The Good Thief - Ep 1. How to Rob Banks and Influence People

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.

21 Jan 21min

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Teresa Edwards. Purpose of the Interview The interview aims to introduce Teresa Edwards’ book The Mirror Method: 12 Weeks to Stop Abandoning Yourself, a guided workbook designed to help individuals overcome people-pleasing tendencies, set boundaries, and prioritize their own needs without guilt. It focuses on personal empowerment, mental health, and rediscovering one’s authentic self. Key Takeaways People-Pleasing and Boundaries People-pleasing becomes harmful when you agree to things you don’t want to do, leading to stress and resentment. Setting boundaries is essential for self-respect and mental health. The Mirror Method A 12-week guided process to “unravel” harmful patterns and rediscover your true self. Emphasizes self-reflection, journaling, and gradual transformation at your own pace. Selfishness vs. Self-Care Edwards reframes “selfish” as a positive concept: prioritizing your health and happiness is necessary, not negative. You can’t be your best for others if you’re not your best for yourself. Health as a Wake-Up Call Stress is a silent killer; Teresa’s own health issues (high blood pressure) forced her to reevaluate her life. Happiness and well-being should not be age-limited—“You’re never too old to return to yourself.” Letting Go of Toxic Relationships Users often exploit people-pleasers; recognizing and removing such relationships is crucial. Fully committing to the Mirror Method means accepting hard truths and being okay with losing people who drain you. Therapy and Mental Health COVID accelerated acceptance of therapy in communities where it was previously stigmatized. Mental health is as important as physical health—“The mind is a muscle too.” Workbook Details Available on Amazon and at themirrormethodworkbook.com in print and downloadable formats. Exercises involve writing and self-reflection to confront truths and break patterns. Notable Quotes “Boundaries are key.” “Selfish is not a negative word—it’s perseverance of yourself.” “You can’t throw a party and be mad at your own party.” “Enough is enough—look in the mirror and say it.” “You’re never too old to return to yourself.” “Stress is that silent killer.” “Fully commit means accepting all those good, bad, or ugly moments—and being okay with letting go.” “The mind is a muscle too.” “Be okay with being okay.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

21 Jan 22min

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Latrease Price-Gistard. Purpose of the Interview The interview aims to educate listeners on the mortgage industry, highlight the role and benefits of working with an independent mortgage broker, and provide practical advice on home financing options, credit challenges, and programs that support homeownership. It also shares Latrease’s entrepreneurial journey and lessons learned. Key Takeaways Background and Career Path Latrease has a finance degree and started in investment operations in 1999. Transitioned from auto financing and co-owning a car dealership to mortgage lending. Became an independent mortgage broker in 2022 after being laid off during rising interest rates. Role of an Independent Mortgage Broker Holds her own license and partners with multiple lenders to offer tailored loan products. Advocates for borrowers to ensure they get the right product, not just approval. Specializes in helping first-time buyers, self-employed individuals, and those with unique challenges. Home Financing Insights Reverse Mortgages: Typically for seniors 62+, often used by those 75+ with equity and limited retirement funds. Provides tax-free cash without monthly payments; debt settled upon sale or refinance. Zero Down Payment Programs: Offers up to 3% for down payment, attached to the mortgage; other programs provide up to 5% for down payment and closing costs. FHA 203K Program: Allows buyers to finance home purchase and renovations in one loan—ideal for fixer-uppers. Credit Challenges Programs exist for credit scores as low as 500, but require higher down payments (10–20%) and result in higher interest rates. Latrease consults and provides “what-if” scenarios to help clients improve credit over time. Entrepreneurial Lessons Mistakes: Starting without enough capital and a strong pipeline; economic timing matters. Advice: Build capital, secure a solid client pipeline, and understand market conditions before going independent. Notable Quotes On independence:“As a broker, you serve as that advocate for your borrower to make sure they’re getting the right loan product.” On reverse mortgages:“The beauty of it is there are no monthly payments going back to the institution. The debt is paid off when the home is sold or refinanced.” On credit challenges:“Programs go as low as 500 credit score, but those borrowers need 10–20% down.” On entrepreneurial advice:“Make sure you have strong capital and a solid pipeline before stepping out on faith.” On perseverance:“It’s all about follow-through. It’s all about your dream and whether you want to make it happen.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

21 Jan 26min

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Jackson Dunbar. He founded WellMed Atlanta. WellMed Atlanta is a coalition of Psychiatric Medical, Psychology, Counseling and Special Education Providers serving the Atlanta metro area. WellMed professionals are Board Certified, collectively possess over a 150 years of experience and have been trained at such institutions as Emory, Harvard and Yale. What makes us unique is that all of our providers are Women whose desire to practice medicine was shaped by their families. Talking Points/Questions * 1. About WellMed Atlanta2. Why Suicide Prevention should be observed every month3. Personal accounts of suicidal thoughts while in chronic pain4. Statistics5. Lack of access to mental health providers and support Uber successful Social Entrepreneur and Founder of WellMed Atlanta is a Philanthropist who strives to establish lucrative businesses that provide socially responsible goods and services. Mr. Dunbar takes pride in his champion spirit and never-say-die vision that enables him to thrive through unbearable circumstances. Always willing to teach, Jackson Dunbar has built an empire on meeting adversity head on and solving the seemingly unsolvable obstacles that would have stunted the growth of anyone vulnerable to the odds. He can’t wait to share with the world this unmitigated truth...YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES DO NOT DEFINE YOU. THEY CATAPULT YOU INTO A BRAND NEW LUCRATIVE NORMAL. Jackson Dunbar is proud of his “Blue Collar” roots. The son of a custodian and seamstress, he was the first man of his family to graduate from college – Stockton University. He would later receive a Juris Doctor from Tulane University Law School and an MBA from Thunderbird School of Global Management. #AMI #STRAW #BEST #SHMSSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

20 Jan 24min

The Steve Harvey Morning Show for Tuesday, January 20th, 2026: Steve Harvey's Morning Inspiration | Show Open | Run That Prank Back- "Steve Harvey" | Ask The CLO | Products That Remind You Of Childhood | Would You Rather| Old Phrases | Nephew Tommy's Prank - "The DRs Visit" | Strawberry Letter - "1 Husband, 3 Men" Pt. 1-2 | Horrible Bosses | Men & Closure Pt1 | Men & Closure Pt2 | Would You Rather | Steve Harvey's Closing RemarksSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

20 Jan 1h 31min

The Steve Harvey Morning Show for Monday, January 19th, 2026: Steve Harvey's Morning Inspiration | Show Open | Drum Major Instinct Speech Pt1 | Drum Major Instinct Speech Pt2 | Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock Pt1 | Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock Pt2 | Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock Pt3 | Trump's Comments On Civil Rights | Mountain Top Speech | I Have A Dream Speech Parts 1-2 | Steve Harvey's 69th Birthday | Why Volunteering Is Important | White Person Hotline | Steve Harvey's Introduction Of ChristSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

19 Jan 1h 32min

The Steve Harvey Morning Show for Friday, January 16th, 2026: Steve Harvey's Morning Inspiration | Show Open | Run That Prank Back- "Baby Chick" | Ask The CLO | Entertainment News | Junior's Birthday Poem For Steve | Roscoe Wallace | Nephew Tommy's Prank - "Steve Harvey" | Strawberry Letter - "I Went Home Early & So Did He" Pt. 1-2 | Junior's Sports Talk | Social Media Advice | Ready To Love Update | Would You Rather | Steve Harvey's Closing RemarksSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

16 Jan 1h 32min

The Steve Harvey Morning Show for Thursday, January 15th, 2026: Steve Harvey's Morning Inspiration | Show Open | Run That Prank Back- "Church Calendar" | Ask The CLO | TEntertainment News | Body Counts | Steve Harvey's Voicemail | Nephew Tommy's Prank - "Baby Chick" | Strawberry Letter - "I Know What I Saw" Pt. 1-2 | Junior's Sports Talk | Social Media Advice | Inflatable Moon Hotel | Would You Rather | Steve Harvey's Closing RemarksSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

15 Jan 1h 32min