Perseverance: Yo‑Yo’s evolution as an artist and entrepreneur, personal transformation and love for cooking.
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 Aspire TV. 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. [Dr. Yoland…' Whitaker | Txt] Promote her Aspire TV series “Downright Delicious with Yo‑Yo.” [Dr. Yoland…' Whitaker | Txt] Share insights on career longevity, entrepreneurship, reinvention, and personal growth. [Dr. Yoland…' Whitaker | Txt] Inspire listeners with actionable advice on fearlessness, budgeting, confidence, and purpose‑driven living. [Dr. Yoland…' Whitaker | Txt] Celebrate cooking as an expression of love, culture, peace, and family connection. [Dr. Yoland…' Whitaker | Txt] 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.” [Dr. Yoland…' Whitaker | Txt] 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. [Dr. Yoland…' Whitaker | Txt] 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. [Dr. Yoland…' Whitaker | Txt] 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. [Dr. Yoland…' Whitaker | Txt] 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 twistIt’s not guest‑driven; it’s family‑driven storytelling in the kitchen. [Dr. Yoland…' Whitaker | Txt] 6. Technique & Tools Matter She emphasizes: Good knives (sharpen weekly) Quality pots Measuring ingredients Understanding seasonings Building confidence by cooking regularly [Dr. Yoland…' Whitaker | Txt] 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. [Dr. Yoland…' Whitaker | Txt] NOTABLE QUOTES FROM THE INTERVIEW (All quotes drawn exactly or near‑exactly from the transcript.) [Dr. Yoland…' Whitaker | Txt] 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 #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
23 Tammi 32min
Financial Tip: He provides key trends driving the entrepreneurship boom and how AI can amplify your marketing.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dave Charest. Summary of the Dave Charest Interview In this episode of Money Making Conversations Masterclass, Rushion McDonald interviews Dave Charest, Director of Small Business Success at Constant Contact, a leading digital marketing platform. Charest discusses the rising wave of entrepreneurship, the foundational importance of email and direct‑to‑customer channels, common mistakes new business owners make, and how AI is reshaping small‑business marketing. He provides practical guidance on marketing consistency, channel selection, building community relationships, and using technology to scale. Throughout the conversation, Charest emphasizes that while small businesses often lack marketing expertise, they possess a valuable advantage: real, human relationships that can be strengthened through consistent communication. Purpose of the Interview The purpose of Rushion McDonald’s conversation with Dave Charest is to: 1. Educate new and aspiring entrepreneurs Charest breaks down the basics of digital marketing—email, social, SMS—and how to begin building a strong marketing foundation. 2. Highlight the key trends driving the entrepreneurship boom He explains motivations like work–life balance, independence, and financial potential that inspire people to launch businesses. 3. Provide practical, actionable marketing advice Especially around consistency, choosing marketing channels, and building direct customer relationships. 4. Introduce how AI can simplify and amplify marketing Charest showcases tools that help business owners quickly generate content, develop campaigns, and analyze customer behavior. Key Takeaways 1. Direct relationships (email/SMS) outperform social media Email offers ownership, stability, and higher ROI—unlike social platforms that can change algorithms or visibility overnight. Charest stresses that “the money is in the list.” 2. You don’t need huge numbers to be effective Small businesses often see high open and engagement rates because followers know and trust them. 3. Consistency matters more than platform choice Whether you choose Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, or email, the biggest driver of marketing success is showing up regularly. 4. Start small—don’t overwhelm yourself One of the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make is trying to do everything at once. Begin with the basics and grow steadily. 5. Community is a crucial marketing asset Local businesses thrive when they maintain strong connections with nearby businesses, customers, and community networks. 6. Entrepreneurs face challenges—but resilience wins Charest notes that small business owners rarely have a “Plan B,” which pushes them to adapt and continue learning. 7. AI is transforming small‑business marketing Constant Contact offers tools to: Generate emails and content Summarize content for social Build full marketing campaigns Analyze behavior from large email lists to recommend actions Notable Quotes (from the transcript) Here are direct paraphrases and key phrases—not copyrighted material but drawn from the transcript: On email vs. social “There’s a $36 return for every $1 invested in email—but what matters is that you own the relationship.” “If a social platform goes away, so does your following. Email is a direct line.” On audience size “Big numbers aren’t necessary—small lists can see 50% open rates and strong engagement because those people actually care.” On entrepreneurship motivations “People want better work‑life balance, independence, and financial potential.” On mistakes “A big mistake is trying to do too much at once. Start small and stay consistent.” On community “Digital marketing should extend real relationships—not replace them.” On choosing platforms “Where your audience spends time matters, but so does where you can show up consistently.” On AI’s role “AI can generate emails, build campaigns, and analyze audience data—saving you time for what you’d rather be doing.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
23 Tammi 21min
Faith and Finance_ Getting wealthy quickly in your 50's, Pastor Dexter B. Jenkin
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Pastor Dexter Jenkins. Purpose of the Interview The interview aimed to educate and inspire listeners about wealth creation through real estate and financial literacy, particularly for individuals over 50. Pastor Jenkins shared strategies for building generational wealth, shifting mindsets about money, and leveraging real estate as a primary tool for financial independence. Key Takeaways Intersection of Faith, Finance, and BusinessPastor Jenkins emphasizes that faith and financial success are not mutually exclusive. He advocates using biblical principles as a success manual, especially from Proverbs. Real Estate as “Low-Hanging Fruit” for WealthReal estate is one of the simplest and most effective ways to build wealth because land is finite and historically valuable. Mindset Over MoneyWealth building starts with changing beliefs about money. Many misconceptions learned in childhood or church need to be unlearned. Refire, Don’t RetireFor those over 50, Jenkins encourages leveraging life experience to create new income streams instead of slowing down. Social Security Reality CheckThe average Social Security check (~$1,400/month) is insufficient for most Americans, highlighting the need for personal wealth strategies. The SHIP Method Stewardship: Direct your money intentionally. Ownership: Own assets that appreciate and generate cash flow. Entrepreneurship: Consider business ownership as a wealth-building tool. Education Before ActionStart with learning—books, podcasts, seminars—before diving into real estate or other ventures. Community Wealth BuildingJenkins supports initiatives like “buying back the block” to revitalize neighborhoods and build collective wealth. Secrets to SuccessDesire, planning, education, and execution are essential. Dreams without plans remain dreams. Upcoming ResourcesJenkins is releasing a book: The Real Estate Wealth Creation Blueprint, offering practical steps for using real estate to build wealth. Notable Quotes “Real estate is the lowest hanging fruit on the wealth creation tree.” “People came here to work the land—now it’s time for us to own it.” “It’s not time to retire; it’s time to refire.” “Social Security was designed for a different era. You can’t live on $1,400 a month in America.” “The Bible is more than religion—it’s a success manual.” “If you don’t have a desire for wealth, we can talk all day and nothing will change.” “Stewardship, Ownership, Entrepreneurship—those are the pillars of wealth.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
23 Tammi 26min
Financial Tip: He educates aspiring millionaires—on financial planning, wealth management, and risk mitigation strategies.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Mark Mascarenhas. Purpose of the Interview The interview aims to educate listeners—especially entrepreneurs, small business owners, and aspiring millionaires—on financial planning, wealth management, and risk mitigation strategies. It emphasizes the importance of discipline, clarity, and professional guidance in achieving financial success and sustaining wealth across generations. Key Takeaways Financial Planning is Foundational A written financial plan is the first step before any investment portfolio is built. Success is defined individually—financial, health, or lifestyle goals. Diversification & Risk Management Digital assets like Bitcoin should only make up 2–3% of a portfolio for high-net-worth clients with high risk tolerance. Fear and greed drive markets; advisors help clients maintain discipline. Long-Term Care & Insurance Planning for long-term care is essential, typically starting in your 50s. Term life insurance early locks in health; whole life policies provide stability and living benefits. Tax Strategy Use tax-loss harvesting, asset location strategies, and estate planning to minimize tax burdens. Estate planning focuses on transferring wealth tax-efficiently to future generations. Millionaire Mindset Millionaires are clear, disciplined, optimistic, and collaborative. 74% of millionaires work with financial advisors vs. 34% of the general population. Power of Compounding Compounding interest is the cornerstone of wealth accumulation—requires patience and discipline. Avoid lifestyle creep and impulsive spending, especially for younger millionaires and influencers. Fiduciary Responsibility Advisors act in the client’s best interest; success is mutual. Trust and transparency are critical in client-advisor relationships. Notable Quotes On Risk & Bitcoin:“You could potentially double your money, but you could also potentially lose 70% of it.” On Financial Planning:“Every dollar needs a job description.” On Millionaire Mindset:“Successful people view us as CFOs—they’re the CEOs.” On Compounding:“If you could win 72% of the time, would you play that game? Yes. That’s the stock market.” On Retirement Success:“Living the same or better lifestyle in retirement than you do today while working.” On Fiduciary Role:“We make more money when the client makes more money.” #SHMS #BEST #STRAWSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
23 Tammi 34min
Financial Tips_ OneUnited Bank mission is to provide affordable financial servic
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Kevin Cohee. Purpose of the Interview The interview aimed to: Highlight OneUnited Bank’s mission as the largest Black-owned and first Black-owned internet bank in America. Educate listeners on financial literacy, technology-driven banking, and economic empowerment in underserved communities. Promote OneUnited Bank’s products and services as solutions for financial challenges faced by Black Americans and others lacking access to traditional banking. Key Takeaways Historical Context & Mission The concept of a national Black-owned bank dates back to leaders like Booker T. Washington, W.E.B. Du Bois, and Martin Luther King Jr., who emphasized economic empowerment. OneUnited Bank was formed through acquisitions and later pivoted to technology-driven banking. Technology & Innovation OneUnited embraced AI and data aggregation over a decade ago to create products that help customers understand assets, liabilities, and net worth in real time. Banking has shifted from physical branches to digital platforms, enabling nationwide access. Financial Literacy Crisis 90% of Americans lack financial literacy, largely because it’s not taught in schools. Cohee advocates for mandatory K–12 financial literacy education, citing studies showing it can add $126,000 to lifetime net worth. Products Designed for Real Needs CashPlease: Short-term emergency loans at affordable rates. Second Chance Checking: Helps rebuild credit. Savings Programs: Often in collaboration with employers. These products address real-life challenges like low emergency savings and predatory check-cashing fees. Accessibility & Reach OneUnited offers nationwide banking via oneunited.com, surcharge-free ATMs, and partnerships with major networks. Customers can deposit checks online and access services without visiting physical branches. Economic Empowerment Technology enables entrepreneurship without owning physical products—leveraging branding and e-commerce. Cohee draws parallels between today’s tech opportunities and the historical wealth-building of Black Wall Street. Notable Quotes “We are FDIC insured, commercial bank like them. The only difference is we’re smarter and we have better technology.” “Technology and AI allow anyone to make decisions like they were an expert.” “If we taught financial literacy in schools, it would create over $100,000 in net worth per person over their lifetime.” “You don’t have to go to check cashers and get ripped off. Just go to oneunited.com.” “We’ve been working on AI for over a decade. We’re not coming to the party—we are the party.” “Our generation has technology and communication skills. We can change society.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
22 Tammi 33min
Brand Building: She inspires women and diaspora Africans, to invest in and build businesses rooted in African heritage.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Valerie Obaze. Founder of R&R Skincare. 🎯 Purpose of the Interview The interview aims to: Highlight Valerie Obaze’s entrepreneurial journey in founding R&R Skincare. Challenge stereotypes about Africa’s capabilities and resources. Promote African-made beauty products and their global relevance. Inspire others, especially women and diaspora Africans, to invest in and build businesses rooted in African heritage. 🧠 Key Takeaways 1. Breaking African Stereotypes Valerie and Rushion discuss how Africa is often misrepresented in Western media. Valerie emphasizes that ignorance is not always malicious, but it’s time to reframe the narrative through firsthand experience and platforms like social media. “Ignorance doesn’t always have to be an insult. If you don’t know, you just don’t know better.” – Valerie Obaze 2. The Birth of R&R Skincare Inspired by the birth of her daughter, Valerie sought natural skincare solutions. She discovered liquid shea oil, which became her first product. The brand name “R&R” stands for Rebecca Rose (her daughter’s name) and also Rest & Relaxation. “I wanted to create a product that makes using these raw materials from the continent enjoyable.” – Valerie Obaze 3. From Garage to Global Valerie started in her mother-in-law’s garage, turning it into a compliant mini factory. She had no formal business plan, relying on her PR and branding background. The brand now has three stores: one in Lagos and two in Accra, including one at the airport. 4. Authenticity and African Pride Valerie insists on maintaining the African identity of her brand. She uses locally sourced ingredients and ensures cruelty-free testing. The brand supports women in the supply chain, creating economic opportunities. “We don’t intend to hide that in any way. We just wanted to make raw materials sexy.” – Valerie Obaze 5. Expansion to the U.S. Valerie is expanding R&R Skincare to the U.S., leveraging social media, activations, and PR expertise. Products are manufactured in Africa, but distributed from U.S. warehouses to ensure timely delivery. “We found our tribe over here… and this was the right time to come back to America.” – Valerie Obaze 🧴 Product Highlights Shea Oil – First product, moisturizing and healing. Body Butter – Whipped, light, and rich in essential oils. Liquid Black Soap – Modern take on traditional African cleansing. Hand Cream – Convenient and portable for dry conditions. 🌍 Big Picture Vision Valerie’s goal is to grow an African brand globally, showcasing the richness of African resources and empowering local economies. “This is just a small representative of the entire continent and what it is capable of.” – Valerie Obaze #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
22 Tammi 31min
FULL SHOW: Steve Harvey's Voicemail, Strawberry Letter: My Mom Is For The Streets - 1.22.26
The Steve Harvey Morning Show for Thursday, January 22nd, 2026: Steve Harvey's Morning Inspiration | Show Open | Run That Prank Back- "My Auntie's Bike" | Ask The CLO | Entertainment News | Fashion For 2026 with Macy's | Steve Harvey's Voicemail | Nephew Tommy's Prank - "How Much Is In The Account, Pastor?" | Strawberry Letter - "My Mom Is For The Streets" Pt. 1-2 | Junior's Sports Talk | Social Media Advice | Ted Cruz | Would You Rather | Steve Harvey's Closing RemarksSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
22 Tammi 1h 31min
Financial Tips: He says our parents… would say, ‘Don’t use no credit card.’ Great advice, but kind of bad advice at the same time.
Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Justin Lee, Sr. 🎯 Purpose of the Interview The interview aims to: Highlight Justin Lee’s journey from a young real estate agent to a multifaceted entrepreneur.Inspire listeners—especially from underserved communities—to pursue financial literacy, real estate ownership, and entrepreneurship.Share actionable insights on building wealth through real estate, construction, and strategic partnerships. 🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Overcoming Age Barriers in Real Estate Justin entered real estate at 24 and embraced being the youngest in the room.He used his youth and tech-savviness (e.g., TikTok, Instagram) to bring value to veteran professionals. “I started to network more in rooms that had more experienced people… let me break some of this new millennial technology into your business.” 2. Education and Credentials In three years, Justin became a licensed broker and earned a doctorate.He emphasizes continuous learning and certifications as keys to growth. “I also finished my doctorate degree, so I'm now Doctor Justin Lee.” 3. Social Media as a Business Tool He leveraged platforms like TikTok (90K followers) to market real estate and educate clients.He stresses that online presence must reflect professionalism. “Some people look better online than in person for a reason… make your business look the same way online.” 4. Addressing Homeownership Gaps in Communities of Color Justin discusses systemic barriers like lack of financial literacy and credit education.He offers free resources like Motivational Mondays and a podcast to educate aspiring homeowners. “Most of the time, our parents… would say, ‘Don’t use no credit card.’ Great advice, but kind of bad advice at the same time.” 5. Real Estate Syndication & Group Investing He formed a private investment fund with fraternity brothers and family to buy properties collectively.Focused on affordable markets like New Orleans East for high ROI. “Let’s develop a fund… Now we own over 150 apartment complexes and units.” 6. Amazon DSP Partnership Justin owns an Amazon Delivery Service Partner business with 42 trucks and 200+ employees.He recommends minorities apply for the program, which offers a \$10K grant. “They want someone who is willing to commit… not someone who has all this business experience.” 7. Construction Ventures Inspired by his mother’s post-Katrina property acquisitions, Justin entered construction.He now leads major commercial projects including schools, restaurants, and celebrity studios. “We ended up building out a restaurant… 10,000 square foot… I love this. This is my passion.” 8. Family Legacy & Early Exposure Raised in New Orleans by a single mother and grandparents, Justin learned property management as a child.His mother’s real estate investments post-Katrina laid the foundation for his career. “I knew how to write a lease at ten… file eviction at 12… manage property before high school.” 🗣️ Notable Quotes “If you don’t plan, you plan to fail.”“Let’s teach you to do it right. Let’s do it together.”“Knowledge was power… the one thing nobody can take.”“You learn a skill, you’ll eat forever.” #BEST #STRAW #SHMSSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
22 Tammi 28min
