprah in April 2018: They put Oprah on a vision board in January.
LaTasha tweeted her daily for six months.
Oprah unexpectedly turned around on the red carpet and approached them for an interview.
This became a milestone moment in their career.

6. Operating a Media Company as Twins
They learned to respect each other’s strengths: LaTasha: writing, articles, layouts
Latrisha: creative direction and balance

Their partnership is spiritually rooted and purpose-driven.
7. Expanding Beyond a Magazine
The magazine now lives under BSM Media Group, which produces: Celebrity content
Corporate and government media
The Twins a Media Show

They evolved into scriptwriters, producers, and consultants.
8. Longevity Comes From Quality
They prioritize: Clean, dignified media
Positive storytelling
Production standards

They tell entrepreneurs not to focus on numbers—focus on quality, and longevity will follow.
Notable Quotes On Beauty
“Inner beauty has such a powerful way of allowing us to be our true selves.”
“Embrace your eyes, your nose, your hips—all the way God made you.”
“Imagine if everybody operated in their own lane. That signifies beauty at its highest level.”
On Entrepreneurship
“We realized we were in the business of seeing people—because we were the underdogs.”
“Don’t worry about your numbers. Quality will always stand.”
“Sometimes your visions are crazy, and they don’t make sense to people—but believe anyway.”
On Overcoming Doubt
“A low point is being undervalued—but God has a sense of humor. That ‘no’ comes back around.”
“We’ve heard it all. You need layers of skin to accept when someone thinks you're not good enough.”
On Their Oprah Moment
“She turned around, walked past everyone, and came straight to us.”
“Nobody but God—and a little effort from Tasha!”
On Partnership
“God made us twins for a reason. I couldn’t do this journey without her.”
“Working in business taught me more about my sister than growing up together ever did.”
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.