

Life Information: Learn how to use tech as a compliment and don't become dependent on it.
04/1/2026 | 29 min
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Jacqueline Rushin. A distinguished business executive, addiction counselor, minister, and author, joins Money Making Conversations Masterclass to discuss her book, The Hidden Hand: How Human Decisions Behind Rapid Technology Deployments Are Driving a Mental Health Crisis. She explores the effects of technology addiction and strategies for maintaining mental wellness in a hyper-connected world. 🔑 Key Themes & Highlights Technology Addiction & Its Impact Social media and smartphone dependency are creating engineered addictions, leading to overstimulation, anxiety, and loss of focus. Many individuals, including students and professionals, struggle with constant digital engagement, causing fatigue and decreased productivity. Mental Health Crisis Linked to Technology Increased tech usage has fueled mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, and strained relationships. Dr. Rushing’s work has identified a growing pattern of therapy-seeking individuals suffering from digital addiction. Balancing Technology & Mental Wellness Encourages strategic technology use—making sure digital tools complement life rather than consuming it. FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) drives unhealthy behavior, keeping individuals perpetually "on", preventing rest and reflection. The Importance of Mental Health Awareness Historically, mental health was stigmatized, especially in Black communities, where therapy was less accessible. Today, conversations about mental wellness are gaining traction, but challenges remain, particularly for executives managing silent struggles. Taking Control of Digital Habits Dr. Rushing advocates for setting personal boundaries, resisting external pressures to be constantly reachable. Suggests one hour of daily unplugged time to reset, disconnect, and regain mental clarity. 📘 Resources & Contact InformationDr. Rushing’s book, The Hidden Hand, is available for purchase.🔗 Website: DrJacquelineRushin.com #AMI #BEST #STRAW #SHMS See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Uplift: He highlights the importance of mental health and wellness, in elite sports, and entrepreneurial spaces.
04/1/2026 | 38 min
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Kurt Jones. Purpose of the Interview The conversation aims to highlight the importance of mental health and wellness, particularly in the Black community, elite sports, and entrepreneurial spaces. It focuses on mental resilience, confidence building, and strategies for handling stress and setbacks, while introducing Dr. Jones’ methodology and his mission through Play 21 Wellness Academy. Key Takeaways Mental Health in the Black Community Historically stigmatized; seen as weakness or negativity. Today, awareness is improving, but significant work remains. Customized Approach Dr. Jones does individualized analysis and treatment plans for athletes and business professionals. Rejects “cookie-cutter” solutions—tailors strategies to personal circumstances. The Shelving Method A mental organization system with four shelves: Immediate Shelf: Urgent tasks within 24 hours. Active Shelf: Important but less urgent tasks. Holding Shelf: Items to revisit later. Elimination Shelf: Thoughts/tasks to discard permanently. Helps clients focus on the present and avoid dwelling on past mistakes. Confidence & Setbacks Confidence can collapse after major losses or failures. Strategy: Remind clients of their greatness, review past successes, and rebuild momentum. Consistency and adaptability are key to sustaining success. Play 21 Wellness Academy Founded in memory of Ben Wilson, a top basketball player and Dr. Jones’ best friend. Mission: Support youth athletes, address issues like parent/teacher abuse, and provide mental health resources. Operates as both a nonprofit and for-profit entity. Broader Client Base Works with elite athletes, entrepreneurs, and high-level professionals. Mental clarity and emotional control are critical for success in any field. Health & Balance Encourages regular medical checkups, stress management, and work-life balance. Advocates for self-reward and stepping out of comfort zones while maintaining wellness. Upcoming Projects Book: Chi-Town Blueprints (personal story and mental resilience). Workbook on the Shelving Method for schools, universities, and professionals. Notable Quotes On Mental Health Stigma:“When people talked about mental health, the first thought was negative.” On Focus:“You can’t take the last play to the next play.” On Success:“Mental thinking is a huge part of success.” On Confidence:“Remind yourself of what got you to the point where you were winning.” On Consistency:“You’ve never seen a Brinks truck behind a funeral car—the graveyard is the richest place because people die with million-dollar dreams.” On Purpose:“Walk in your purpose. When you walk in your purpose, there’s no stopping you.” #SHMS #STRAW #BEST #AMISee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Info You Can Use: Conversation explores his mission to help students unlock scholarship opportunities and academic success.
03/1/2026 | 32 min
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Shaan Patel. Founder and CEO of Prep Expert, a leading online test prep company. The conversation explores Patel’s journey from struggling test-taker to perfect SAT scorer, bestselling author, and successful entrepreneur. He shares how his personal experience inspired a mission to help students unlock scholarship opportunities and academic success.👨🏽🏫 About Dr. Shaan Patel• Founder & CEO of Prep Expert• Scored a perfect SAT after self-study• Secured over $500,000 in scholarships• Partnered with Mark Cuban after appearing on Shark Tank• Author of a bestselling SAT prep book published by McGraw-Hill💡 Key Themes & Takeaways📚 From Side Hustle to Scalable Business• Started Prep Expert in college dorm room• First course led to 376-point average score improvement• Grew from local classes to a national online platform• Now serves over 100,000 students with $100M+ in scholarships earned💻 Online Learning & Accessibility• Offers live, online SAT/ACT prep, tutoring, and admissions consulting• Courses taught by 99th percentile instructors• Emphasizes interactive, classroom-like experience with office hours and support• Adapted quickly to online learning post-COVID🎯 Mission-Driven Education• Brand motto: “Change your score, change your life”• Teaches life skills like time management and goal setting• Aims to eliminate student debt through scholarship access• Long-term goal: Help students earn $1 billion in scholarships📈 Entrepreneurial Lessons• Faced early rejection from publishers before landing a book deal• Used storytelling to stand out on Shark Tank• Built brand through word-of-mouth and authenticity• Now generates 2M+ annual website visits🌟 Vision for the Future• Expand impact through scholarships and mentorship• Continue empowering students to achieve academic and financial freedom• Promote meritocracy and the American dream through education. #SHMS #STRAW #BEST #AMISee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Overcoming the Odds: Inspiring Successful Businesswoman raised in foster care and teen mom of 3 kids by 18.
03/1/2026 | 23 min
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Kimberly Kelly. A real estate broker and entrepreneur who overcame a challenging upbringing in foster care, teen motherhood, and systemic adversity to become a successful businesswoman. Kimberly shares her journey of resilience, faith, and determination, offering inspiration to anyone facing difficult circumstances. Her story is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and the power of believing in oneself. 🧭 Key Points 🌱 Early Life & Adversity Raised in foster care from a young age due to her mother’s struggles with addiction. Took on a caregiver role for her younger brothers at age 9. Became a mother at 15 and had two children by 18, while still caring for her siblings. 💪 Resilience & Mindset Developed a survival mindset early on, driven by responsibility and love for her family. Found faith and spiritual grounding during her time in foster care. Never doubted her ability to succeed despite overwhelming odds. 🎓 Education & Career Path Returned to complete her high school diploma and pursued technical education. Earned a degree in electronics engineering and transitioned into the IT world. Later became a licensed real estate agent and opened her own brokerage. 🏡 Business Ventures Founder of a real estate brokerage in McDonough, Georgia. Focuses on educating and empowering first-time homebuyers and entrepreneurs. Co-owner of a property preservation company, Get Adventurous, with her husband. 🤝 Leadership & Branding Leads a small team of agents with a hands-on, mentorship-driven approach. Emphasizes adaptability, personal growth, and celebrating small victories. Operates within a price range of $250K–$750K and above, adapting to market trends. 💬 Notable Quotes “I’m superwoman. I’m phenomenal.” “Foster care is supposed to be temporary, but sometimes it becomes permanent.” “It never dawned on me that I wouldn’t be successful.” “You can do anything. There is nothing you can’t do in this life.” “Practice resilience. If you don’t have a support system, look in the mirror and talk to yourself.” “I’m always in the mindset of staying adaptable.” “My goal is to educate, motivate, and teach people that we can own real estate.” #SHMS #STRAW #BEST #AMISee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Uplift: She educates on stress, burnout, compassion fatigue, and financial equity in the mental health field.
03/1/2026 | 33 min
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Sharise Nance. Purpose of the Interview To showcase Sharise Nance’s mission in mental health advocacy, entrepreneurship, and workplace wellness. To discuss her companies: Hand in Hand Counseling Services – addressing mental health disparities in Black communities. Vitamin C Healing – building trauma-sensitive, wellness-centered workplace cultures. To educate on stress, burnout, compassion fatigue, and financial equity in the mental health field. Key Takeaways Hand in Hand Counseling Services Founded with college roommate Tess Kenny in Pittsburgh. Created a safe space for mental health support in underserved communities. Celebrating 12 years in operation. Breaking Mental Health Stigma Built trust through community presence and transparency. Advocated therapy as normal: “I’m a therapist who has a therapist.” Education on what therapy is and isn’t. Understanding Stress Eustress (positive stress) vs. Distress (overwhelming stress). Physical signs: sweating, rapid heartbeat, tense shoulders, jaw clenching. Stress can lead to depression and anxiety—seek professional help. Impact of COVID-19 Isolation amplified mental health issues. Introduced concept of co-regulation—healing through community and connection. Vitamin C Healing Originated from her book Vitamin C Healing for the Mind, Body. Evolved into a brand offering workshops, consultations, and burnout assessments. Focused on helping professionals and leaders prevent compassion fatigue. Financial Equity in Mental Health Advocates for fair pay: “We can care deeply and earn abundantly.” Challenges the mindset that passion work means low income. Encourages professionals to set boundaries and value their expertise. Burnout & Organizational Cost Unaddressed burnout costs companies millions annually. Leads to quiet quitting, low productivity, and high turnover. Investing in wellness saves money and improves culture. Personal Journey Biggest bet: leaving full-time job in 2017 to pursue entrepreneurship. Therapy helped her navigate fear and grief (especially after losing her father). Quote: “Feel the fear and do it anyway.” Notable Quotes “We can care deeply and earn abundantly.” “I’m a therapist who has a therapist.” “Feel the fear and do it anyway.” “We heal when we are in community—it’s hard to heal in isolation.” “Compassion fatigue isn’t just a feel-good topic; it costs companies millions.” “Betting on myself was the best investment I ever made.” #SHMS #STRAW #BEST #AMISee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.



Daily Inspiration: The Steve Harvey Morning Show