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 Dr. Melanye “Dr. Mac.”
Maclin joins Rushion McDonald to discuss the serious health risks associated with hair relaxers, permanent dyes, and synthetic braids—particularly among Black women. Drawing from over 25 years of research and patient experience, she explains how chemicals used in these products absorb through the scalp, disrupt hormones, and significantly increase the risks of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, early puberty, fibroids, and infertility.
The conversation also highlights systemic resistance from the beauty industry, government agencies, and even consumers themselves—primarily due to financial incentives and lack of awareness. Dr. Mac advocates for safer hair practices, increased education, and protective measures to reduce exposure. She also discusses her pioneering internal hair‑health supplements, Bella Nutri, for women (2004) and men (2008), and how she helped introduce the U.S. market to nutritional hair support long before it was mainstream.
Purpose of the Interview
The purpose of the interview is to:
1. Educate listeners about the hidden health dangers
…of chemical hair treatments including relaxers, permanent dyes, and synthetic hair containing benzene.
2. Advocate for informed hair‑care decisions
Dr. Mac wants women—especially Black women—to understand how beauty practices impact long‑term health.
3. Encourage the beauty industry to adopt safety protocols
Such as scalp protection, warning labels, and honest communication about risks.
4. Highlight Dr. Mac’s work and products
Including her Bella Nutri supplements and educational platforms (Ask Dr. Mac).
5. Empower parents to protect children
By avoiding chemical treatments on young girls whose bodies are especially vulnerable.
Key Takeaways 1. Chemical relaxers and permanent hair dyes are strongly linked to increased cancer risks.
Permanent dyes raise the risk of breast, uterine, and ovarian cancer.
Black women exhibit a 45% increased risk of breast cancer when using permanent dyes.
Combining dyes with relaxers significantly compounds the danger.
2. The danger comes from chemical absorption into the scalp.
Relaxer chemicals include sodium, calcium, guanine, and lithium hydroxide.
These chemicals burn through the scalp, entering the bloodstream and disrupting hormones, leading to early puberty, fibroids, infertility, and cancer.
3. Synthetic braiding hair contains benzene—a carcinogen.
Benzene exposure affects both the stylist and the client.
Risks include lung cancer and leukemia.
4. The beauty industry resists change because of profit.
Salons rarely display warnings because “it affects business.”
The relaxer–damage→hair‑loss→extensions cycle creates a lucrative revenue loop.
5. Children are especially vulnerable to chemical exposure.
Relaxers on children under 10 can cause: early puberty
fibroids
infertility
early hysterectomies
increased cancer risk

Dr. Mac advises never relaxing a child’s hair, but if done, the product must stay on no more than 5–10 minutes with complete scalp protection.
6. Scalp protection is essential for anyone still using relaxers.
Use petroleum jelly over the entire scalp, not just the hairline.
This reduces chemical absorption during both application and rinsing.
7. Dr. Mac pioneered the U.S. hair‑supplement industry.
Developed Bella Nutri after research with a Finnish company (Scalp).
Initially dismissed as a “witch doctor,” but now the hair‑supplement market is mainstream.
8. She refuses to participate in relaxer‑related lawsuits.
Because she has warned people for 20+ years, she cannot ethically testify for those who ignored repeated warnings.
Notable Quotes
On the impact of chemicals:
“The chemicals burn through the scalp… getting into the main bloodstream and causing hormone disruption.”
On the increased cancer risk:
“African‑Americans have a more than 45% increased risk when we use permanent hair dyes.”
On synthetic braids:
“As long as that synthetic hair is on her head, she is breathing in benzene.”
On industry pushback:
“People are about the green‑eyed devil called money.”
On relaxing children’s hair:
“Hopefully a mother doesn’t take her child to get a relaxer.”
“Hair chemicals can lead to early puberty, fibroids, infertility, even hysterectomies before age 40.”
On the vicious cycle of damage and profit:
“It’s a 360‑degree money‑making cycle.”
On caring more than her patients:
“I feel like I’m caring more about someone’s health than they are caring about their own.”
On pioneering supplements:
“Hair and skin are internal organs—they manifest externally.”
#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 Nandi Edouard.
🔎 Interview Summary
In this episode, Nandi Edouard, founder of The Simple View Academy, discusses her mission to reimagine education by blending academics with entrepreneurship and financial literacy for middle and high school students in metro Atlanta.
Her charter school focuses on:
Project-based learning
Teaching students how to start and run businesses
Building confidence, identity, and economic mobility
The conversation centers on education innovation, entrepreneurship, and community-driven impact.
🎯 Purpose of the Interview 1. Highlight Educational Innovation
Showcase a new model of schooling focused on real-world skills
Demonstrate how entrepreneurship can be integrated into education
2. Promote Financial Literacy Early
Address the gap in teaching young people about money and wealth creation
3. Inspire Community Support
Emphasize the importance of funding, partnerships, and local engagement in charter schools
4. Encourage Purpose-Driven Leadership
Present Nandi as an example of a young leader creating systemic change
💡 Key Takeaways 1. Entrepreneurship Is a Path to Economic Mobility
The school teaches students how to: Build businesses
Understand funding, costs, and profit

Students turn ideas into real ventures (13 student-run businesses in year one)
👉 Lesson: Entrepreneurship education empowers long-term financial independence
2. Education Must Evolve Beyond Traditional Models
The academy uses project-based learning and real-world application
Success is measured by: Collaboration
Planning
Execution—not just test scores

👉 Lesson: Skills and application matter as much as academics
3. Financial Literacy Should Start Early
Nandi calls it “irresponsible” that kids aren’t taught about money sooner [
👉 Lesson: Early exposure to money management is critical
4. Building a School Requires Community First
Key steps: Listen to community needs
Build trust (through programs like summer camps)
Secure funding and partnerships
👉 Lesson: Community buy-in is foundational for impact

5. Charter Schools Face Resource Constraints
Receive ~33% less funding than traditional public schools
Must rely on: Grants
Donations
Partnerships

👉 Lesson: Innovation often requires resourcefulness
6. Exposure + Mentorship = Opportunity
Students engage with: Business leaders
Organizations like 100 Black Men

Helps them identify career paths and refine goals
👉 Lesson: You can’t aspire to what you don’t see
7. Academic + Entrepreneurial Growth Is Possible
Early results: 20–30% improvement in math and reading within 6 months

👉 Lesson: Nontraditional models can still produce strong academic outcomes
8. Leadership Requires Resilience and Support
Nandi faced skepticism (age, experience)
Relies on: Family
Faith
Community support

👉 Lesson: Vision + persistence overcomes doubt
🧠 Notable Quotes On entrepreneurship and wealth
“Entrepreneurship is a way to economic mobility… how we create for ourselves and our communities.”
On education gaps
“I think it’s irresponsible that we do not teach young people about their money from early.”
On building a school
“Listen to your community… what does your community want from a school?”
On student development
“Helping them figure out what that thing is and putting a plan behind it.”
On real-world learning
“They took their idea… all the way to market.”
On purpose and motivation
“These young people need a space to flourish… I just have this fire to prove people wrong.”
On defining success
“Students knowing who they are, where they’re going, and how they’re going to get there.”
🧾 Bottom Line
This interview presents a forward-thinking model for education and economic empowerment:
Combine academics + entrepreneurship
Teach financial literacy early
Build systems rooted in community needs
Focus on identity, purpose, and execution
👉 Nandi Edouard’s work positions education as a launchpad for ownership, not just employment.
#SHMS #BEST #STRAW
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 Jennifer Ledwith.
She is the founder of Scholar Ready, whose mission is to help students excel in standardized testing and scholarship applications.
🔑 Key Themes & Highlights
The Inspiration Behind Scholar Ready
Ledwith founded Scholar Ready after realizing many students struggled with scholarships due to weak essay-writing skills.
She personally secured scholarships to fund her college education, graduating with minimal student debt.

The Importance of Standardized Test Preparation
Scholar Ready helps students prepare for PSAT, SAT, and ACT exams to unlock scholarship opportunities.
Ledwith emphasized that test scores are crucial for college admissions and financial aid.

Overcoming Barriers to Higher Education
Many students fear essay writing and test-taking, limiting their scholarship potential.
Ledwith’s program provides personalized tutoring to build confidence and improve scores.

Scholarship Application Strategies
Students must research scholarship providers and tailor their essays accordingly.
She advises applicants to highlight unique qualities beyond grades and test scores.

Encouraging Persistence & Resilience
Ledwith stresses that rejection is part of the scholarship process and should not discourage students.
She encourages students to apply widely and refine their applications based on feedback.

📘 About Jennifer Ledwith
Jennifer Ledwith is an education entrepreneur dedicated to helping students succeed in college admissions and scholarship applications. Through Scholar Ready, she provides tutoring and workshops to improve test scores and essay-writing skills, ensuring students have the financial resources to pursue higher education.
#BEST
#STRAW
#SHMS
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 Marsha Evans.
A licensed mental health therapist, founder of Willow Tree Counseling & Educational Center, and creator of the FELT Experience and Marsha Listens wellness platform. The conversation centers on emotional health, nervous system education, sound therapy, community healing, and her evolution as a therapist and entrepreneur. Marsha shares her personal journey from being a competitive athlete to becoming a calming force for high‑functioning individuals dealing with burnout, stress, and emotional disconnection.
She explains the origins of her signature FELT Experience, a wellness model designed to help people reconnect with themselves through somatic movement, sound healing, intentional rest, and community. She also highlights the challenges and breakthroughs in mental health—particularly within the Black community—and reflects on 16+ years of therapeutic practice.
Purpose of the Interview
The interview aims to:
1. Introduce Marsha Evans’ holistic mental health approach
Rushion invites Marsha to explain how she blends psychology, somatics, and sound‑based healing to help people process stress differently.
2. Explain the FELT Experience and its healing framework
Marsha details her signature F.E.L.T. model—Free, Expand, Listen, Transform—and why embodied emotional experience is key to healing.
3. Share her personal journey
She discusses how sports, music, and modalities like breathwork and yoga helped her turn stress into purpose.
4. Encourage new perspectives on mental health in the Black community
She and Rushion address the stigma, evolution, and growing acceptance of mental health support.
5. Showcase community‑centered healing
Marsha emphasizes connection, shared experiences, and intentional spaces that allow vulnerability and transformation.
Key Takeaways 1. Healing Requires Intentionality
Marsha explains that activities like massage or yoga can be therapeutic—but only when approached with intentionality, presence, and consent to release emotional tension.
2. The Body Holds Stories (“The body keeps the score”)
She emphasizes that the body stores emotional experiences, and modalities like breathwork, sound healing, and somatic movement help release what the mind can’t articulate.
3. The FELT Framework
The FELT Experience moves participants through:
F – Free: Permission to just be (coloring, resting, arriving without expectations)
E – Expand: Allowing the body to open and receive
L – Listen: To one’s own body, movement, and emotional cues
T – Transform: The hardest phase—moving from chaos to peace
4. Safe Community Spaces Accelerate Healing
Marsha’s events often result in participants forming friendships, emotional breakthroughs, and even planning outings together—an indicator of her program’s power.
5. People Are Conditioned to Avoid Emotions
Growing up, she was taught to hide emotions in competitive sports—especially tears as a sign of weakness. Her therapeutic mission now is to help others unlearn similar conditioning.
6. Cultural Shifts Around Mental Health
Marsha highlights major strides in the Black community, especially post‑COVID, as more people (including athletes) publicly acknowledge mental health struggles.
7. Therapy Isn’t Just Talking
She incorporates nonverbal tools like:
Play therapy
Sand tray therapy
Sound healing
Somatic movement
Yoga
These help clients who can’t articulate their emotions—especially those conditioned to suppress them.
8. Human Connection Still Matters—even in an AI World
Marsha is open to exploring AI in mental health but insists that physical presence, touch, and human empathy are irreplaceable.
Notable Quotes (from the transcript) On her calming presence
“I think laughter is good for the soul… just being able to find peace has been really big for me… It’s just a God‑given talent.”
On coping mechanisms
“As long as I had some type of music or some form of therapy… I could navigate any stressful environment.”
On cooking as therapy (reflecting Rushion’s habits)
“You’re creating new neural pathways… recalibrating your nervous system.”
On intentional healing
“Yoga and massages can be therapeutic, but you have to be intentional.”
On the purpose of the FELT Experience
“In order to release whatever your body is experiencing, you have to have a felt experience.”
On the challenge of transformation
“We are used to chaos… but we’re not used to healed environments.”
On the evolution of her practice
“I wanted to understand the whole person… and help them change the dial on their dashboard to fit their calling.”
On mental health in the Black community
“People perceive admission as a flaw… but healing is about understanding your story.”
On creating safe spaces
“By creating a space of safety and healing… people get to live the life they desired and not a life from survival.”
#SHMS #BEST #STRAW
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 Abioduni Martin.
🔎 Interview Summary
The interview highlights Abioduni Martin, founder of Do Everything Wonderful (D.E.W.), a minority-owned solar company in Georgia that has grown from a one-person vehicle wrap business into a commercial solar contractor and workforce development platform.
Martin discusses:
His entrepreneurial journey and turning point
Scaling a solar installation business
Creating a Department of Labor–approved apprenticeship program
His mission to empower underserved communities through skilled trades
The conversation blends business growth, clean energy education, and social impact.
🎯 Purpose of the Interview
The episode serves multiple purposes:
1. Inspire Entrepreneurship
Encourage listeners to turn small beginnings into scalable businesses
Show how persistence, partnerships, and mentorship can unlock growth
2. Educate on Solar Energy
Break down solar installation, benefits, and financial upside
Position solar as a practical and profitable future industry
3. Promote Workforce Development
Highlight opportunities in skilled trades, especially for: Black and brown communities
Youth and individuals aging out of foster care

4. Showcase a Scalable Impact Model
Demonstrate how a business can integrate: Profit
Training
Community uplift

💡 Key Takeaways 1. Start Small, Scale Strategically
Martin began with vehicle wrapping and pivoted into solar by identifying future demand and market gaps
Growth accelerated through a key partnership with Cherry Street Energy
👉 Lesson: Vision + relationships = scalable opportunity
2. Mentorship and Partnerships Are Critical
Cherry Street Energy provided: Project opportunities
Learning space to grow (including mistakes)
Business development support

👉 Lesson: Strategic partnerships can substitute for capital in early growth stages
3. Innovation Through Workforce Development
Martin created a new Department of Labor–approved solar apprenticeship program—the first of its kind in his region
Focus: training workers for jobs that companies need but won’t train for
👉 Lesson: Owning the talent pipeline is a competitive advantage
4. Solar Energy Is a Major Economic Opportunity
Benefits discussed: Reduced energy costs (up to ~75%)
Long-term savings
Increased property value
👉 Lesson: Solar isn’t just environmental—it’s financial

5. Community Impact Is a Core Business Strategy
Martin’s mission: Bring trade skills to underserved communities
Create pathways to careers, not just jobs

👉 Lesson: Purpose-driven entrepreneurship can scale while solving social issues
6. Workforce Barriers Are Practical (Not Motivational)
Martin emphasizes that people don’t lack work ethic—they lack support systems:
Transportation
Housing
Mentorship
👉 Lesson: Fix structural barriers to unlock human potential
7. Leadership Evolution Matters
The host notes Martin’s growth from “hustling” to thinking about scaling and systems
👉 Lesson: Entrepreneurs must evolve from doers to builders
🧠 Notable Quotes
Here are powerful, representative quotes from the interview:
On opportunity and growth
“They just let me and allow my organization to grow and prosper… with mistakes… they just encouraged that.”

“I’m still in that growth phase… trying to replicate and scale the business.” [

On innovation and leadership
“I had to build that [apprenticeship program] from scratch… there is no solar installation program under the Department of Labor.” [
On mission and community
“My goal has always been to infiltrate these industries, learn about it, teach it to the communities that don’t know anything about it.” [

“Workforce development… helping underserved Black and brown individuals… get into the industry.” [

On identifying opportunity
“I just look, see where the need is… you got a need—I can provide.”
On collaboration and scale
“I don’t want to be a one-man army… I want to share the wealth.”
On workforce challenges
“They need transportation… housing… mentorship. I can do it.”
🧾 Bottom Line
This interview is a blueprint for modern entrepreneurship at the intersection of clean energy and social impact:
Build from where you are
Leverage relationships and partnerships
Solve real workforce problems
Turn business into a platform for community transformation
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.