The Steve Harvey Morning Show

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 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/
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 Cassandra Lester.
🎙️ Interview Summary
Cassandra Lester—founder of Grow Give Prosper—joins Rushion McDonald to discuss her mission of expanding financial literacy and providing career opportunities to underserved communities.
The conversation centers on how education + access = economic empowerment, especially through her partnership with Google to offer free career certifications.
🎯 Purpose of the Interview
The primary purpose is to:
Introduce Lester’s nonprofit Grow Give Prosper
Highlight its partnership with Google’s “Grow with Google” initiative
Promote free, accessible career certification programs
Encourage underserved populations to increase earning potential and financial literacy [omny.fm], [iheart.com]
👉 Ultimately, the interview is both informational and motivational—designed to inspire listeners to take advantage of real opportunities to improve their financial future.
🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Mission: “Grow, Give, Prosper”
Grow Give Prosper focuses on financial education, career readiness, and economic empowerment [iheart.com]
The philosophy: Grow individually
Give back to others
Prosper collectively

✅ Emphasis: success is community-driven, not individual-only
2. Free Google Career Certifications
Offers certifications in high-demand fields:
Cybersecurity
Data Analytics
Digital Marketing & E-commerce
IT Support
Project Management
UX Design [omny.fm]

Key benefits:
100% free scholarships
No prior experience required
Self-paced, typically 3–6 months
Leads to job-ready skills + portfolio [iheart.com]

✅ Takeaway: These programs are a shortcut to employable skills without a degree
3. Accessibility & Inclusion
Available nationwide regardless of: Education level (GED, dropout, etc.)
Background or income [omny.fm]

Only requirement: commitment to finish
✅ Takeaway: Designed to level the playing field, especially for those excluded from traditional education paths [iheart.com]
4. Financial Literacy is Critical—and Missing
Lester defines financial literacy as:
Understanding money concepts AND applying them daily [iheart.com]

Key issues she highlights:
Cultural reluctance to discuss money
Misunderstanding of credit
Cycles of predatory lending

✅ Takeaway: Education must go beyond income—people must learn how to manage money
5. Real-World Outreach Matters
Lester uses grassroots, “boots-on-the-ground” outreach: Community centers
Adult education classes
Social media [spreaker.com]

✅ Takeaway: Opportunity only works if people know it exists
6. Overcoming Skepticism
Many people doubt “free” programs
Lester emphasizes: Google certifications are legitimate and recognized by employers [spreaker.com]

✅ Takeaway: Trust is a barrier just as much as access
7. Measurable Impact
Hundreds of scholarships already awarded (300+ mentioned) [omny.fm]
Certifications can be stacked (e.g., Project Management + Data Analytics)
✅ Takeaway: This is not theoretical—it produces real economic mobility
8. Personal Motivation
Lester’s drive comes from seeing: Financial struggles across all demographics [iheart.com]

✅ Takeaway: The problem is widespread—but solvable with access and education
💬 Notable Quotes / Core Messages
(Direct transcript quotes are limited, but these are accurate paraphrased lines and signature statements from the interview themes.)
🔹 On her mission
“We want people to grow together, give to each other, and prosper collectively.” [omny.fm]
🔹 On opportunity
“These certifications are free—the only requirement is your commitment.” [omny.fm]
🔹 On financial literacy
“It’s not just understanding money—it’s applying it in your everyday life.” [iheart.com]
🔹 On barriers
“Some communities don’t talk about money—and that silence keeps cycles going.” [iheart.com]
🔹 On impact
“You don’t need an Ivy League degree to change your financial future.” [iheart.com]
🔹 On mindset
“Stop reading other people’s success stories and start writing your own.” [youtube.com]
🧠 Bottom Line
The interview is a call to action:
Access exists (free certifications)
Skills are attainable (no degree required)
Wealth-building starts with education + action
👉 Cassandra Lester’s message:
Economic empowerment is possible when opportunity meets awareness and commitment.
#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 Dr. LaToya Gilmore.
A licensed professional counselor with 20+ years of experience.
Topic: Her book Communication Skills for Healthier Boundaries and her journey in mental health.
2. Dr. Gilmore’s Career Path
Started in mass communication, switched to psychology after a friend's suggestion.
First psychology class sparked her passion.
Emphasizes the importance of curiosity and self-awareness in career transitions.
3. Mental Health and Career Change
Discusses fear of change and how to overcome it.
Encourages self-assessment and assertive communication.
Talks about blocking external opinions to follow personal truth.
4. Mental Health in the Black Community
Pandemic brought mental health to the forefront.
Black professionals increasingly seeking therapy for trauma, stress, and work-life balance.
Her practice is 95% African-American professionals.
5. HBCU Experience
Attended Prairie View A&M and Texas Southern University.
Highlights the affirming and empowering environment of HBCUs.
Importance of representation and academic excellence.
6. Book Discussion: Communication Skills for Healthier Boundaries
Focuses on effective communication and healthy boundaries.
Addresses rigid vs. absent boundaries and their impact on relationships and self-worth.
7. Therapy Practice Model
Transitioned from in-person to fully virtual practice.
Offers flexibility for clients and shares her own experience with therapy.
8. Entrepreneurship Lessons
Graduate school didn’t teach business fundamentals.
Learned about insurance, legal structure, and accounting on the fly.
Advocates mentorship and using resources like ChatGPT (with caution).
9. Betting on Yourself
Shares her transition from full-time professor to private practice.
Advises strategic planning and exit strategies over impulsive quitting.
10. Parenting and Child Development
Warns against premature diagnoses in children.
Encourages education on developmental stages and adapting parenting strategies.
11. Future of Mental Health Education
Advocates normalization of mental health as part of routine healthcare.
Notes increased visibility in media, faith communities, and public discourse.
12. Boundaries in Social Settings
Shares how she handles unsolicited therapy requests at social events.
Emphasizes professional boundaries and offers referrals when needed.
13. Closing
Website: www.lovesupportguidance.com
Social media: Instagram @DrGilmoreShares
Encouragement to lead with gifts and keep winning.
💡 Key Takeaways
Self-awareness is the foundation for personal and professional growth.
Mental health is health—it should be normalized and prioritized.
Boundaries are essential for healthy relationships and self-care.
Entrepreneurship requires preparation beyond passion—legal, financial, and structural knowledge is key.
Representation matters—HBCUs provide affirming environments that expand possibilities.
Parenting requires education, not assumptions—developmental quirks aren’t always disorders.
🗣️ Notable Quotes
“You have to allow your voice to be above the external voices and opinions.”
“The individuals around you are not mind readers.”
“The pandemic put us on the forefront of mental health… you had to sit at home with your own thoughts.”
“Everyone is not going to be my client, but I do have resources.”
“Mental wellness is just another leg of healthcare. That’s all it is.”
“Don’t quit because you’re mad. Have an exit strategy.”
“Boundaries can be rigid or absent—both can disrupt your life.”

#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 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.