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 Monica Cornitcher.
Entrepreneurial journey, the inspiration behind Medase Cocktails, and the realities of launching, funding, and scaling a premium nonalcoholic spirits brand in a highly competitive market.
Purpose of the Conversation
The purpose of the episode is to:
Educate aspiring entrepreneurs on how to build a differentiated consumer brand
Demonstrate the importance of storytelling, market clarity, and operational discipline
Highlight the growth of the nonalcoholic / zero‑proof beverage movement
Inspire founders—especially founders of color—to own their niche, seek capital strategically, and scale intentionally.
Key Takeaways 1. Business Built from Personal Need and Purpose
Medase Cocktails was co‑founded by Monica and her lifelong friend during her friend’s battle with breast cancer, a time when alcohol was no longer an option—but celebration still mattered.
The brand was created to allow people to celebrate authentically without alcohol
It carries emotional depth rooted in friendship, gratitude, and loss
Monica continues the mission after her co‑founder passed away in 2024
Lesson: Purpose-driven businesses create deeper emotional connection and long-term brand equity.
2. Differentiation Is Everything
Monica deliberately rejected the “sparkling water with flavor” model common in nonalcoholic drinks.
Her differentiators include:
Authentic cocktail taste (Old Fashioned, Margarita, Moscow Mule)
Organic juices, not artificial flavors
Bold packaging that stands out on shelves
Drinks designed to smell, taste, and feel like real cocktails
Lesson: Competing on authenticity—not cost—is how you carve out market share in crowded spaces.
3. Brand Names and Stories Matter
The name “Medase” means “thank you” and reflects gratitude, friendship, and emotional support.
Monica emphasizes:
Every flavor name, color, and product decision has a story
A strong brand narrative creates curiosity, loyalty, and investor interest
Lesson: People invest in brands they feel—emotionally, not just intellectually.
4. Venture Capital Is Not Just About Numbers
While financials matter, Monica stresses that VCs also invest in founders and stories.
What helped her secure venture capital:
A compelling personal story
Relevant founder skill sets (M&A, law, operations)
Clear understanding of the market opportunity
Lesson: Early-stage funding often depends on who you are and why you’re building, not just revenue.
5. Research, Planning, and Discipline Before Launch
Unlike many food startups, Medase did not begin in a kitchen.
They:
Conducted a feasibility study
Built a formal business plan
Worked with a Black female food scientist
Set strict personal funding limits before seeking capital
Lesson: Preparation reduces risk and builds long-term sustainability.
6. Scaling Requires Operational Maturity
As sales increased—especially on Amazon—Monica emphasized the need to move from “hustle mode” to operational excellence.
Key scaling principles:
Understand unit economics
Track ROI for events and activations
Adjust pricing as volume increases
Build strategy across marketing, operations, and distribution
Lesson: Hustle starts the business; operations grow it.
7. Niche First, Expansion Later
Medase does not try to be “everything to everyone.”
Core customers include:
People seeking a break from alcohol
Health-conscious consumers
Black men looking for alcohol replacements
Consumers wanting cocktail taste without hangovers
Lesson: Strong niches create loyal advocates who fuel organic growth.
8. Smart Distribution Strategy
Rather than rushing into retail, Monica prioritized direct-to-consumer channels:
Amazon (top-performing channel)
Brand website
TikTok Shop
Only after 6–7 months of traction did retail expansion become viable.
Lesson: Control your margins and demand before entering expensive retail environments.
Memorable Quotes
“I wanted an authentic cocktail without compromise.”
“Everything we do has a story behind it.”
“Sometimes it’s not about the financials—it’s about the founder and the story.”
“Don’t be everything to everybody. Find your market and stick with your market.”
“Hustle starts the business, but operations give you scale.”
“If it tastes too much like alcohol and you gave me a one-star review—thank you. That means I did my job.”
Overall Message
This episode is a real-world entrepreneurial blueprint showing how clarity of vision, emotional authenticity, disciplined planning, and niche focus can turn a personal idea into a scalable national brand.
Monica Cornitcher exemplifies the modern founder:
visionary, data-aware, emotionally intelligent, and unapologetically authentic.
#SHMS #BEST #STRAW
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 Robert Fitzpatrick, a Navy veteran, business consultant, fraternity brother (ΩΨΦ), and now the owner reviving his family’s historic Texas barbecue legacy. The conversation dives deeply into Fitzpatrick’s upbringing, his father’s groundbreaking barbecue business in 1950s Texas, his educational and military journey, his corporate career, and his decision to launch Dewey’s Barbecue Market in Skokie, Illinois—honoring his father’s original recipes and values.
The interview blends entrepreneurship, legacy, cultural history, and personal transformation, while highlighting the courage of Fitzpatrick’s father and the humility and faith-driven foundation of his family.
Purpose of the Interview
The interview aims to:
1. Inspire entrepreneurship and legacy-building
Fitzpatrick’s story showcases how family heritage and values can shape a business vision across generations.
2. Highlight resilience, faith, and leadership
His upbringing in a household rooted in Christian humility, strong expectations, and boundary-breaking courage provides a blueprint for character-driven success.
3. Educate listeners on transitioning careers
Fitzpatrick exemplifies pivoting from engineering and corporate consulting to pursuing passion-driven entrepreneurship.
4. Promote Dewey’s Barbecue Market
The interview introduces the Chicago-area community—especially the Skokie region—to his upcoming restaurant built on a 70-year-old Texas barbecue tradition.
Key Takeaways 1. A powerful family legacy rooted in courage
Fitzpatrick’s father, Dewey, opened a barbecue restaurant in 1951—before desegregation—and insisted that Blacks and whites could eat together.
He enforced respect and safety in his establishment, even confronting racist patrons.
2. Education was non-negotiable in the Fitzpatrick household
Robert is the youngest of seven siblings, all college graduates; five hold master’s degrees.
He himself holds an MBA and an MS in Management Information Systems.
3. A bridge between technology and business
Fitzpatrick spent decades in consulting with major firms (EDS, Dell, Arthur Andersen, KPMG) focusing on business process improvement.
His dual MS/MBA made him a translator between tech and finance.
4. Military discipline shaped his personal and professional life
Served in the U.S. Navy from 1986–1990, plus reserve duty (including deployment to Iraq).
Balanced military service with graduate studies and advancing his corporate career.
5. A calling to revive his father’s barbecue
His wife recognized his talent early, telling him for years he should be barbecuing.
A shortage of good Texas barbecue in Virginia pushed him to recreate his father’s recipes.
6. Skokie, Illinois: the ideal launchpad
After moving to the Great Lakes Naval Base area for a federal role, Fitzpatrick began scouting locations.
Skokie offered: active support from city leadership
grants
an ideal building
community enthusiasm

7. Dewey’s Barbecue Market offerings
Meats: brisket, sausage, hot links, smoked boudin (monthly special)
Sides: potato salad (egg/mayo base), pineapple vinegar coleslaw, fried okra, smoked pinto beans
Desserts: apple cobbler, blueberry cobbler, sweet potato pie, possibly fried pies
Bread: sliced “light bread” for dipping—traditional Texas style
Experience: dine-in with 60s–80s “feel-good” music
8. A commitment to doing things the right way
Fitzpatrick refuses to launch unless he can deliver “the best product on the planet.”
Focuses on simplicity, authenticity, and quality.
Notable Quotes About his father and legacy
“He said anybody who wants to eat here can eat here.”
(His father defying segregation laws in the 1950s.)

“I can call an undertaker or an ambulance. Which one do you prefer?”
(Dewey enforcing respect from a belligerent white customer.)

“That was my barbecue.”
(On being raised around his father’s legendary pit.)

About family and humility
“We are firmly rooted in Christ. If you try to get too big, He has a way of humbling you.”

“Seven kids, all with degrees… that’s normal to you. But we know that’s not normal.”
(McDonald highlighting the family’s extraordinary achievement.)

About his calling
“If I didn’t think I was bringing the best product on the planet, I wouldn’t even do it.”

“My wife tasted the barbecue and said, ‘This is what you need to be doing.’”

About launching in Skokie
“They really want me to be there… the economic development team didn’t treat it like just another restaurant.”
Short 3–5 Sentence Summary (For Quick Use)
In his interview with Rushion McDonald, Robert Fitzpatrick shares his journey from Navy veteran and Fortune 500 consultant to entrepreneur reviving his family’s historic Texas barbecue. He describes growing up with a courageous father who defied segregation in 1951 by serving Black and white customers together, and a family culture steeped in education, discipline, and humility. Fitzpatrick’s passion for barbecue and encouragement from his wife led him to bring his father’s 70-year-old recipes to Skokie, Illinois through Dewey’s Barbecue Market. The interview emphasizes legacy, faith, courage, and the pursuit of purpose.
#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 Howard Hewett.
Legendary R&B vocalist and former frontman of Shalamar—joins Rushion McDonald to reflect on his early career, his rise through the music industry, and the philosophy that fueled his longevity. Hewett recounts growing up in Akron, Ohio, his early professional singing experiences, and ultimately his path to Los Angeles where he worked in show groups before joining Shalamar.
A large portion of the discussion focuses on preparation, visualization, integrity, and being ready when opportunities show up. Hewett reveals the remarkable story of how he joined Shalamar: a surprise phone call during a tense meeting at the Motown building, followed by an audition the next day, a flight to meet the group, and a TV performance within 72 hours.
The interview blends career storytelling, business lessons, and personal philosophy—making it valuable for creatives, entrepreneurs, and anyone pursuing long-term success.
🎯 Purpose of the Interview
Rushion McDonald brings Hewett on to:
Share real-world lessons from a 40+ year entertainment career.
Highlight professional preparation, mindset, and integrity as keys to sustained success.
Inspire listeners to embrace vision, self-belief, and business readiness—especially small business owners and creatives.
Pull back the curtain on the origin story of Shalamar's most iconic lineup and Hewett’s personal development journey.
This episode is crafted as both an inspirational masterclass and a historical narrative.
💡 Key Takeaways
1. Preparation is the difference-maker
Hewett emphasizes that being in the right place is useless unless you’re prepared. His decades of singing before Shalamar prepared him for the moment he had to sing on the spot for Dick Griffey.
Lesson: Preparation turns chance into opportunity.
2. Visualization is a powerful tool
After moving to California, Hewett meditated and visualized every day by the pool—imagining performing for audiences of thousands and negotiating high-paying gigs.
Lesson: Vision boards and mental rehearsal help create your future.
3. Integrity is a non-negotiable asset
Even when offered the biggest opportunity of his life (joining Shalamar), Hewett insisted on giving Motown a chance to fix their mistake because he gave them his word.
Lesson: Integrity strengthens your reputation more than any contract.
4. Career breakthroughs come fast—when you’re ready
Within three days:
Friday: received offer from Shalamar
Saturday: auditioned for Dick Griffey
Sunday: rehearsed
Monday: filmed a TV performance
Lesson: Momentum happens suddenly, but only to the prepared.
5. Value of small beginnings
From gospel singing at 10 to small clubs, to overseas show groups—every stage built foundation and resilience.
Lesson: Don’t despise early stages; they prepare you for later success.
6. The music industry requires adaptability & consistency
Hewett’s story shows how artists must navigate gigs, shaky contracts, and unreliable companies—but maintain professionalism.
Lesson: Talent opens the door; discipline keeps you in the room.
🗣️ Notable Quotes (From the Transcript)
On professionalism:
“You're professional when you can sustain yourself… when this is how you pay your bills.”
On visualization:
“Every day… I would go down to the pool and just visualize what I wanted to do.”
“I visualize singing in front of thousands of people.”
On preparation:
“Right place, right time is important. But people forget the most important part—be prepared.”
On integrity:
“Your word is worth more than any piece of paper you could ever sign.”
On the Shalamar turning point:
“That changed my whole life.”
“If I wasn’t what they needed right then, they already had another cat in mind.”
On life purpose:
“All those things… were preparing me for that moment.”
#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 Attorney Whitney Knox Lee
Explains practical estate‑planning strategies—wills, trusts, powers of attorney—and how entrepreneurs, families, and especially parents of disabled children can protect assets, avoid costly probate, and maintain eligibility for critical benefits. The conversation also touches on integrating insurance with estate planning, small‑business contingency planning, and Lee’s personal mission and background in civil rights work.
Purpose of the Interview
Educate listeners on estate planning as a wealth‑preservation strategy (not just documents)—to reduce court costs, taxes, and confusion for families.
Clarify the differences and roles of wills, trusts, and powers of attorney, including when each is appropriate and how they work together.]
Highlight special considerations for entrepreneurs and families with disabled children or aging relatives, including insurance, operating agreements, and special‑needs planning.
Share Lee’s values and practice approach, including culturally responsive service and sustainable advocacy rooted in prior civil‑rights work.
Key Takeaways 1) Wills vs. Trusts vs. Powers of Attorney
A will is not the plan—it’s just one piece and still goes through probate, which can be slow and expensive; think of a will as a “letter to the judge.]
Revocable living trusts can help families bypass probate, reduce delays, and retain more control over how assets are managed after death.
Powers of attorney (financial and health) are essential for incapacity scenarios; even 18‑year‑olds heading to college should have them so parents can access information if needed.
2) Why Insurance Belongs in the Plan
Life insurance can protect the family’s ability to keep the home by paying off a remaining mortgage or covering living expenses—turning an asset into a sustainable legacy rather than a burden.
For entrepreneurs, key‑person insurance can replace income when the owner can’t work, keeping the business afloat.
3) Minimizing Probate Costs and Taxes
Probate involves court filings and legal fees; in some states fees scale with estate size (example discussed: percentage‑based fees in other jurisdictions), which can significantly erode wealth passed to heirs. Proper planning reduces those leakages.
4) Special‑Needs and Elder Planning
Parents of children on need‑based benefits (e.g., Medicaid) must avoid transfers that jeopardize eligibility; the right trust structures preserve benefits while providing support.
Elder law planning anticipates long‑term care costs (nursing home, assisted living, in‑home care) so families don’t have to deplete assets later.
5) Business Continuity for Owners
Establish operating agreements and buy‑sell agreements that spell out who runs the business if the principal is incapacitated; pair with business powers of attorney.
6) Values, Audience, and Access
Lee intentionally centers Black and Brown women and their families, grounding services in community uplift and transparent referrals to trusted financial pros (no paid referral arrangements).
Contact approach: 15‑minute intake, then a four‑meeting process (legacy planning → design → review → signing).
Notable Quotes (for pull‑quotes & captions)
“Think of a will as a letter to the judge… a will still has to go through probate court.
“A trust allows families to bypass probate altogether so they aren’t paying legal fees or leaving things to people who want to challenge the will.
“Life insurance is a huge tool—it can help the family pay off the mortgage so they can keep the home and the equity.”
“Estate planning is a strategy—not just documents.”
“Even 18‑year‑olds should have powers of attorney—parents can’t just call doctors once kids are legal adults.”
“I stay in my lane—I’m an attorney. I work closely with trusted financial professionals and make non‑compensated referrals.”
“For special‑needs planning, don’t jeopardize need‑based benefits—use the right trust so support continues.
“I want to build a sustainable practice that lets me serve my community and rest well, aligned with my family and values.”
Quick Action Items (for listeners inspired by the episode)
Draft or update POAs (financial and health) for every adult in the household, including college‑age children.
Evaluate whether a revocable living trust makes sense to avoid probate and retain post‑death control.
For business owners: review operating agreement / buy‑sell, add key‑person insurance, and create a business POA.
Families with special‑needs dependents: consult on special‑needs trusts to protect benefits.
#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 Yasmine Cheyenne.
📝 Summary of the Interview
Yasmine Cheyenne, an Air Force veteran, mental wellness advocate, and author, joined Rushion McDonald to discuss her journey from a disadvantaged upbringing to becoming a published author and wellness coach. She shared insights from her books—The Sugar Jar and her latest, Wisdom of the Path—which focus on boundaries, healing, and self-empowerment. The conversation explored her military experience, personal transformation, and how she helps others confront fear and reclaim their lives.
🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Overcoming Fear and Taking Risks
Fear of failure and disappointment keeps many people stuck.
Yasmine encourages people to confront fear and take action anyway.
Her own decision to join the Air Force was a leap of faith that changed her life.
2. Military Discipline and Life Lessons
The Air Force taught her discipline, consistency, and resilience.
She applies these lessons to her personal and professional life.
Quote: “Do you want to bet on yourself? Be willing to believe in yourself.”
3. Writing as Empowerment
Her first book, The Sugar Jar, focuses on boundaries and self-care.
Her second book, Wisdom of the Path, is about using past experiences as wisdom, not shame.
Writing helped her transform her life and inspire others from similar backgrounds.
4. Boundaries and Self-Prioritization
Without boundaries, people become overwhelmed and resentful.
Saying “no” and advocating for yourself is essential to mental wellness.
Quote: “We have to get comfortable letting people be disappointed with us.”
5. Redefining “Selfish”
Being selfish is often misunderstood.
Prioritizing yourself is necessary for success and well-being.
Quote: “Every successful person has had to be selfish at some point.”
6. Wisdom of the Path
The book encourages readers to trust their instincts and take the next step.
It’s not a checklist—it’s a collection of relatable stories and reflections.
Quote: “Use those experiences that you’re judging yourself for as wisdom to help you move forward.”
7. Mental Wellness Practice
Yasmine helps people through coaching, writing, and speaking.
She emphasizes healing through storytelling and shared experiences.
8. Accessibility
Her books are available in print, digital, and audio formats.
She personally narrates the audiobook version of Wisdom of the Path.
💬 Notable Quotes
“Even if things fail, you have what it takes to get yourself to where you want to be.”
“Take the meat and leave the bone.”
“You already know what the next step is. What would happen if you just took it?”
“We’ve been an enemy toward ourselves for years and don’t even realize it.”
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.