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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Amy DuBois Barnett. 📝 Summary of the Interview Amy DuBois Barnett, a trailblazing media executive and author, joined Rushion McDonald to discuss her career, her upcoming debut novel If I Ruled the World, and her insights on success, authenticity, and navigating the evolving media landscape. The conversation covered her historic role as the first Black woman to helm a major mainstream U.S. magazine, her experiences in media and publishing, the importance of Black voices, and her journey toward becoming a novelist. 🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Career Milestones & Legacy Amy made history as the first Black woman editor-in-chief of a major mainstream U.S. magazine (Teen People). She held leadership roles at Harper’s Bazaar, Ebony, Honey Magazine, and digital platforms like BET and The Grio. Her editorial style focused on humanizing success, sharing personal stories and lessons rather than just promoting content. 2. New Novel: If I Ruled the World Set in late 1990s/early 2000s New York, the novel follows Nikki, a woman navigating the fashion and music magazine world. Themes include misogyny in hip hop, professional ambition, friendship, and self-discovery. The title is inspired by the Nas and Lauryn Hill song, and Lauryn Hill was the first cover of Honey Magazine under Amy’s leadership. Amy envisions the novel as a TV series, and is actively working toward that goal. 3. Importance of Preorders Preorders are critical for debut novelists to hit bestseller lists. All preorders count toward first-week sales, which are essential for making lists like the New York Times Bestseller. 4. Authenticity & Black Media Amy emphasized the need for authentic Black voices in media, especially in today’s political climate. She praised independent platforms and figures like Roland Martin, Joy Reid, and Don Lemon for maintaining integrity. 5. Success Principles Success requires more than talent—it’s about energy, attitude, collaboration, and kindness. She highlighted the importance of networking through genuine relationships, not just transactional exchanges. Believing in oneself is essential: “The universe will not give you an opportunity that you don’t think you deserve.” 6. Pivoting & Resilience Amy’s career involved multiple pivots—from finance to fashion to media. She stressed the importance of recognizing when to pivot and manifesting goals through vision and hard work. 7. Print vs. Digital Media Print magazines offer permanence and thoughtful journalism, while digital media provides speed and volume. She misses the visual artistry of print, like cover shoots and fashion spreads. 8. Personal Notes Amy’s son is a music producer and DJ, studying at Drexel University. Rushion and Amy have a long-standing friendship dating back to 2012, when she was at Ebony and he was producing the Steve Harvey show. 💬 Notable Quotes “You have to believe that you deserve all of the opportunity.” “Networking is not about handing out business cards. It’s about building relationships.” “Magazines have a permanence that made you incredibly careful.” “I’m manifesting big things.” “We are out here flawed and just trying to find success, love, and fulfillment like everyone else.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

23 Syys 32min

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Jackson Dunbar. 📝 Summary of the Interview Jackson Dunbar, founder of WellMad Atlanta—a coalition of psychiatric, medical, psychology, counseling, and special education providers—joined Rushion McDonald to discuss the urgent need for accessible mental health care. Drawing from his personal experience with chronic pain and mental health struggles, Dunbar shared insights into the systemic issues affecting mental health access, especially for Black and Brown communities. The conversation covered suicide prevention, the impact of COVID-19, the shortage of child psychiatrists, and the importance of building a strong care team. Dunbar emphasized the power of communication, hope, and proactive mental health management. 🎯 Purpose of the Interview To raise awareness about the mental health crisis and lack of access to care. To share Jackson Dunbar’s personal journey and how it shaped his mission. To promote WellMad Atlanta as a resource for mental health support. To encourage men, especially Black men, to seek help and break stigma. To highlight the importance of team-based care and individualized treatment plans. 🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Mental Health Access Crisis There are fewer than 10,000 child psychiatrists in the U.S. Many providers don’t accept insurance due to payment delays and system hacks. Quote: “Three out of five children have a mental health diagnosis, but there’s not enough psychiatrists.” 2. Impact of COVID-19 Demand for mental health services rose nearly 100%. Many older providers retired or stopped accepting patients due to health risks. Telemedicine expanded access, especially in underserved areas. 3. Suicide and Chronic Pain Suicide often stems from loss of hope, especially in chronic pain patients. Dunbar shared his own struggle with suicidal thoughts due to untreated nerve damage. Quote: “I couldn’t sleep. I had to drink vodka shots just to get a few hours of sleep.” 4. Building a Mental Health Team A strong care team includes a psychiatrist, psychologist, PCP, rehab specialist, and more. Smart goals help patients regain functionality and purpose. Quote: “How do I make money when I can’t work? That’s where Smart goals come in.” 5. Stigma in Black Communities Many Black men avoid seeking help due to fear of appearing weak. Dunbar advocates for breaking this stigma and embracing mental health care. Quote: “We’re the first to fight for this country, but the last to get help when we return.” 6. WellMad Atlanta’s Reach Serves Georgia residents virtually, including college students and rural communities. Offers culturally competent care and prioritizes accessibility. Quote: “As long as your Wi-Fi is tight, we’re good.” 💬 Notable Quotes “The person going through challenges is focused on what they’ve lost. That’s a dark place.” “Insurance companies offered payday loans to doctors instead of paying them.” “Vacationing was miserable—until I rented a scooter and felt like Iron Man.” “Mental health isn’t just one month a year. It’s every day.” “You can’t make money if you’re not mentally or physically right.” #BEST #STRAW #SHMSSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

23 Syys 23min

The Steve Harvey Morning Show for Monday, September 22nd, 2025: Steve Harvey's Morning Inspiration | Show Open - Is It Ok To Kill A Dream | The Pastors With A Word From The Book Of (Whitney) Houston | Ask The CLO | Entertainment News | One Of Akon's Wives Files For Divorce | Sista O'Dell | Nephew Tommy's Prank - "Faye Allen - Drug Test" | Strawberry Letter - "He Shouldn't Be In My Purse" Parts 1-2 | Sports Talk With Junior | Social Media Advice | Jeezy Vegas Residency | Would You Rather | Steve Harvey's Closing Remarks...About His CoworkersSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

22 Syys 1h 31min

The Steve Harvey Morning Show for Friday, September 19th, 2025: Steve Harvey's Morning Inspiration | Show Open | Nephew Tommy's Run That Prank Back - "6 To 10" | Ask The CLO | Special Guest: Patti Labelle Parts 1-2 | Roscoe Wallace | Nephew Tommy's Prank - "Adult Daycare" | Strawberry Letter - "Oh Brother" Parts 1-2 | Sports Talk With Junior | Social Media Advice |iHeart Radio Music Festival | Would You Rather | Steve Harvey's Closing RemarksSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

19 Syys 1h 32min

The Steve Harvey Morning Show for Thursday, September 18th, 2025: Steve Harvey's Morning Inspiration | Show Open | Nephew Tommy's Run That Prank Back - "He Left His Drawers" | Ask The CLO | Entertainment News | Jimmy Kimmel Live Suspended | Steve Harvey's Voicemail | Nephew Tommy's Prank - "6 To 10" | Strawberry Letter - "My Husband Has Run Out Of Options" Parts 1-2 | Sports Talk With Junior | Social Media Advice | Remembering Robert Redford | Would You Rather | Steve Harvey's Closing RemarksSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

18 Syys 1h 32min

The Steve Harvey Morning Show for Wednesday, September 17th, 2025: Steve Harvey's Morning Inspiration | Show Open | Nephew Tommy's Run That Prank Back - "Is That Your Husband?" | Ask The CLO | Entertainment News | NeYo's New Mattress | Can Love Exist Without Finance? | Nephew Tommy's Prank - "He Left His Drawers" | Strawberry Letter - "Who's Been Filling Up Her Tank?" Parts 1-2 | Sports Talk With Junior | Social Media Advice | Wellness Wednesday | Would You Rather | Steve Harvey's Closing RemarksSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

17 Syys 1h 32min

The Steve Harvey Morning Show for Tuesday, September 16th, 2025: Steve Harvey's Morning Inspiration | Show Open | Nephew Tommy's Run That Prank Back - "Your New Boss" | Ask The CLO | Entertainment News | Steve Fishing With His Grandson | Random Questions | Nephew Tommy's Prank - "Is That Your Husband?" | Strawberry Letter - "He Tells His Mama Everything" Parts 1-2 | Sports Talk With Junior | Social Media Advice | Mars Living Simulation | Would You Rather | Steve Harvey's Closing RemarksSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

16 Syys 1h 32min

The Steve Harvey Morning Show for Monday, September 15th, 2025: Steve Harvey's Morning Inspiration | Show Open | The Pastors With A Word | Ask The CLO | Entertainment News | Your Most Attractive Trait | Sista O'Dell | Nephew Tommy's Prank - "Your New Boss" | Strawberry Letter - "His Past Won't Let Him Last" Parts 1-2 | Sports Talk With Junior | Social Media Advice | Halloween Ghost Candy | Would You Rather | Steve Harvey's Closing RemarksSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

15 Syys 1h 32min