The Steve Harvey Morning Show

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Kelsey Nicole Nelson.
Award‑winning sports media personality, and entrepreneur. She joins Rushion McDonald to discuss her journey in sports journalism, entrepreneurship, branding, and building a successful multi‑hyphenate career. She details how she built her media presence from the DMV area, launched her branding and digital communications company, navigated a male‑dominated industry, and leveraged authenticity, work ethic, and strategic networking to grow both her journalism and business ventures.
🎯 Purpose of the Interview
The interview was designed to:
Highlight how Kelsey built a career in sports journalism, on‑air talent, content creation, and entrepreneurship.
Explore the creation and mission of her digital branding and communications company, KryptiaNN.
Provide guidance for aspiring journalists and entrepreneurs navigating today’s evolving media landscape.
Discuss the importance of authenticity, networking, representation, and strategic risk‑taking in developing a long‑term career.
🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Building a Media Career Starts with Identity, Roots & Confidence
Her upbringing in the DMV and her HBCU‑rich family culture shaped her early exposure to sports.
She emphasized being confident in spaces where representation is limited and carrying the responsibility of opening doors for others.
2. Entrepreneurship Grew Out of Demand for Her Skills
KryptiaNN was born when people repeatedly sought her help for branding, social media, and communications—and her tax professional advised formalizing it as an LLC.
The name “KryptiaNN” is a tribute to Black history, Egyptian culture, and her own branding identity.
3. Career Growth Comes from Work Ethic + Relationships + Visibility
She built her national profile after a podcast interview with LaVar Ball went viral, leading to coverage on major platforms.
Networking, showing up at events, and being active in the sports community helped her become a Heisman Trophy voter.
4. Journalism Today Requires Branding, Storytelling & Ethical Grounding
She teaches sports media at George Washington University and stresses ethics, objectivity, and authenticity.
She explained that today’s journalists must also be content creators, with employers evaluating social media presence as part of hiring.
5. Entrepreneurship Requires Client Base, Visual Branding & Courage
She advised new entrepreneurs to secure initial clients before launching.
Strong online visuals and consistent content creation are essential for credibility.
6. Relationship‑Building Matters in Athlete and Nonprofit Work
Working with athletes requires trust, knowledge of sport, and navigating personal brands.
A decade of nonprofit communications experience helped her develop the communications and relationship‑management skills that fuel her company today.
🗣️ Notable Quotes from the Interview On Career Confidence & Identity
“There’s never been a room I haven’t walked in with confidence… I own being a Black woman and love it.”
On Journalism
“There are two things no one can teach you—work ethic and passion.”
“Ethics means being unbiased, being objective… leaving your biases at the door.”
On Entrepreneurship
“Fear is always real… but the field called me into entrepreneurship.”
“You need to have some clientele—you don’t want to start entrepreneurship with your bank account negative.”.
On Branding & Social Media
“Brand yourself. Don’t think people are just going to come to you.”
“Have at least one piece of content posted every day.”
On Athletes & Image
“The first thing people do is look you up—your track record matters.”
“Some things you have to soak in silence and take the higher road.” (Discussing athlete PR mistakes).
On Her Purpose
“I’m driven by one word—legacy.”
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/
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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 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.

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 Dami Kujembola.
CEO and co-founder of Amplify Africa:
🎯 Purpose of the Interview
The interview aims to:
Highlight Amplify Africa’s mission to reshape global perceptions of Africa.
Discuss the power of media, culture, and entrepreneurship in bridging the gap between Africa and the diaspora.
Share Dami’s personal journey as an immigrant entrepreneur and cultural advocate.
🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Amplify Africa’s Impact
Reaches 12 million people monthly across the US, UK, Brazil, and Africa.
Has hosted 200+ global events
Focuses on cultural storytelling, media, and education to combat stereotypes.
“I think it’s representative of the need of people right now. People are looking for strong, real connections.” — Dami Kujembola
2. The African Festival in Atlanta
“Atlanta reminds me of home… the energy is infectious, and the support for everything Black is powerful.” — Dami Kujembola

3. Challenging Stereotypes
Dami shares his experience of being asked if there are lions in Lagos.
Emphasizes the modernity and vibrancy of African cities.
Uses media to educate and reframe narratives about Africa.
“I’ve probably never seen a lion in my entire life living in Lagos… It’s so metropolitan.” — Dami Kujembola
4. Nollywood’s Global Rise
Nollywood is the third-largest film industry globally.
Netflix and other platforms are helping African stories reach global audiences.
Dami’s company partnered with Regal Cinemas for a nationwide Nollywood release.
“There’s a big emergence coming up from the continent right now with African talent doing amazing things.” — Dami Kujembola
5. Community and Collaboration
Dami credits his success to community support and collaborative efforts.
Amplify Africa is built by a diverse team representing multiple African countries and diaspora communities.
“It’s really the work of the community… people coming together and saying, ‘We want this to succeed.’” — Dami Kujembola
📌 Notable Quotes
“Stop reading other people’s success stories and start living your own.” — Rushion McDonald (Host)
“Our goal is to make our world smaller… so if you’re in Atlanta, we want you to feel like you’re in Lagos.” — Dami Kujembola
“Your dreams are valid, regardless of your skin color.” — Dami Kujembola
#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 Dr. Yolanda “Yo-Yo” Whitaker.
SUMMARY OF THE INTERVIEW
In this interview on Money Making Conversations Master Class, host Rushion McDonald speaks with Dr. Yolanda “Yo-Yo” Whitaker—Grammy‑nominated rapper, actress, radio host, philanthropist, and now the star of Downright Delicious with Yo-Yo, a cooking series on AspireTV.
The conversation moves through Yo‑Yo’s evolution as an artist and entrepreneur, her spiritual and personal transformation, her love for food and cooking, and the creation of her television cooking show. She reflects on surviving and thriving in an unpredictable entertainment industry, learning discipline, overcoming fear, and discovering new purpose later in life through cooking.
Yo‑Yo also shares her philosophy on authenticity, family, and faith. She describes how the pandemic deepened her love for cooking, how her show blends food + family + culture, and offers practical cooking tips.
PURPOSE OF THE INTERVIEW
According to the interview content, the purpose is to:
Highlight Yo‑Yo’s transition from iconic hip‑hop entertainer to food‑focused TV personality.
Promote her Aspire TV series “Downright Delicious with Yo‑Yo.”
Share insights on career longevity, entrepreneurship, reinvention, and personal growth.
Inspire listeners with actionable advice on fearlessness, budgeting, confidence, and purpose‑driven living.
Celebrate cooking as an expression of love, culture, peace, and family connection.
KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Reinvention Requires Honesty & Letting Go
Yo‑Yo stresses that overcoming fear came from “getting real” with herself, abandoning trying to look successful, and restructuring her finances and lifestyle.
She had to “let the old me die so the money could grow.”
2. Entrepreneurship Is a Lifelong Reality for Artists
She and McDonald emphasize that entertainers are entrepreneurs, without the stability of 40‑hour jobs, making resilience essential.
3. Purpose Matters More Than Fame
She encourages people to seek purpose—not just fame or quick money—and do the work that builds confidence and personal foundation.
4. Cooking Became Her “Happy Place” and Divine Gift
Yo‑Yo says cooking is a God‑given gift and a therapeutic practice that began thriving during the pandemic.
It helped her through depression and opened new creative fulfillment.
5. Her Cooking Show Blends Food + Family + Culture
The show features:
Her mother
Her partner
Her kids
Celebrity friends
Authentic cultural dishes with her unique twist
It’s not guest‑driven; it’s family‑driven storytelling in the kitchen.
6. Technique & Tools Matter
She emphasizes:
Good knives (sharpen weekly)
Quality pots
Measuring ingredients
Understanding seasonings
Building confidence by cooking regularly
7. Simplicity + Love = Great Food
According to Yo‑Yo, love is the secret ingredient, and cooking is about joy, connection, and comfort, not rigid perfection. [
NOTABLE QUOTES FROM THE INTERVIEW
(All quotes drawn exactly or near‑exactly from the transcript.
) [
On Fear and Growth
“I had to let the old me die so that the money could grow.”
“What I did to overcome my fear was to call myself fearless.”
“You have to get real with yourself. You really have to do the work.”
On Purpose and Success
“If you don’t find your purpose, you’re just job hunting.”
“God told me, because of your obedience, I’m going to give you the desires of your heart.”
On Cooking
“Cooking is my happy place.”
“I’m not a chef—I just love to cook.”
“If you don’t love what you cook, we don’t want to taste it.”
On Family
“More than serving a meal, I’m serving family.”
“When mama’s in the house and they can smell food cooking… that’s everything.”
On Her Show
“You get to see Dr. Yolanda ‘Yo‑Yo’ Whitaker for the first time.”
“I only cook things I love—things I’m comfortable with.”
“The food is the star.”
On Technique
“Great knives will save your life.”
“If you use your knives a lot, sharpen them every week.”
On Pandemic Transformation
“I started really cooking during the pandemic… it took me out of my depression.”
#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 D. Renee Smith.
A transformational life coach and mental wellness advocate:
🎯 Purpose of the Interview
To raise awareness about mental health, especially among professional women, and to promote proactive wellness strategies in personal life and the workplace. The conversation emphasizes the importance of self-care, emotional support, and recognizing mental health signals before they escalate.
🗝️ Key Takeaways 1. Mental Health Is Like Physical Health
Mental wellness requires daily attention, just like physical fitness.
It involves monitoring thoughts, emotional responses, and what you consume mentally.
2. Women Often Lose Themselves in Roles
Many women become consumed by titles—mother, wife, caregiver—and lose sight of their personal identity and dreams.
Rediscovery is essential after life changes like divorce, loss, or children leaving home.
3. Self-Care Is Not Selfish
Women must prioritize their own well-being.
Harmony—not balance—is the goal, where all aspects of life work together positively.
4. Recognizing Mental Health Warning Signs
Changes in behavior, withdrawal, or loss of interest can signal deeper issues.
Friends and family should check in and not accept “I’m okay” at face value.
5. Workplace Stress Is Real
Lack of promotion, recognition, or support can lead to burnout and mental strain.
Employers should observe behavioral patterns and offer sincere support—not just reactive solutions.
6. Proactive Mental Wellness in the Workplace
De Rene’s company offers coaching to help employees manage stress and improve performance.
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) are underutilized and often insufficient.
💬 Notable Quotes
“Self-care is not selfish.” – De Rene Smith
“Don’t judge people by the choices they make because you don’t know what they had to choose from.” – D. Renee Smith
“I’d rather make someone mad at me than regret not checking in.” – Rashawn McDonald
“Harmony—not balance—is the goal.” – D. Renee Smith
🌐 Connect with D. Renee Smith
Business: Transformational Living Coaching & Consulting
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.