Strawberry Letter

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Christopher Gray.
CEO and co-founder of Path. Gray discusses how his AI-powered platform is transforming test preparation for professional certifications, IT, cybersecurity, healthcare, and college admission exams.
🔑 Key Themes & Highlights
The Vision Behind Path
Path provides unlimited practice questions, full-length exams, and personalized study plans.
Uses AI to generate high-quality test prep content at a fraction of traditional costs.

Addressing Educational Barriers
Many students struggle with standardized tests due to expensive prep courses.
Path makes test preparation affordable, helping low-income students access scholarships and selective schools.

Professional Certifications & Career Growth
Covers IT, cybersecurity, healthcare, and teaching certifications.
Helps individuals pass exams like CompTIA Security+ and Praxis to secure high-paying jobs.

AI-Powered Test Preparation
Provides unlimited practice exams and step-by-step solutions.
Predicts users’ test scores before they take official exams, reducing financial risk.

Expanding Access to Education
Offers prep for SAT, ACT, GED, LSAT, GMAT, GRE, and MCAT.
Supports career changers and adults seeking new opportunities through certification programs.

📘 About Christopher Gray & Path
Christopher Gray is an entrepreneur dedicated to making education more accessible. His platform, Path, leverages AI to provide affordable and effective test preparation for students and professionals.
#STRAW
#BEST
#SHMS
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Tarence Wheeler.
He is a highly respected professional with over 20 years of experience in community relations and philanthropic activities, specializing in community and corporate partnerships and relationship building. He is a former Mayoral Appointee, serving as the community relations liaison for Mayor Dave Bing and the City of Detroit.
Mr. Wheeler has extensive experience in community outreach, mentoring, and fostering partnerships to support educational achievement. During the pandemic, he led the effort to distribute over 15 million meals to the downriver community via a partnership with Forgotten Harvest. He founded the All-Star Giveback Thanksgiving Turkey Drive, which currently provides over 3,000 turkeys with all the trimmings to families in need.
Although Mr. Wheeler has been seen serving on a national level with celebrities and the like, his greatest passion is in helping to enrich the lives of at-risk young people in communities throughout the Metropolitan Detroit area. He is often inspiring and motivating students at Detroit-area schools, using a transparent and authentic approach to reaching young people and ‘meeting them where they are’. His first-hand knowledge and experience with growing up in a less-fortunate environment increased his ability to make a direct connection with his young audience.
Celebrities join forces for All-Star Giveback: Thanksgiving Edition: WHO: Tarence Wheeler, Multi-Platinum & Emmy winning Grammy Nominee Rapper Big Sean/Sean Anderson Foundation, Former NBA Players Derrick Coleman, Gary Payton, Willie Burton, Isiah Thomas, Rick Mahorn, Grant Long, Tim Hardaway, James “Budda” Edwards, Actor/Author Hill Harper, Former NFL Players Herman Moore, Lomas Brown, Rob Sims, Calvin Johnson, Wayne County Executive Warren Evans, Wayne County Sheriff Ray Washington, Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist, City Council President Mary Sheffield
WHAT: Annual All-Star Giveback: Thanksgiving Edition will provide more than 3000 turkeys and food baskets to Metro- Detroit residents on a first come, first served basis.
#AMI
#BEST
#STRAW
#SHMS
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Strawberry Letter heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show Wednesday, January 28th, 2026. Subject: "I Know How She Feels"
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Brian Custer.
Summary of the Interview
On Money Making Conversations Masterclass, Rushion McDonald interviews Brian Custer—Emmy Award–winning sportscaster, ESPN anchor, play-by-play commentator, cancer survivor, fashion enthusiast, and HBCU graduate of Hampton University. The discussion moves through Custer’s early life in Columbus, Ohio; the influence of Black media figures on his career; his journey from a childhood dreamer sitting beside his grandmother watching Walter Cronkite to becoming a nationally recognized sports broadcaster; and his path into fraternity life as a member of Kappa Alpha Psi.
Custer describes how he discovered broadcasting at an early age, secured internships in high school, and worked grueling night shifts in radio before transitioning into television. But the most powerful portion of the interview is his emotional recounting of his battle with aggressive prostate cancer at age 42—a diagnosis he initially wanted to hide. He shares the moment his doctor insisted he use his platform to educate men of color about prostate cancer, a mission he now treats as a calling.
The interview ends with sports talk—including commentary on the Gervonta “Tank” Davis vs. Ryan Garcia fight—and a heartfelt exchange about mentorship, legacy, and the importance of Black excellence and representation in media.
Purpose of the Interview
1. To spotlight Brian Custer’s broadcasting journey
He shares how childhood influences, mentors, and early opportunities shaped his journalism career.
2. To promote awareness about prostate cancer in men of color
Custer uses his personal story to break stigmas surrounding screenings, early detection, and open discussion.
3. To inspire listeners to pursue their dreams despite obstacles
He emphasizes resilience—from working overnight radio shifts to confronting a life-threatening diagnosis.
4. To highlight the impact of HBCUs and Black fraternities
He explains how Hampton University and Kappa Alpha Psi shaped his identity and leadership.
5. To celebrate representation in sports media
Custer honors trailblazers like Irv Cross, James Brown, and Carol Simpson, showing how visibility opened doors.
Key Takeaways
1. Early exposure builds dreams
Watching Walter Cronkite, Friday Night Videos, and Ted Koppel developed his passion for broadcasting.
His grandmother’s nightly viewing rituals deeply influenced him.
2. Representation matters
Seeing Irv Cross, James Brown, and Carol Simpson on television affirmed his ambition and provided powerful role models.
3. Hard work—not shortcuts—built his career
Custer’s first job was midnight–8 a.m. radio, reading hourly newscasts.
He later interned and volunteered long after programs ended to gain experience.
4. Prostate cancer is a silent but deadly threat
His routine physical revealed a suspicious PSA level (5.4), leading to a biopsy and an aggressive cancer diagnosis.
He initially refused repeat screenings due to stigma but credits his doctor’s persistence with saving his life.
5. Using his platform for good became a mandate
His surgeon urged him to become an advocate for prostate cancer awareness—particularly for Black men, who are disproportionately affected.
6. Vulnerability creates connection
Custer’s openness about fear, masculinity, and mortality mirrors Rushion’s own thyroid cancer journey, creating an intimate, healing conversation.
7. Career longevity requires authenticity and relationship-building
Custer praises mentors like James Brown and the brotherhood of Black media professionals.
He underscores the importance of connections—not shortcuts—in building a respected brand.
Notable Quotes
(All directly from the transcript.) [Brian Custer | Txt]
On childhood dreams & representation
“I knew what I wanted to do when I was five.”
“Ted Koppel… the way he interviewed people… I was enthralled.”
“Irv Cross was the guy… then it became James Brown for me.”
On fraternity life
“All I knew was Kappa Alpha Psi.”
“The streets of heaven are crimson and cream.”
On breaking into broadcasting
“My first job… midnight to eight… delivering the newscast every hour.”
“The news director said, ‘You certainly don’t look the way you sound.’”
On prostate cancer
“You got cancer. It’s aggressive.”
“All I heard was cancer.”
“My doctor said, ‘Use your platform… men of color need a young face like you.’”
On stigma and survival
“People stereotype what a cancer survivor looks like.”
“Cancer doesn’t go away when you ignore it.”
On sports and life
(On Garcia vs. Tank Davis):
“That liver shot… it was a business decision. He’s too pretty to get his face rearranged.”
On brotherhood and mentorship
“You’re a legend in this business.”
“We’re brothers now… I’m lumping you in with my best friend.”
#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 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
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.