Strawberry Letter

The Strawberry Letter heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show Monday, February 2nd, 2026. Subject: "Whose Side Is He On?"
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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
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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Sharise Nance.
Purpose of the Interview
To showcase Sharise Nance’s mission in mental health advocacy, entrepreneurship, and workplace wellness.
To discuss her companies: Hand in Hand Counseling Services – addressing mental health disparities in Black communities.
Vitamin C Healing – building trauma-sensitive, wellness-centered workplace cultures.

To educate on stress, burnout, compassion fatigue, and financial equity in the mental health field.
Key Takeaways
Hand in Hand Counseling Services
Founded with college roommate Tess Kenny in Pittsburgh.
Created a safe space for mental health support in underserved communities.
Celebrating 12 years in operation.

Breaking Mental Health Stigma
Built trust through community presence and transparency.
Advocated therapy as normal: “I’m a therapist who has a therapist.”
Education on what therapy is and isn’t.

Understanding Stress
Eustress (positive stress) vs. Distress (overwhelming stress).
Physical signs: sweating, rapid heartbeat, tense shoulders, jaw clenching.
Stress can lead to depression and anxiety—seek professional help.

Impact of COVID-19
Isolation amplified mental health issues.
Introduced concept of co-regulation—healing through community and connection.

Vitamin C Healing
Originated from her book Vitamin C Healing for the Mind, Body.
Evolved into a brand offering workshops, consultations, and burnout assessments.
Focused on helping professionals and leaders prevent compassion fatigue.

Financial Equity in Mental Health
Advocates for fair pay: “We can care deeply and earn abundantly.”
Challenges the mindset that passion work means low income.
Encourages professionals to set boundaries and value their expertise.

Burnout & Organizational Cost
Unaddressed burnout costs companies millions annually.
Leads to quiet quitting, low productivity, and high turnover.
Investing in wellness saves money and improves culture.

Personal Journey
Biggest bet: leaving full-time job in 2017 to pursue entrepreneurship.
Therapy helped her navigate fear and grief (especially after losing her father).
Quote: “Feel the fear and do it anyway.”

Notable Quotes
“We can care deeply and earn abundantly.”
“I’m a therapist who has a therapist.”
“Feel the fear and do it anyway.”
“We heal when we are in community—it’s hard to heal in isolation.”
“Compassion fatigue isn’t just a feel-good topic; it costs companies millions.”
“Betting on myself was the best investment I ever made.”
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST #AMI
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Hi, I'm Rushion McDonald, the host of the weekly Money Making Conversations Master Class show. This show provides interviews and information for everyone. It’s time to stop reading other people’s success stories and start living your own. Have you ever thought about starting a business? If so, why did – or didn’t – you do it?
I am sharing valuable insights on how to be a successful business owner and the role Amazon Business can play in streamlining operations.
Keys to Business Success
Hiring Wisely: Avoid hiring based on familiarity or budget alone—background checks and qualifications matter.
Budgeting & Planning: Many businesses fail because they lack a financial plan before launching.
Time Management: Running a business requires dedication—McDonald wakes up at 4:30 AM daily to stay ahead.
Consistency & Trust: Businesses must be reliable—whether it’s keeping inventory stocked or ensuring parking availability for customers.
Learning from Mistakes: McDonald shared his early struggles, including hiring unqualified staff and failing to pay taxes properly.
How Amazon Business Helps
Bulk Purchasing: Saves time and money by allowing businesses to buy supplies in bulk.
Smart Insights: Amazon Business Analytics helps track spending and optimize purchases.
Efficiency & Convenience: Offers free accounts with no spending minimum, making it accessible for small businesses and large organizations alike.
Flexible Payment Options: Businesses can choose multiple payment methods for streamlined transactions.
McDonald emphasized that Amazon Business can help entrepreneurs focus on growth rather than administrative burdens. His advice encourages strategic decision-making and leveraging technology for success. The Amazon Business account is free, and there’s no spending minimum.
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Tammeca Rochester.
SUMMARY OF THE TAMMECA ROCHESTER INTERVIEW
From “Money Making Conversations Master Class” with Rushion McDonald
1. Purpose of the Interview
The interview was designed to:
Spotlight Tammeca Rochester, founder and CEO of Harlem Cycle, and her journey from engineering and corporate marketing into entrepreneurship.
Highlight the importance of holistic wellness, community‑based fitness, and representation within the fitness industry.
Inspire entrepreneurs—especially Black women—to pursue business ownership, develop strong business plans, and stay committed to their vision despite barriers.
Overall, the interview serves as both a success story and a lesson in entrepreneurship, community impact, and personal transformation.
2. Summary of Key Themes A. Re‑Defining Herself Through Education & Career Changes
Tammeca explains why she pursued multiple degrees—from Spelman and Georgia Tech to NYU Stern—and how each phase of her life motivated a new direction. She began in engineering, shifted to business, and ultimately found her passion in wellness.
B. The Birth of Harlem Cycle
Launched out of personal stress relief and a desire for culturally inclusive fitness spaces.
Indoor cycling reminded her of joyful childhood bike rides in Atlanta.
She wanted a wellness space where Black people felt seen, represented, and culturally connected—something missing from other cycling studios she attended.
C. Building a Community-Centered Fitness Brand
Harlem Cycle blends movement, music, and culture, playing the genres she grew up with—reggae, soca, hip‑hop—and fostering a socially connected environment.
She stresses that fitness isn’t just physical but also emotional and mental health.
D. Entrepreneurship: The Real Story
Tammeca self‑financed her business after being denied a bank loan.
She built her studio while still working full‑time and caring for a young child.
Her first year was grueling—waking up at 5:30am and working until after 9pm daily.
She emphasizes the importance of writing a business plan, using realistic projections, and staying true to your vision.
E. Mentorship, Representation, and Industry Impact
Over 60% of her team began as Harlem Cycle clients she later trained to become instructors.
She aims to shift the fitness industry to include more diverse voices and accessible community wellness options.
She plans for expansion, opening a third Harlem Cycle location in Newark to serve another community with limited wellness options.
3. Key Takeaways 1. You can redefine yourself at any point in life.
“We can always redefine ourselves at any moment in life.”
2. Wellness must address the whole person.
“Fitness is not just physical… it’s emotional and mental well‑being.”
3. Create community spaces where people feel represented.
Tammeca built Harlem Cycle because she felt isolated in other fitness spaces as the only person of color. She wanted a studio rooted in Black culture and community.
4. Entrepreneurship requires discipline, planning, and sacrifice.
“Write out your plan… and stay true to your plan.”
“Just because you build it doesn’t mean they’ll come.”
5. Community impact drives her business model.
Harlem Cycle isn’t just a workout studio—it's a culturally rooted community center focused on mental, emotional, and physical health.
6. Representation & mentorship matter.
“60% of my team started as clients that we trained.”
4. Memorable Quotes
Here are the strongest, most quotable lines from Tammeca:
On Reinvention
“Each time has been a moment in life where I evolved because of a goal I personally wanted.”
On Holistic Fitness
“Fitness to me is all about how we take care of our bodies—not just our physical body, but our emotional well‑being, our mental well‑being.”
On Creating Harlem Cycle
“I didn’t want to be the only person of color in the room—again. I wanted a place where my community could be seen.”
On Entrepreneurship
“Just because you build it doesn’t mean they’ll come… back down those numbers by 90%.”
On Community Impact
“We’re changing the fitness industry… starting here in Harlem by training our clients to be part of the wellness industry.”
On Cultural Integrity
“We don’t care about competition here—it’s about community.”
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
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