Money Making Conversations Master Class
Business & Finance
About
Hi, this is Rushion McDonald. Welcome to the podcast world of Money Making Conversations Master Class. I interview profits and nonprofits to learn their "Secrets to Success." I'm a former IBM Executive with a degree in Mathematics. I started my entrepreneurial career as a stand-up comic, then became a sitcom writer, award-winning baker, social media influencer, award-winning television Executive Producer, and brand architect for super-successful celebrities and products. Money Making Conversations Master Class interviews a diverse group of celebrities, entrepreneurs, and influencers in the financial and business community with their advice and tips so you can be successful, too. It's time to stop reading other people's success stories and start building your own. People always talk about their purpose or gifts. If you have a gift, Lead with your Gift, and don't let your friends, family, or co-workers stop you from planning or living your dream. Keep Winning! https://www.moneymakingconversations.com https://www.youtube.com/MoneyMakingConversations https://www.facebook.com/MoneyMakingConversations/ https://twitter.com/moneymakingconv https://www.instagram.com/moneymakingconversations/
Episodes
- Brand Building: Artist Development, she uses her platform to educate, empower, and elevate artists and collectors alike.
Karimah McFarlane, a former corporate leader at Google and Workday, shares her transition to entrepreneurship as the owner of Buckhead Art & Company. The episode explores her insights on art as a tool for wealth-building and cultural empow…
- Tech Savvy: With the rise of AI, he is helping churches and nonprofits leverage technology to spread the gospel.
Gregory Richardson, an AI consultant and cybersecurity expert, discusses the rise of AI and cybersecurity best practices. He shares insights on how churches and nonprofits can leverage technology, emphasizing the transformative potential o…
- Real Estate: Rent payments offer no tax benefits, Mortgage payments build wealth, Homeowners can deduct mortgage interest.
This episode of Money Making Conversations features real estate broker Cheryl Taylor Anderson discussing homeownership as a wealth-building strategy. Key takeaways include that rent payments offer no tax benefits, while mortgage payments b…
- Money Talk: The Five Financial Stratospheres is his Wealth Coaching Stratosphere that outlines his five levels of financial development.
In this episode, Mujahid Muhammad shares his personal financial journey, including successes, failures, and rebuilding after setbacks. He emphasizes the importance of personal financial stability, liquidity, and informed decision-making to…
- Mental Health: She discusses why Black professionals increasingly seeking therapy for trauma, stress, and work-life balance.
This episode of Money Making Conversations features Dr. LaToya Gilmore, a licensed professional counselor. She discusses mental health in the Black community, communication skills for healthier boundaries, and her career journey.
- Career Change: She went from $40K to six figures within 90 days and built a $400K+ remote household income.
Jennifer Gaddis shares her journey from a $40K income to a six-figure tech career in 90 days, eventually building a $400K+ remote household income. She discusses how she achieved this without a college degree, highlighting the opportunitie…
- Leadership Training: Performance-driven leadership creates burnout; purpose-driven leadership creates longevity.
Troy James discusses with Rushion McDonald how separating identity from performance leads to healthier leadership and longevity. The conversation emphasizes understanding pressure as a signal and finding purpose beyond goals to avoid burno…
- Financial Tips: Founder of PocketbookStrategies.com, which offers financial literacy programs, tools, and resources.
Dr. Leketa Hawkins, founder of PocketbookStrategies.com, discusses the importance of financial literacy, identifying and curbing emotional spending, and implementing budgeting strategies such as the 50/30/20 rule. She also highlights the n…
- Health Tips: Discusses her relaxation model—Free, Expand, Listen, Transform—and why embodied emotional experience is key to healing.
Marsha Evans, a licensed mental health therapist, explains her FELT Experience wellness model designed to help people reconnect with themselves. The model emphasizes somatic movement, sound healing, intentional rest, and community for heal…
- Real Estate: Shares his journey as a trailblazer in commercial real estate, overcoming industry challenges as a Black entrepreneur.
T. Dallas Smith, founder and CEO of T. Dallas Smith & Company, shares his experiences as a Black entrepreneur breaking barriers in commercial real estate. The discussion highlights mentorship, community revitalization through real estate,…
- Financial Tips: She discusses how wealth-building is tied to discipline, education, and opportunity.
In this episode, Rushion McDonald interviews Financial Advisor Sonia Balfour-Fears about closing the Black wealth gap. Balfour-Fears emphasizes education, discipline, and opportunity, while also addressing financial literacy, investing bas…
- Career Change: She enables people to use AI for financial empowerment, career resilience, and modern entrepreneurship.
Tonya Edmonds, founder of Smart Growth AI, discusses with Rushion McDonald how AI can be used for financial empowerment, career resilience, and modern entrepreneurship. The conversation emphasizes AI as a tool for reclaiming time and incre…
- Overcoming the Odds: His story showcases how family heritage and values can shape a business vision across generations.
Robert Fitzpatrick, a Navy veteran and business consultant, discusses reviving his family's historic Texas barbecue legacy with his father's original recipes and values on Money Making Conversations. The interview explores entrepreneurship…
- Motivation: From project failures to the death of his father, he shows how adversity can reshape purpose and leadership.
Lavar Thomas shares his transformative journey from Brooklyn to global leadership, emphasizing how adversity, project failures, and personal experiences reshaped his purpose and leadership style. He explores themes of faith, purpose, and r…
- Career Tips: Her Google Career Scholarships generate thousands of dollars in job opportunities.
Cassandra Lester, founder of Grow Give Prosper, details her nonprofit's partnership with Google to offer free career certification scholarships in fields like Cybersecurity and Data Analytics. These self-paced online certifications aim to…
- Financial Tips: Former NFL player discusses financial literacy and lifestyle discipline faced by professional athletes that can apply to entrepreneurs.
Former NFL player Al Smith shares insights on financial literacy, discipline, and resilience, explaining how lessons learned in professional sports can guide entrepreneurs. The episode highlights the importance of education, managing fear,…
- Career Switch: She shares how she pivoted into tech in 2021 with no degree, went from $40K to six figures within 90 days.
Jennifer Gaddis discusses pivoting into a tech career in 2021 without a degree, achieving a six-figure income within 90 days, and founding Road to QA. The interview highlights how transferable skills can lead to tech roles and reframes AI…
- Brand Building: Cable Hall of Fame inductee, recognizing his leadership and impact in cable, sports media, and Black‑owned media institutions.
In this episode of Money Making Conversations, host Rushion McDonald interviews Curtis Symonds, highlighting the growth and significance of HBCU GO, a media platform focused on HBCUs. The discussion covers Symonds' recent induction into th…
- Brand Building: Her Medase Cocktails journey is a masterclass example of entrepreneurship driven by vision, preparation, and authenticity.
This episode features Monica Cornitcher discussing the entrepreneurial journey of Medase Cocktails. Key takeaways include building a purpose-driven brand, differentiating through authentic taste and packaging, and the importance of brand n…
- Brand Building: Executive Producer states longevity comes from reinvention The Harlem Globetrotters predate the NBA and helped globalize basketball.
This episode features an interview with Ri-Karlo Handy, discussing his work as executive producer for "Harlem Globetrotters: Secrets of the City." The conversation explores the Globetrotters' global brand beyond basketball and Handy's insi…
- Life Benefits: He explains how Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) really works.
Rushion McDonald interviews disability advocate Leonard S. Graham on Money Making Conversations Master Class to explain Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The discussion covers eligibility,…
- Brand Building: Her firm helps individuals and organizations unlock potential, elevate performance, and lead with purpose, specializing in STEM leadership.
Bamidele Farinre, founder of No Ceiling Consulting, shares insights on STEM leadership, the impact of AI, and strategies for overcoming personal and systemic barriers to professional growth.
- Brand Building: He gives insights on relationship-building, authenticity, and visibility—reinforcing that in the digital era, it’s not just “who you know,” but who knows you.
Brendan Kaminsky, founder of B Known Agency, shares his journey from ESPN to entrepreneurship, detailing how brand building has evolved in the digital era. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity, visibility, and relationship-building…
- Financial Tips: Her interview educates people on entrepreneurship, financial literacy, credit repair, estate planning.
Rushion McDonald interviews Lisa Mulrain, CEO of Legacy Building LLC, on Money Making Conversations. The discussion covers financial literacy, credit repair, estate planning, and mindset shifts for wealth building, emphasizing empowerment…
- Uplift: She founded Jackets for Jobs-it has provided professional attire and career training to more than 40,000 job seekers.
Rushion McDonald interviews Dr. Alison Vaughn, founder of Jackets for Jobs, a nonprofit providing professional attire and career training to job seekers for over 26 years. The conversation covers her origin story, faith-based entrepreneurs…
- Brand Building: He discusses $1M AI Health Equity Prize and need to prepare younger generations for healthier futures.
Rushion McDonald interviews Demond Martin, co-founder and CEO of Well With All, about health equity, entrepreneurship, his life story, and the new $1M AI Health Equity Prize. Martin discusses his journey, the mission of Well With All, and…
- Financial Tips: She educates you on how to avoid student loan debt and how to simplify scholarship applications.
Jocelyn Pearson shares her system for securing scholarships and graduating debt-free. The episode debunks common scholarship myths and provides actionable steps for students and parents to avoid student loan debt.
- Follow Your Passion: The Queen of AI's mission is to empower the African American community to become the leaders in AI.
Rushion McDonald interviews Alicia Lyttle, CEO and co-founder of Air Innovations, about her mission to empower the African American community to become leaders in AI. They discuss how entrepreneurs can use AI tools to improve efficiency, c…
- Uplift: Motivational speaker and co‑founder of Next Level Living, which feeds a thousand children weekly in South Africa.
In this episode of Money Making Conversations Masterclass, host Rushion McDonald interviews motivational speaker Jeremy Anderson. They discuss Anderson's personal transformation, his work with Next Level Living which feeds 1,000 children w…
- Financial Tip: Dr, Willie Jolley's new Book, “Rich is Good, Wealthy is Better” and the teachings within it.
Hall of Fame speaker Dr. Willie Jolley joined Rushion McDonald on Money Making Conversations to discuss his new book, "Rich Is Good, Wealthy Is Better." The interview explored the differences between being rich and wealthy, the mindsets ne…
- Overcoming the Odds: Her workbook is designed to help individuals overcome people-pleasing and prioritizing your own needs.
Teresa Edwards, author of The Mirror Method workbook, shares insights on overcoming people-pleasing and setting boundaries. The discussion emphasizes self-care, mental health, and the importance of prioritizing one's own needs.
- Perseverance: Yo‑Yo’s evolution as an artist and entrepreneur, personal transformation and love for cooking.
Host Rushion McDonald interviews Dr. Yolanda "Yo-Yo" Whitaker on Money Making Conversations Master Class. They discuss Yo-Yo's artistic and entrepreneurial evolution, personal transformation, and her love for cooking, highlighting her new…
- Financial Tip: She understands the value of art as a tool for wealth-building and cultural empowerment.
Karimah McFarlane, a former tech executive, shares her transition to owning Buckhead Art & Company. She highlights the value of art for wealth-building and cultural empowerment, drawing from her experience in corporate HR and art investmen…
- Overcoming the Odds: She was a C student and a college dropout, but she is the CEO of Black Ambition.
Felecia Hatcher, CEO of Black Ambition, shares insights on the initiative founded by Pharrell Williams. The program provides capital, mentorship, and masterclasses to Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs, having invested millions in numerous c…
- Information to Know: She discusses how hair relaxers are being linked to breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, and hormone disruption.
Dr. Melanye Maclin spoke with Rushion McDonald on Money Making Conversations about the health risks associated with hair relaxers, dyes, and synthetic hair. The discussion highlighted links to breast, uterine, and ovarian cancers, as well…
- Uplift: People are divorced from themselves—She teaches you how to stay married to yourself.”
Marsha Evans, founder of Willow Tree Counseling, discusses strategies for self-awareness, managing fear, and building authentic relationships. The episode highlights the importance of understanding life stages, recognizing generational pat…
- Financial Tip: He educates aspiring millionaires—on financial planning, wealth management, and risk mitigation strategies.
This episode of Money Making Conversations features an interview with Mark Mascarenhas discussing financial planning, wealth management, and risk mitigation. Key takeaways include the importance of a written financial plan, diversification…
- Uplift: Founder of 1 Million Lives Transform, focused on empowering women to reclaim their voices.
Dr. Stephanie Wall, founder of 1 Million Lives Transform, shares her expertise as a neuroscience coach and criminal justice professor. The discussion focuses on empowering women to find their voices and lead with authenticity, offering str…
- Uplift: He highlights the importance of mental health and wellness, in elite sports, and entrepreneurial spaces.
Dr. Kurt Jones joined Rushion McDonald to discuss the importance of mental health and wellness, especially within the Black community, elite sports, and entrepreneurial fields. The conversation highlighted Dr. Jones's customized approach t…
- Career Change: He empowers underserved communities—to leverage AI and design skills for financial upgrades.
Everett Swain II, founder of UXD Academy, discusses leveraging AI and design skills for career advancement, particularly in underserved communities. The episode highlights alternative paths to tech careers, the impact of AI on small busine…
- Follow Your Passion: Former USC track star, turned education attorney and now filmmaker, discusses new “Love the Skin You’re In”
Rushion McDonald interviews Sauda Johnson McNeal about her transition from education attorney to filmmaker. They discuss her new film "Love the Skin You're In," its themes of self-love and healing, and the entrepreneurial journey of balanc…
- Brand Building: In 2017 he founded Green Book Global, a travel review platform for Black travelers, partnered with Expedia.
Lawrence Phillips, founder of Green Book Global, shares his entrepreneurial journey from engineering to creating a travel platform for Black travelers. He highlights the significance of Black Ambition and the importance of inclusive travel…
- Financial Tips: He created tools for financial success, estate planning, and long-term wealth building.
Dr. Joaquin Wallace, featured on Money Making Conversations, shares insights from his book "Generational Wealth Begins with Generational Knowledge." He details his Seven-Stage Generational Wealth Model, emphasizing financial healing and th…
- Community Uplift: She offers two-day retreats for women diagnosed with life-leveling cancers
Senita M. Hill founded Peace on Patuxent, a nonprofit offering two-day retreats for women diagnosed with life-leveling cancers. The organization provides sanctuaries for peace, clarity, and empowerment, with virtual sessions launching nati…
- Uplift: Explores how she created a network of childcare centers in Maryland.
Keanna Sanders shares her journey from fashion merchandising to establishing Sandbridge Early Learning Center, a Maryland-based childcare network. Inspired by early experiences and driven by a desire for entrepreneurship, she leveraged pas…
- Making A Difference: A trailblazing media executive at Harper’s Bazaar, Ebony, Honey Magazine, and digital platforms like BET and The Grio.
Amy DuBois Barnett, a media executive and author, spoke with Rushion McDonald about her career, including being the first Black woman to lead a major magazine. They also discussed her debut novel, 'If I Ruled the World', and the importance…
- Brand Building: She's a digital brand specialist, helping Gen X women and others pivot into digital spaces.
Rushion McDonald interviews brand strategist Stacey Gholar, founder of Bloom Creative Agency. They discuss digital brand strategy, the importance of aligning personal identity with business, leveraging AI tools, and the necessity of buildi…
- Overcoming the Odds: Toxic Relationships - When you cut toxic ties, you thrive.
El' Deity Princey shares her experience overcoming childhood trauma to become a transformational coach. The interview highlights the importance of mindset, reprogramming the subconscious, cutting toxic ties, and building wealth through rou…
- Family Business: Started tax preparation as a mom-and-pop operation, now 1,000 virtual locations.
Mowbray and Cherina Rowand, founders of The Rowand Group and One Stop Taxes, share their story of building the largest Black-owned virtual tax preparation service in America. They detail their transition from a physical location to over 1,…
- Faith and Business: A faith-driven entrepreneur, and how she works with nonprofits to inspire and educate.
Erica Gwyn, founder of Nonprofit Guru LLC and Seven Oaks Academy Montessori, shares her entrepreneurial journey and insights on nonprofit management. She details common startup mistakes and offers advice on board development and faith-driv…