The Steve Harvey Morning Show

The Steve Harvey Morning Show for Friday, June 5th, 2026: Steve Harvey's Morning Inspiration | Show Open | Nephew Tommy's Run That Prank Back - "God Is Not Through With You, But We Are" | Ask The CLO | Love Letters & Kids Playing Outside | Would You Rather | Steve Harvey's Voicemail | Nephew Tommy's Prank - "I Left My Medicine In Yo House" | Strawberry Letter - "Why Is He In My Brother's House?" Pt. 1-2 | Sex In Weird Places | Social Media Advice | Smart Phones | Would You Rather | Closing - "Friendship Is Essential To The Soul"
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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 Howard Hewett Interview (Part 2)
Legendary R&B and soul singer Howard Hewett returned for Part 2 of his interview on Money Making Conversations Masterclass to continue discussing his iconic multi‑decade career, his transition from Shalamar to a solo artist, new collaborations, performing for multi‑generational audiences, the evolution of R&B, and his philosophy on life, legacy, work ethic, and spiritual grounding.
This segment is rich with personal stories—from unexpected collaborations to the behind‑the‑scenes decision-making that shaped his career. Hewett also reflects on aging gracefully, staying relevant, maintaining integrity, and building a strong foundation that supports longevity in both life and music.
🎯 Purpose of the Interview
The conversation aims to:
Highlight Howard Hewett’s career longevity, legendary catalog, and current creative projects.
Explore his transition from group success (Shalamar) to building a respected solo career.
Provide insight into new musical collaborations, including work with Ronnie Laws.
Discuss the challenge of performing new music for audiences who crave the classic hits.
Reflect on spirituality, life philosophy, integrity, and aging as keys to sustaining a fulfilling career.
Offer guidance for artists, entrepreneurs, and creatives who must navigate uncertainty, fame, and reinvention.
🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Collaboration with Ronnie Laws
Hewett shared a humorous story about Ronnie Laws showing up at his door while doing Jehovah’s Witness outreach.
Their new collaboration was inspired by a personal connection to Ronnie’s late wife and her love for “Ribbon in the Sky.”
Covers require publishing approval, not necessarily permission from the artist, as long as royalties go to the right places.

2. Transition from Shalamar to Solo Career
Contrary to popular belief, Howard was not the first member to leave—Jeffrey Daniel and Jody Watley departed before him.
His transition happened during the opportunity to record “Dancing in the Sheets” for the Footloose soundtrack.
Initially, he and producer Leon Sylvers did not think Footloose would be a big movie—a now‑humorous regret.
“Dancing in the Sheets” became Shalamar’s second-largest selling single after “Second Time Around.”
3. The Challenge of Performing New Music
Hewett explains that audiences overwhelmingly want the classics, not new songs.
When artists introduce new material during concerts, the room’s energy often drops.
He performs new music only when he can “set it up right” and bring the audience into the moment.
4. Musical Identity & R&B Philosophy
His solo style skewed romantic and intimate because that is authentically who he is as an artist.
He rejects modern attempts to redefine R&B: “R&B is the foundation—of rock, hip‑hop, neo-soul, everything. You can’t replace a foundation.”

He uses the “foundation of a house” as a metaphor for life, music, and spiritual grounding.
5. Multi‑Generational Audience Connection
Hewett loves seeing grandparents, parents, and children attend his shows together—evidence of music that lasts.
His concerts are structured: Act 1: Howard Hewett solo classics (slow jams, connection, romance)
Act 2: Shalamar dance hits (“Second Time Around,” “Make That Move,” “A Night to Remember”)

6. Integrity, Spirituality, and Aging
Hewett emphasizes that integrity, faith, and foundation have sustained his life and career.
He began singing gospel in childhood; his mother was a gospel promoter who booked major gospel acts.
At 70, he says he does not look or feel how he imagined 70 would look when he was younger.
He encourages people to control what they allow into their lives—“stress, drama, or peace.”

7. Entrepreneurship and Resilience
As an entertainer, he equates his career to running a small business—no guaranteed income, no employer‑provided safety net.
COVID forced him off the road for the first time in decades and taught him adaptability.
He attributes his continued success to a solid foundation, timeless hits, and avoiding stress.

8. Life Lessons: Worry, Faith, and the Power of the Tongue
Hewett shared a powerful story about receiving a church pamphlet titled “Worry Is a Sign of Disbelief.”
He spent years removing “worry” from his vocabulary and now avoids negative speech.
He compares the tongue to a ship’s rudder—small but capable of steering life’s direction.

🗣️ Notable Quotes ✔ On new music
“When you do new material, it’s almost like singing in Japanese. People don’t want to hear it unless you set it up right.”

✔ On R&B
“R&B is the foundation—of rock, hip-hop, neo-soul… you can’t replace a foundation.”
✔ On longevity
“Integrity is one of the most important things. Let your yes be your yes.”
✔ On aging
“When I turned 70, I thanked God it doesn’t look like what I thought it would look like when I was 30 or 40.”
✔ On stress
“Stress is like a rocking chair—it gives you a lot to do, but you’re still in the same place when you get done.”
✔ On faith
“If you’re truly a child of God, what are you worried about? Worry is a sign of disbelief"
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/
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 Todd Kroupa
A former firefighter turned top-producing real estate agent in Georgia. Todd explains his journey from a physically demanding fire department career to becoming a highly successful real estate broker, team leader, and luxury/equestrian property specialist.
The conversation walks through:
His transition from the fire service to real estate
Opening and managing a 400‑agent office in Florida
Relocating to Georgia and re-establishing his business
How he advises both first-time homebuyers and experienced sellers
Emotional decision-making in buying and selling
Inspections, deal-breakers, and buyer/seller behavior
Multi-generational housing trends post‑COVID
Why real estate remains a wealth-building tool
Advice for navigating neighborhoods, schools, and due diligence
His eventual ranking as #1 single agent for Berkshire Hathaway in Georgia (2024–2025)
Todd emphasizes integrity, long-term relationships, and guiding clients toward the right house — not just closing a deal.
Purpose of the Interview
The purpose of Todd Kroupa’s appearance is to:
Share a motivational career-change story — moving from firefighter to top real estate agent.
Educate listeners on the real estate process — including buying, selling, inspections, and market strategy.
Give practical tips for first-time homebuyers, families, and multi-generational households.
Promote best practices for choosing neighborhoods, navigating emotion in home buying, and avoiding pitfalls.
Highlight Todd’s success and position him as a trusted resource for Georgia real estate clients.
Key Takeaways 1. Career Transition & Motivation
Todd became a firefighter in 1992, retired in 2014, and began real estate in 2002.
Real estate appealed to him because it allowed him to continue helping people without the physical strain.
He built and managed a 400-agent office before returning to working directly with clients — his true passion.
2. Balancing Firefighting and Real Estate
He often worked both jobs full-time, with limited days off.
Eventually, maintaining both became impossible: “I can’t do this anymore,” he told his wife.
3. Buyer Advice
Buyers make decisions emotionally first, then logically.
Within the first 3–5 minutes in a home, buyers often know if they like it.
Lighting, paint color, home condition, and layout heavily influence emotional response.
First-time buyers need extra guidance — like “teaching someone to drive for the first time.”
4. Seller Advice
Selling isn’t just about market timing — presentation matters.
Neutral paint colors and bright white lighting help increase buyer appeal.
Every showing is won or lost in the first few minutes.
5. Inspections Matter — and Are Deal Breakers
Top inspection walk‑aways:
Mold
Foundation issues
Roof problems
Todd stresses that if a buyer is uncomfortable before closing, “you won’t be comfortable after you close.”
6. Emotion vs. Logic
Many buyers get emotionally attached and ignore red flags.
Todd’s rule: commissions should never drive decisions.
7. Multi-Generational Living Is Rising
Driven by COVID, high child-care costs, rising home prices.
Families are choosing: ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units)
“In-law suites”
Larger family compounds

8. Real Estate as a Wealth Builder
Unlike stock investments, real estate allows you to: Control, improve, alter, and live in the asset.

Tax advantages like 1031 exchanges and mortgage deductions compound long-term value.
9. Don’t Buy the Most Expensive House in the Neighborhood
Surrounding homes cap your resale value.
You may have to wait years for nearby homes to “catch up.”
10. Neighborhood Due Diligence
Realtors must avoid discrimination (Fair Housing Act).
Buyers should: Visit neighborhoods at night and on weekends
Speak with neighbors
Review school ratings and county resources

Notable Quotes (from the transcript) Career & Purpose
“I love helping people. That’s why I became a fireman. Real estate was another way to help people.”
“I wasn’t quite sure I wanted to manage long term… my heart was with clients.”
Ethics & Commission
“Commissions should never be above the people.”
“If you’re focused on commissions, you need to pick a different industry.”
Emotions in Home Buying
“Buyers think they’re looking logically, but they’re looking emotionally first.”
“Within the first 3–5 minutes, they already know if they like the home.”
Inspections
“If you’re not comfortable with the property now, you won’t be comfortable after you close.”
Neighborhood Choice
“Focus on the house, but look at the neighborhood — you can’t change your neighbors.”
Wealth Building
“With stocks you can’t control it, improve it, or live in it. With a home, you can.”
Success & Determination
“Someone told me when I moved to Georgia I wasn’t going to make it. Now I’m the number one salesperson in Georgia.”
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/
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 Travis Payne.
The interview serves three main purposes:
Inspiration & Career Blueprint
To highlight Travis Payne’s journey from Atlanta dancer to globally recognized choreographer and director working with icons like Michael and Janet Jackson.

Business of Entertainment
To educate listeners on how creativity (dance, music, performance) intersects with business, branding, and revenue generation.

Motivation for Entrepreneurs & Creatives
To reinforce themes of persistence, preparation, and leveraging opportunity—aligned with the show’s mission to help audiences “plan their own success story.” [TRAVIS PAYNE | Txt]

🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Success = Preparation + Opportunity + Fearlessness
Payne emphasizes being constantly ready for opportunities in competitive environments like LA.
He notes that many people have talent, but lack access and readiness.
➡️ Insight:
Preparedness + courage to engage = career breakthroughs
2. Rejection Is Part of the Process
He attended multiple auditions daily and expected rejection.
Thick skin is essential in creative industries.
➡️ Insight:
Expect “no” as part of the path to “yes.”
3. Dance & Music Are Universal and Powerful
Dance is described as a “universal language” that connects people across cultures.
He recalls a powerful moment where audiences in conflict came together through music at a Michael Jackson performance. [TRAVIS PAYNE | Txt]
➡️ Insight:
Art has the power to unify where politics cannot.
4. Creativity Must Align with Business Goals
Payne highlights that choreography and creative direction are not just artistic—they must meet commercial objectives.
Example: His work on Gap’s “Khakis” campaign helped drive $1B in product sales. [TRAVIS PAYNE | Txt]
➡️ Insight:
If it doesn’t generate value, it’s a hobby—not a business.
5. Michael Jackson as a Blueprint for Branding & Ownership
Michael Jackson is framed as a case study in: Innovation and brand-building
Long-term thinking (“Will this be cool in 50 years?”)
Ownership of intellectual property (publishing, rights)

➡️ Insight:
Creative control and ownership drive lasting wealth and influence.
6. Innovation Drives Longevity
Michael Jackson’s continuous push for originality is cited as the reason his relevance spans generations.
➡️ Insight:
Timeless brands are built on innovation—not imitation.
7. Career Growth Requires Evolution
Payne progressed from: Dancer → Choreographer → Director → Producer

His growth came from both talent and mentorship (e.g., Michael Jackson guiding his career steps).
➡️ Insight:
Longevity requires expanding your skillset and role.
8. Mindset: “Delusional” vs. Committed
He reframes ambition: Not unrealistic → but deeply committed and prepared.

➡️ Insight:
Belief + discipline separates dreamers from achievers.
💬 Notable Quotes 🔹 On Readiness
“If you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready.” [TRAVIS PAYNE | Txt]
🔹 On Rejection
“There would be a lot of no’s before you get to the yes.” [TRAVIS PAYNE | Txt]
🔹 On Dance & Creativity
“Dance is a universal language… it unites us.” [TRAVIS PAYNE | Txt]
🔹 On Business vs. Hobby
“If it doesn’t make sense as a business… it’s a hobby.” [TRAVIS PAYNE | Txt]
🔹 On Michael Jackson’s Vision
“He wanted to always create his own specific lane.” [TRAVIS PAYNE | Txt]
🔹 On Personal Drive
“You have to have the nerve to think that you can.” [TRAVIS PAYNE | Txt]
🔹 On Commitment vs. Delusion
“No, I am committed… and I’m prepared.” [TRAVIS PAYNE | Txt]
🧭 Overall Theme
The interview reinforces a powerful message:
Creative success is not just talent—it’s strategy, resilience, and business intelligence.
Travis Payne embodies the blend of:
Artistry (dance, storytelling)
Execution (discipline, skill)
Business acumen (branding, monetization)
📌 Bottom Line
This interview is both:
A masterclass in navigating the entertainment industry
And a motivational guide for entrepreneurs and creatives
Core lesson:
👉 Own your craft, understand the business, stay ready, and build something timeless.
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/
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 Dawnn Lewis.
Summary of the Interview
On Money Making Conversations Masterclass, Rushion McDonald interviews Dawnn Lewis—iconic actress, singer, songwriter, voice actress, philanthropist, and founder of the A New Day Foundation. The conversation traces her extraordinary career, starting from her childhood as a singer, dancer, and actor, through her rise to fame on A Different World, her decades-long voiceover career (including The Simpsons, Futurama, Star Trek: Lower Decks), and her ongoing philanthropic work supporting youth nationwide.
Dawnn discusses the challenges of being a multi-talented artist in an industry eager to box people into one lane, how A Different World both elevated and pigeonholed her, and how animation opened a vast new chapter for her that has lasted more than 30 years. She shares her philosophy on longevity, discipline, relationships, and the responsibility to give back. The interview also highlights her foundation’s programs supporting students, HBCUs, and underserved communities.
Purpose of the Interview
1. Celebrate Dawnn Lewis’s multi-decade, multi-disciplinary career
The interview showcases the depth of her talent—from singing and songwriting to acting, animation, and Broadway.
2. Highlight representation and legacy
Dawnn discusses the cultural impact of A Different World and her groundbreaking role as a Black female captain in Star Trek: Lower Decks.
3. Inspire audiences with her journey from Bed-Stuy to global success
Her story emphasizes perseverance, big dreaming, and ignoring limitations others impose.
4. Promote the A New Day Foundation
Dawnn details programs empowering youth, HBCU students, and underserved communities.
5. Provide insight into surviving and thriving in entertainment
She shares the importance of relationships, versatility, and constant self-improvement.
Key Takeaways
1. She was a “triple threat” long before Hollywood discovered her
Singing, dancing, and acting from age 7–11, she began performing professionally at 10 and even launched her own musical theatre degree program at the University of Miami.
2. A Different World brought fame but also typecasting
While it launched her into global visibility, it also led people to underestimate her songwriting, music, and voiceover abilities.
3. Her voice acting career spans more than 30 years
She has voiced characters on The Simpsons, Futurama, Star Trek: Lower Decks, Craig of the Creek, Fairly OddParents, Mortal Kombat, and many more.
Her entry into animation came from imitating her young niece for a role.
4. Representation matters deeply to her
Seeing Nichelle Nichols on Star Trek inspired her as a child; today, Dawnn is one of the very few Black captains in the Star Trek universe.
5. The industry rewards resilience and relationships
Dawnn emphasizes that her longevity comes from consistently doing excellent work and nurturing her professional network.
6. She founded the A New Day Foundation to uplift youth
Her programs serve teens, HBCU students, and communities nationwide, providing mentorship, laptops, scholarships, and life skills training.
7. Dawnn’s journey is one of intentional growth and constant reinvention
She never stopped expanding—into Broadway, television, songwriting, animation, philanthropy, and leadership.
Notable Quotes
(All quotes from the uploaded transcript.)
On talent and early training
“I was singing, dancing at seven, acting at eleven… doing all three professionally since I was about ten years old.”
“I thought I was going to be a recording artist… I had my own single out. I was charting on Billboard.”
On being boxed in
“I didn’t start getting pigeonholed until I did A Different World… now you’re just an actress.”
On entering animation
“There weren’t very many people of color in the animation world… the director said, ‘Who are you? How come I never met you before?’”
“I get to voice characters they wouldn’t hire me visually to play.”
On representation and Star Trek
“In the legacy of Star Trek, it’s me and Avery Brooks as the Black captains.”
“Seeing Nichelle Nichols made me hopeful… she was my hero.”
On career longevity
“You quiet the naysayers by just showing up and doing the work.”
“God keeps opening doors and giving me what I need to walk through them successfully.”
On giving back
“I am my best investment.” (also used in her foundation’s mission)
“Where you were yesterday is not where you have to end up today.”
@#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.