The Steve Harvey Morning Show

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Lawrence Phillips.
Purpose of the Interview
To showcase Lawrence Phillips’ entrepreneurial journey from engineering to founding Green Book Global, a travel review platform for Black travelers.
To highlight the significance of Black Ambition, an initiative by Pharrell Williams supporting Black and Brown entrepreneurs.
To inspire listeners about resilience, innovation, and the importance of culturally inclusive travel resources.
Key Takeaways
Background & Career Shift
Phillips studied Electrical Engineering at Georgia Tech and worked at Accenture in IT consulting for nearly a decade.
Despite career success, he felt unfulfilled and decided to pursue his passion for travel, leading to the creation of Green Book Global.

Travel Experience
Traveled to 30+ countries across all seven continents, including Antarctica, in less than a year.
Realized the need for a platform addressing “traveling while Black” concerns—safety, cultural acceptance, and inclusivity.

Green Book Global
Inspired by the historical Green Book (1936–1966), which guided Black travelers during segregation.
Offers city-level Black-friendly scores, road trip planners, and Black-owned restaurant recommendations.
Over 150,000 app downloads in 2025; partnered with Expedia; strong social media presence.

Black Ambition Program
Phillips applied three times before reaching semifinals, emphasizing persistence.
Program provided funding opportunities and a transformative Evoke Wellness experience.
His personal “why” statement:
“I’m a protective and innovative steward of Black restoration and healing.”

Impact & Vision
Advocates systemic change by partnering with destinations to improve inclusivity.
Highlights the economic power of Black travelers (over $140 billion annually).
Encourages Black travelers to explore global opportunities beyond U.S. racial constraints.

Notable Quotes
“You can be successful and still not be happy.” — On leaving a lucrative career for passion.
“I’m a protective and innovative steward of Black restoration and healing.” — His guiding principle.
“There’s riches in niches.” — On unapologetically focusing on Black travelers.
“Just because somebody said no doesn’t mean they said no to you—they said no at that time.” — On persistence in entrepreneurship.
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Renard “Ray” Sims.
Topic: Entrepreneurship, property management, and building generational wealth through real estate.
Ray Sims shares his journey from government employee to entrepreneur, founding a property management company in the Metro DC area. He discusses the challenges of transitioning into business ownership, the structure of his company, and the importance of networking, automation, and community service.
🎯 Purpose of the Interview
Showcase Ray’s entrepreneurial journey and how he turned a layoff into a business opportunity.
Educate listeners on property management and real estate investment strategies.
Inspire aspiring entrepreneurs to take calculated risks and build sustainable businesses.
Promote financial literacy and generational wealth through real estate.
🔑 Key Takeaways 💼 Entrepreneurship & Transition
Ray was laid off from a government job and used the opportunity to launch his business.
He emphasizes the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone.
“I got forced to do it. And I'm kind of glad that that happened to me.”
🏠 Property Management Defined
Manages real estate portfolios for absentee owners.
Handles everything from tenant screening to maintenance coordination and invoicing.
“I manage people’s assets… Most of the homeowners don’t even want to know who the tenants are.”
🔍 Tenant Screening Process
Includes credit checks, employment history, landlord references, and even social media reviews.
“I go on your Facebook page or Instagram page… see how you want to treat that property.”
🧰 Business Structure
Licensed in DC; structured as an LLC in Maryland.
Works with a network of trusted vendors (plumbers, electricians, etc.).
Uses automation and a third-party admin for newsletters and monthly reports.
“I’m really big on automation… I don’t want to have a bank account with \$30,000 on August 1st.”
🤝 Networking & Growth
Attends real estate events across DC, New York, and Atlanta.
Uses Instagram and podcasting to build his brand and connect with clients.
“I cannot leave a networking event without connecting with five different people.”
🎙️ Podcast & Branding
Podcast started organically from a conversation with a landscaper.
Focuses on real estate and business conversations.
“I call it ‘The Creator’… just conversations with different people in the real estate field.”
📈 Investment Advice
Recommends duplexes and townhomes as top investment choices.
Notes that single-family homes are less popular for rentals due to maintenance concerns.
“Duplex, duplex, duplex… it’s an easy way to gain revenue.”
🌍 Vision & Expansion
Plans to expand beyond DC by learning local regulations and networking.
Attends Invest Fest in Atlanta for exposure and connections.
“I want to be the face of property management in the DC, Maryland, Virginia area.”
💬 Memorable Quotes
“All money is not good money.”
“Life is risky. Like waking up in the morning is risky.”
“You have to step out of your comfort zone.”
“I’m proud of you… I’m glad you got laid off.”
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Laura Finney.
A seasoned financial literacy educator and coach. Laura shares her deeply personal journey into financial education, sparked by a lack of preparedness in her own life and a family experience that resulted in the loss of generational wealth. Through candid storytelling and practical advice, she empowers listeners to take control of their financial futures with strategic planning, budgeting, and mindset shifts.
🧭 Key Themes
Financial Empowerment: Building financial literacy to live life on your own terms.
Generational Wealth: The importance of estate planning and legacy preservation.
Budgeting & Cash Flow: Identifying spending leaks and creating emergency funds.
Mindset Over Age: Rejecting age as a limitation to financial or personal growth.
Community Impact: Educating underserved communities and promoting financial independence.
🗂️ Episode Outline
Introduction by Rushion McDonald
Purpose of the show and encouragement to learn from others’ success stories.

Meet Laura Finney
Financial coach and educator with a mission to empower through financial literacy.

Turning Point at 50
Laura’s wake-up call after her 50th birthday and the realization of financial unpreparedness.

Family Legacy Lost
A powerful story of losing family land due to lack of a will, now replaced by an Amazon facility.

Common Financial Mistakes
Taking advice without personalized planning.
Misunderstanding retirement and financial independence.

Advice for 30s and 40s
Pay yourself first.
Avoid inaccessible savings vehicles.
Start planning early.

Budgeting Tips
Cut back on dining out, personal care, and entertainment.
Build emergency funds—even starting with $1/day.

Financial Misconceptions
Living for today vs. planning for tomorrow.
The myth of “having time” to save later.

How Laura Works with Clients
Initial consultation → personalized interview → strategic financial roadmap.

Closing Thoughts
Encouragement to take control of your financial future and live life on your terms.

💬 Notable Quotes
“Nobody’s really retiring. We’re not great-grandma on the porch with lemonade anymore.”
“Don’t let age define how you live your life.”
“Everything starts with a budget.”
“You can’t chase money. You have to plan for it.”
“If you can save a dollar a day, you can build an emergency fund.”
👤 About the Guest: Laura Finney
Laura Finney is a financial literacy educator with over eight years of experience in the financial services industry. She specializes in delivering personalized financial literacy programs, workshops, and one-on-one consultations. Her mission is to help individuals and families achieve financial stability and long-term success through education, strategic planning, and empowerment.
📞 Contact Laura Finney
Website: LauraFinneyEnterprises.net
#BEST #AMI
#STRAW
#SHMS
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The Steve Harvey Morning Show for Friday, January 30th, 2026: Steve Harvey's Morning Inspiration | Show Open - Blessings Now | Nephew Tommy's Run That Prank Back - "Super Bowl Party" | Ask The CLO | Entertainment News | Shopping At Macy's | Roscoe Wallace | Nephew Tommy's Prank - "Curry Goat" | Strawberry Letter - "I Hate All Of His Family And His Friends" Pt. 1-2 | Junior's Sports Talk | Social Media Advice | Chuck E. Cheese | Would You Rather | Steve Harvey's Closing Remarks
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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/
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