Strawberry Letter

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Ryan Richmond and Greg Bowman.
Co‑owners of Popcorn Remix, a Georgia‑based gourmet popcorn brand known for more than 60 innovative flavors ranging from King Crab Legs to Charlene’s Banana Pudding to chocolate‑covered strawberry.
Together they share their partnership story, the origin of Popcorn Remix, the explosive growth of their brand, how they built a powerhouse fundraising platform (WePowerFundraisers.com), their expansion into major sports and entertainment venues, and the unique combination of hustle, creativity, faith, and community service that drives their success.
🎯 Purpose of the Interview
The interview was designed to:
1. Highlight the Popcorn Remix brand and its explosive growth
From a storefront in Conyers, GA, to Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, Truist Park, the Georgia World Congress Center, the Atlanta Dream, and major convention centers.
2. Showcase their entrepreneurship journey as Black founders
They share how they partnered, overcame limitations, created their own lane, and scaled a product category long dominated by major national brands.
3. Promote their fundraising platform (WePowerFundraisers.com)
A system that gives organizations up to 50% of gross sales, ships popcorn directly to supporters, and supports churches, schools, nonprofits, cheer teams, and more.
4. Inspire entrepreneurs
Greg and Ryan share candid advice on partnership, sacrifice, differentiating your product, and believing in your gifts.
💡 Key Takeaways
1. A Powerful Partnership Built on Hustle, Trust & Alignment
Greg and Ryan met years ago through a men’s empowerment group and eventually partnered after Greg conceived the popcorn concept.
Ryan didn’t have the money but had “all the hustle in the world”—and that’s the partnership foundation.
They call themselves the Visionary & Executioner, committing to outwork anyone and always show up for each other.
2. Popcorn Remix Was Created to “Remix” What Popcorn Could Be
The brand name came from their church’s theme, “Year of the Remix.”
They wanted flavors never seen before: butter pecan, crab legs, chocolate‑covered strawberry, cookies and cream, lemon pound cake, jerk chicken, etc. [
Only three people in the world know the signature butter pecan formula.
3. Their Innovation Extends Beyond Flavors — Even the Kernels Are Different
They use “mushroom” kernels (round, fluffy) instead of standard “butterfly” kernels to prevent breakage, reduce seed fragments, and support orthodontic patients. [
Their popcorn is fluffier, smoother, and more versatile for gourmet coating.
4. The Storefront Is an In‑Person Experience
The Conyers, GA store provides:
Free sampling of all 60+ flavors
Music based on the time of day
Engaging, fun staff
Fresh gourmet popcorn made on-site
The storefront is intentionally designed to be a “vibe.”
5. Live Activations Are Their Secret Weapon
Their background in music and entertainment helps them:
Work crowds
Convert curious customers into buyers
Perform high‑energy demos
Showcase “activation flavors” like Lemon Pound Cake, which comes with instructions
These activations drew attention at Falcons games, arenas, conventions, and more.
6. Popcorn Remix Is in Major Venues Across Georgia
They have partnerships with:
Mercedes‑Benz Stadium (all levels)
Truist Park / Atlanta Braves
State Farm Arena
Atlanta Dream
Georgia World Congress Center
Georgia International Convention Center
They’re a favorite for cheer, volleyball, and large-scale events.
7. Their Brand Went Viral — Celebrities and even the White House Took Notice
Celebrity/luminary support includes:
Whoopi Goldberg
Daymond John
Sherri Shepherd
Anthony Hamilton
Cathy Hughes (Radio One/TV One founder)
The White House (Hip-Hop 50th celebration invitation)
Their popcorn has literally made it to the White House.
8. Their Fundraising Platform Is a Game-Changer
WePowerFundraisers.com gives:
Up to 50% of gross sales to organizations
Automated direct‑to-door delivery
No upfront costs
10‑day fundraiser windows
Ten curated flavors for easy purchase
They’re now targeting national Greek organizations (“Divine Nine”) to scale. [
9. Massive Growth: $1.5 Million in 3 Years
They realized they “had something” when they hit $1.5 million in revenue, without debt, and only two founders running things.
They even had to turn down a $4M deal because they didn’t yet have the production capacity—prompting them to invest heavily in a new warehouse.
10. They Reinvented Their Ops with Subscriptions & TikTok Shops
They recently added:
A monthly popcorn subscription
A TikTok Shop that allows creators to sell Popcorn Remix and earn revenue
These innovations help them scale nationally.
🗣 Notable Quotes (with citations) On their partnership
“He said, ‘I ain’t got a whole bunch of money… but I got all the hustle in the world.’”
On their role to each other
“I refuse to be outworked… whenever you call, I’m available.”
On Popcorn Remix’s purpose
“We want to remix popcorn… make it unlike anything you’ve ever seen before.”
On competition
“When you're going against a giant, you gotta have something real… We had a rocket launcher.”
On their breakthrough moment
“We grossed $1.5 million in three years… from popcorn. I knew we had something.”
On celebrity validation
“When Whoopi sent the picture… and then the White House… that was it.”
On entrepreneurship
“Dreams don’t expire. How you start is not how you finish.”
On community fundraising
“It’s one thing to ask for something. It’s another to give something back.”
#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. Coylette James
Here is a clear, polished summary and outline of the Dr. Coylette James interview with Rushion McDonald, based entirely on the transcript you provided.
Summary of the Interview with Dr. Coylette James on Money Making Conversations Master Class
Ffounder of a faith‑based nonprofit and creator of The Lioness Effect—discusses her mission to empower women to heal, lead, and monetize their purpose without compromising their values. She and host Rushion McDonald explore themes such as identity, healing from trauma, walking in authenticity, entrepreneurship, integrating faith into business, and redefining wealth.
Dr. James emphasizes that women must first understand their identity and unique “superpower" before they can build meaningful businesses or confidently step into leadership. Drawing from her decades in corporate executive leadership and ministry, she explains how healing from past traumas, rejecting societal stereotypes, and valuing one’s own expertise are necessary steps toward long‑term success.
She also breaks down practical strategies for clarifying value, avoiding under‑earning, building integrity‑driven wealth, and developing a legacy. Her life philosophy—“Don’t live your age, live your life”—shows up in her mindset, style, and discipline, as she approaches age 70 with energy, purpose, and intention.
Purpose of the Interview
The interview aims to:
Introduce Dr. Coylette James' work and her framework, The Lioness Effect, which helps women transform purpose into profit.
Share practical guidance on identity, leadership, faith‑based entrepreneurship, and building wealth with integrity.
Encourage women to overcome limiting beliefs, value their expertise, and break free from societal or personal constraints.
Inspire listeners with Dr. James’s personal philosophy on aging, growth, and living boldly.
Key Takeaways 1. Identity Is the Foundation
Women must first understand who they are to build authentic businesses.
Uniqueness is a “superpower” and should not be traded for cultural expectations.
2. Healing Precedes Leadership
Trauma—whether personal, societal, or generational—can limit confidence.
“Hurt leaders will hurt people.” Women must heal to lead with clarity and compassion.
3. Authenticity Builds Trust and Value
You are your greatest asset; your voice is your brand.
Don’t shrink or dim your identity to fit an image or corporate mold.
4. Faith and Business Are Not Separate
Dr. James teaches that faith should inform, not divide from, business practices.
Integrity and values should guide branding, service, and pricing.
5. Stop Over‑Serving and Under‑Earning
People often undervalue what they give because they haven’t valued it themselves.
Women must attach a price to their expertise, time, and transformation they provide.
6. Quality Creates Wealth
Wealth isn’t only money; it includes wisdom and legacy.
Quality and excellence build strong brands and repeat customers.
7. Know Your Lane
Talent alone doesn’t build wealth—business skills matter.
Bring in help for areas outside your strengths (marketing, operations, finance).
8. Entrepreneurship Requires Wisdom & Prioritization
Dr. James balanced a full‑time executive career with her nonprofit by: Allocating hours wisely
Using time strategically
Mentoring within her workplace
Following passion while honoring responsibilities

9. Age Is Not a Limiter
At nearly 70, she asserts: “Don’t live your age, live your life.”
Reinvention is possible at any age.
Notable Quotes
Here are direct, impactful lines from the conversation:
On Identity & Purpose
“Your authenticity is your empowerment.”
“We were created on purpose for a purpose.”
“If you’re trying to be what culture says you are, you’ll miss who you are authentically.”
On Superpower
“You take the supernatural of God, put it on your natural, and you’re empowered by it.”
On Healing & Leadership
“Hurt leaders will hurt people.”
“I can’t take you where I haven’t been.”
On Value & Monetization
“What would you buy from you?”
“If you wouldn’t pay for what you're selling, why should someone else?”
“People will pay for quality.”
On Wealth & Legacy
“Wealth is not always monetary. My biggest wealth is the legacy I’m leaving.”
“Make sure you put the quality in before your name goes on it.”
On Aging & Living Fully
“Don’t live your age, live your life.”
“I will never get old. I will get older.”
“How important are you to you?”
#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 Dave Charest.
Summary of the Dave Charest Interview
In this episode of Money Making Conversations Masterclass, Rushion McDonald interviews Dave Charest, Director of Small Business Success at Constant Contact, a leading digital marketing platform. Charest discusses the rising wave of entrepreneurship, the foundational importance of email and direct‑to‑customer channels, common mistakes new business owners make, and how AI is reshaping small‑business marketing. He provides practical guidance on marketing consistency, channel selection, building community relationships, and using technology to scale.
Throughout the conversation, Charest emphasizes that while small businesses often lack marketing expertise, they possess a valuable advantage: real, human relationships that can be strengthened through consistent communication.

Purpose of the Interview
The purpose of Rushion McDonald’s conversation with Dave Charest is to:
1. Educate new and aspiring entrepreneurs
Charest breaks down the basics of digital marketing—email, social, SMS—and how to begin building a strong marketing foundation.
2. Highlight the key trends driving the entrepreneurship boom
He explains motivations like work–life balance, independence, and financial potential that inspire people to launch businesses.
3. Provide practical, actionable marketing advice
Especially around consistency, choosing marketing channels, and building direct customer relationships.
4. Introduce how AI can simplify and amplify marketing
Charest showcases tools that help business owners quickly generate content, develop campaigns, and analyze customer behavior.
Key Takeaways 1. Direct relationships (email/SMS) outperform social media
Email offers ownership, stability, and higher ROI—unlike social platforms that can change algorithms or visibility overnight. Charest stresses that “the money is in the list.”
2. You don’t need huge numbers to be effective
Small businesses often see high open and engagement rates because followers know and trust them.
3. Consistency matters more than platform choice
Whether you choose Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, or email, the biggest driver of marketing success is showing up regularly.
4. Start small—don’t overwhelm yourself
One of the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make is trying to do everything at once. Begin with the basics and grow steadily.
5. Community is a crucial marketing asset
Local businesses thrive when they maintain strong connections with nearby businesses, customers, and community networks.
6. Entrepreneurs face challenges—but resilience wins
Charest notes that small business owners rarely have a “Plan B,” which pushes them to adapt and continue learning.
7. AI is transforming small‑business marketing
Constant Contact offers tools to:
Generate emails and content
Summarize content for social
Build full marketing campaigns
Analyze behavior from large email lists to recommend actions
Notable Quotes (from the transcript)
Here are direct paraphrases and key phrases—not copyrighted material but drawn from the transcript:
On email vs. social
“There’s a $36 return for every $1 invested in email—but what matters is that you own the relationship.”

“If a social platform goes away, so does your following. Email is a direct line.”

On audience size
“Big numbers aren’t necessary—small lists can see 50% open rates and strong engagement because those people actually care.”
On entrepreneurship motivations
“People want better work‑life balance, independence, and financial potential.”
On mistakes
“A big mistake is trying to do too much at once. Start small and stay consistent.”
On community
“Digital marketing should extend real relationships—not replace them.”
On choosing platforms
“Where your audience spends time matters, but so does where you can show up consistently.”
On AI’s role
“AI can generate emails, build campaigns, and analyze audience data—saving you time for what you’d rather be doing.”
#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 T.M. Robinson-Mosley.
Summary of the Interview: Dr. T.M. Robinson-Mosley on Money Making Conversations Masterclass
Dr. T.M. Robinson-Mosley—founder of The Playbook, an award‑winning mental‑health‑performance sports‑tech company—joins Rushion McDonald to discuss how her platform is transforming athlete care, team culture, and performance measurement. The Playbook uses AI‑powered, gamified psychological assessments to measure stress, resilience, and overall mental well‑being across youth, collegiate, professional, and military sports environments.
Mosley explains how mental health—long treated as unmeasurable and stigmatized—is finally becoming trackable, private, and actionable. The Playbook provides real‑time alerts, data‑driven insights, and ecosystem‑wide tools for coaches, trainers, clinicians, and entire organizations.
She also shares her journey as a non‑coding tech founder, the scaling challenges brought on by the pandemic, and the broader impact The Playbook is poised to have across corporate, construction, military, and other high‑stress fields.
Purpose of the Interview 1. Introduce and explain The Playbook
To present The Playbook as a next‑generation mental health performance platform that quantifies mental well‑being, provides action plans, and enhances team culture.
2. Elevate the conversation around athlete mental health
Mosley breaks down stigma, highlights real athlete stories, and explains why mental analytics are as critical as physical analytics.
3. Show how the platform uses technology to prevent crises
The Playbook provides early detection, privacy protection, and immediate care support—catching problems before they become crises.
4. Highlight the expansion beyond sports
Although built in sports, the platform is already being requested by industries like construction, healthcare, first responders, and more. ]
5. Demonstrate the business model
As a SaaS B2B platform, The Playbook sells licensed subscriptions to organizations, teams, and associations.
Key Takeaways 1. Mental health can be measured—and must be
The Playbook converts psychological assessments into quantifiable metrics similar to heart rate or step count.
Athletes receive resilience, stress, and well‑being scores—like a “mental batting average.”
2. The platform offers real-time alerts
If an athlete’s score enters the “red zone,” coaches/clinicians receive immediate alerts with steps to take within 24 hours.
3. Privacy is paramount
The Playbook is HIPAA‑compliant, mobile, secure, and built to protect athlete data from misuse (e.g., contract negotiations).
4. Mental analytics are the next frontier of sports
Teams already use physical analytics. Now they can use mental analytics to track performance, prevent burnout, and reduce crises.
5. Built for the entire ecosystem—not just athletes
Coaches, front offices, sports medicine staff, and military leadership also use the platform—promoting culture-wide mental health.
6. The Playbook is expanding beyond sports
Industries with high stress—construction, medicine, law, emergency responders, veterinarians—are already approaching Mosley to adapt the system.
7. A critical solution for underserved communities
The platform makes mental health care accessible, private, digital, and stigma‑free—especially for youth and communities of color.
8. Performance is universal
Whether you’re an athlete, military member, parent, or worker—your mental state impacts how you perform. Performance is “agnostic.” [
9. Mosley’s journey shows innovation can come from anywhere
She is a non‑coding tech founder, originally trained as a psychologist working across the NBA, NFL, NCAA, and Olympic sports. [T.M. ROBINSON MOSLEY | Txt]
Notable Quotes On what The Playbook does
“We measure mental health metrics like resilience, stress and overall well‑being using gamified psych assessments.”

“Mental health becomes measurable—like a batting average.” [

On why athletes need this
“Elite athletes report battling depression and anxiety so severe they find it difficult to function, let alone perform.”
On the power of technology
“If we don’t measure something, we’re saying it doesn’t matter.”
“We use AI and machine learning to quantify mental health status.”
On privacy
“We are a HIPAA‑compliant platform… we don’t sell your data.”
On team culture
“Building a winning team culture is everybody’s everyday work.”
On mental and physical health
“If you are not mentally healthy, you are not able to perform at the highest level.”
On the future outside sports
“Who doesn’t want to train like an athlete?”
“Performance is agnostic.”
On purpose
“How do we make something exclusive accessible?”
“This is mental health care—it’s just a different version of it.”
In One Sentence
The interview reveals how Dr. T.M. Robinson-Mosley’s Playbook uses AI‑driven mental health metrics to revolutionize athlete care, provide real‑time performance insights, and expand mental wellness tools far beyond sports into everyday life.
#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 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
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.