Financial Tips: Her advice centers on adaptability, financial literacy, and creating independent opportunities.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Ashley Lauren Elrod. Topic: Entrepreneurship, diversity in entertainment, safety in production, and personal resilience. 🎯 Purpose of the Interview To spotlight Ashley Elrod’s journey as a creative entrepreneur and advocate for diversity, safety, and inclusion in the entertainment industry. The conversation also aims to inspire listeners to pursue their own paths with integrity and adaptability. 🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Visionary Leadership Ashley defines being a visionary as leading with purpose and merging creativity with healing and impact. “Being able to merge things together that make sense, to be able to actually help to heal the world.” 2. Entrepreneurial Drive Ashley founded A Visionary Woman Productions in college, driven by a lack of business education in creative programs. Her journey reflects resilience and self-taught growth. “It kind of happened overnight… people asking me like, all right, what do you charge for XYZ?” 3. Challenges for Black Entrepreneurs She discusses the reality of racial bias and the need for constant self-promotion and excellence. “People can define my work, define my ability to fund a project or complete a project.” 4. Adaptability in Business Ashley’s career evolved from consultations to casting, directing, and production design. She emphasizes the importance of pivoting with industry changes. “I’ve always had to pivot in every single season of my business.” 5. Safety & Advocacy Ashley is passionate about protecting young talent and ensuring safe, inclusive sets. She stresses contract literacy and parental involvement. “Make sure you are knowledgeable of these contracts and what you are signing and going into.” 6. DEI in Casting & Content She critiques tokenism and colorism in media and advocates for authentic representation, even at the cost of losing clients. “People are looking for actual authenticity in these films… I never heard from them again.” 7. Age & Opportunity Ashley shares her father’s late-in-life success in modeling and acting, encouraging older adults to pursue creative careers. “My dad is now 74… had the best six years anyone could have had at that age.” 8. Secrets to Success Her advice centers on adaptability, financial literacy, and creating independent opportunities. “Always being available and adaptable to the pivots of life… learn how to be smart with your finances.” 💬 Notable Quotes “If you lose the job, so be it. Morals and values are a thing in this industry.” “We should be in a position where [diverse casting] is acceptable beyond just Denzel Washington.” “Never let age be an excuse.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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News to Know: Discusses how teachers are underpaid and disrespected despite their critical role in shaping future generations.
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 #BESTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Brand Building: Built Black-owned social media platform to empower creators and challenge the status quo.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Isaac Hayes III. 🎯 Purpose of the Interview To highlight Isaac Hayes III’s entrepreneurial journey, his stewardship of his father’s legacy, and his creation of Fanbase, a Black-owned social media platform designed to empower creators and challenge the status quo of tech ownership and monetization. 🗝️ Key Takeaways 1. Legacy & Identity Isaac Hayes III discusses the duality of carrying a famous name—both a burden and a blessing. Early in his career, he used a pseudonym to avoid bias and prove his merit as a music producer. Quote: “In the beginning, it kind of hurt you… down the line, it’s going to help you tremendously.” 2. Music Publishing & Ownership He explains the difference between masters and publishing in music rights. Publishing is like “musical real estate”—you own it until you sell it. Quote: “As long as you hold on to that musical real estate, you own it forever.” 3. Social Media as a Business Tool Hayes recognized the power of social media around 2008–2009. He emphasizes how Black culture drives social media engagement but lacks ownership. Quote: “Black culture elevates all infrastructures of entertainment, but we don’t own them.” 4. Fanbase: A Visionary Platform Fanbase is a subscription-based social media platform that: Doesn’t run ads. Allows creators to monetize directly via in-app purchases. Sends content to all followers without suppression. Quote: “I’m the first social media founder to create a mechanism where people could subscribe to people using in-app purchases.” 5. Innovation & Influence Fanbase pioneered features like gold verification badges and mobile subscriptions before major platforms adopted them. Hayes asserts that Fanbase moves at the speed of Black culture, unlike competitors who mimic it. Quote: “The only separator between us and them is capital.” 6. Political Impact Hayes used social media to support political campaigns, including helping elect Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens. He views social media as a tool for civic engagement and community empowerment. Quote: “Social media spreads messages through virality… it can create engagement and action very quickly.” 7. Investor-thon & Community Support Fanbase raised nearly \$700,000 in 10 days through an equity crowdfunding event featuring celebrities and influencers. Hayes stresses the importance of Black ownership in tech infrastructure. Quote: “If we’re not owning infrastructures, we’re just contributing to other people’s wealth.” 🧠 Final Message Isaac Hayes III is a visionary entrepreneur who blends legacy, innovation, and cultural empowerment. His mission with Fanbase is to create a platform where creators—especially from the Black community—can thrive, monetize, and own their digital presence. #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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My Success Is Intimidating - 11.20.25
The Strawberry Letter heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show Thursday, November 20th, 2025. Subject: "My Success Is Intimidating"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Uplift: People are divorced from themselves—She teaches you how to stay married to yourself.”
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Marsha Evans. Purpose of the Interview To highlight Marsha Evans’ work as a licensed professional counselor and founder of Willow Tree Counseling and Educational Center. To explore strategies for navigating life’s complex stages, breaking generational patterns, and building authentic relationships. To provide actionable insights for entrepreneurs and individuals on self-awareness, fear management, and relationship dynamics. Key Takeaways Understanding Complexity Life stages vary in complexity for each person—middle school for some, adulthood for others. Evans emphasizes listening and identifying what balance, peace, or contentment means for each individual. Early Awareness and Discipline At age 12, Evans set a goal to earn a scholarship, showing intentionality and discipline. Athletics taught her teamwork, problem-solving, and resilience, shaping her leadership style. Reading the Room Start by reading yourself—know your energy and intentions. Authenticity and confidence are key to building relationships and leveraging opportunities. Fear and Family Systems Fear often originates from family systems and generational patterns, not just personal experiences. Example: Parents’ limited worldview can project fear of the unknown onto children. Recognizing these patterns helps individuals break cycles and pursue their own paths. Generational Patterns & Healing Evans uses Genograms (visual family trees) to identify psychological and behavioral patterns across three generations. Acceptance of parents and family history is crucial for personal and professional growth. Rejecting parents = rejecting life and success; honor them while creating new narratives. Practical Steps for Change Build a relationship with yourself through solitude, meditation, yoga, and movement. Reduce stress (cortisol levels) to improve clarity and decision-making. Examine your money story—how family attitudes toward money shape your financial behavior. Relationships Romantic: Partners often mirror unresolved childhood issues; do inner work to avoid projecting. Professional: Maintain boundaries; emotional needs should not be placed on workplace relationships. Personal: Define roles clearly; avoid expecting friends to fill parental gaps. Consistency and Authenticity Success requires consistency with yourself before expecting it from others. Ask: Are your goals truly yours or influenced by societal expectations? Notable Quotes “I become a visitor in your world and start listening to your story.” “Reading the room starts with reading yourself.” “Fear is often not yours—it comes from your family system.” “You can’t reject your parents; when you reject your mother, you reject life.” “Consistency with yourself is key to achieving the results you desire.” “Your partner cannot carry the burden of your parents.” “People are divorced from themselves—I teach them how to get married to themselves.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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