The Steve Harvey Morning Show

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Monica Cornitcher.
Entrepreneurial journey, the inspiration behind Medase Cocktails, and the realities of launching, funding, and scaling a premium nonalcoholic spirits brand in a highly competitive market.
Purpose of the Conversation
The purpose of the episode is to:
Educate aspiring entrepreneurs on how to build a differentiated consumer brand
Demonstrate the importance of storytelling, market clarity, and operational discipline
Highlight the growth of the nonalcoholic / zero‑proof beverage movement
Inspire founders—especially founders of color—to own their niche, seek capital strategically, and scale intentionally.
Key Takeaways 1. Business Built from Personal Need and Purpose
Medase Cocktails was co‑founded by Monica and her lifelong friend during her friend’s battle with breast cancer, a time when alcohol was no longer an option—but celebration still mattered.
The brand was created to allow people to celebrate authentically without alcohol
It carries emotional depth rooted in friendship, gratitude, and loss
Monica continues the mission after her co‑founder passed away in 2024
Lesson: Purpose-driven businesses create deeper emotional connection and long-term brand equity.
2. Differentiation Is Everything
Monica deliberately rejected the “sparkling water with flavor” model common in nonalcoholic drinks.
Her differentiators include:
Authentic cocktail taste (Old Fashioned, Margarita, Moscow Mule)
Organic juices, not artificial flavors
Bold packaging that stands out on shelves
Drinks designed to smell, taste, and feel like real cocktails
Lesson: Competing on authenticity—not cost—is how you carve out market share in crowded spaces.
3. Brand Names and Stories Matter
The name “Medase” means “thank you” and reflects gratitude, friendship, and emotional support.
Monica emphasizes:
Every flavor name, color, and product decision has a story
A strong brand narrative creates curiosity, loyalty, and investor interest
Lesson: People invest in brands they feel—emotionally, not just intellectually.
4. Venture Capital Is Not Just About Numbers
While financials matter, Monica stresses that VCs also invest in founders and stories.
What helped her secure venture capital:
A compelling personal story
Relevant founder skill sets (M&A, law, operations)
Clear understanding of the market opportunity
Lesson: Early-stage funding often depends on who you are and why you’re building, not just revenue.
5. Research, Planning, and Discipline Before Launch
Unlike many food startups, Medase did not begin in a kitchen.
They:
Conducted a feasibility study
Built a formal business plan
Worked with a Black female food scientist
Set strict personal funding limits before seeking capital
Lesson: Preparation reduces risk and builds long-term sustainability.
6. Scaling Requires Operational Maturity
As sales increased—especially on Amazon—Monica emphasized the need to move from “hustle mode” to operational excellence.
Key scaling principles:
Understand unit economics
Track ROI for events and activations
Adjust pricing as volume increases
Build strategy across marketing, operations, and distribution
Lesson: Hustle starts the business; operations grow it.
7. Niche First, Expansion Later
Medase does not try to be “everything to everyone.”
Core customers include:
People seeking a break from alcohol
Health-conscious consumers
Black men looking for alcohol replacements
Consumers wanting cocktail taste without hangovers
Lesson: Strong niches create loyal advocates who fuel organic growth.
8. Smart Distribution Strategy
Rather than rushing into retail, Monica prioritized direct-to-consumer channels:
Amazon (top-performing channel)
Brand website
TikTok Shop
Only after 6–7 months of traction did retail expansion become viable.
Lesson: Control your margins and demand before entering expensive retail environments.
Memorable Quotes
“I wanted an authentic cocktail without compromise.”
“Everything we do has a story behind it.”
“Sometimes it’s not about the financials—it’s about the founder and the story.”
“Don’t be everything to everybody. Find your market and stick with your market.”
“Hustle starts the business, but operations give you scale.”
“If it tastes too much like alcohol and you gave me a one-star review—thank you. That means I did my job.”
Overall Message
This episode is a real-world entrepreneurial blueprint showing how clarity of vision, emotional authenticity, disciplined planning, and niche focus can turn a personal idea into a scalable national brand.
Monica Cornitcher exemplifies the modern founder:
visionary, data-aware, emotionally intelligent, and unapologetically authentic.
#SHMS #BEST #STRAW
Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning!
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Lamar Tyler.
🎯 Purpose of the Interview
To spotlight Lamar Tyler’s entrepreneurial journey, the growth of his platform Traffic, Sales & Profit (TSP), and to share actionable insights for Black entrepreneurs on building scalable, profitable businesses from side hustles.
🧭 Key Themes & Takeaways 1. Branding with Purpose
Lamar emphasizes the importance of clear, relatable branding.
His previous brand, Black and Married with Kids, succeeded because the name instantly resonated with its audience.
Quote:
“If they can hear the name, they can see it and say, ‘Hey, that’s for me.’”
2. Side Hustle to Main Hustle
Most Black entrepreneurs start businesses while working full-time jobs.
Success requires treating the side hustle like a real business from day one.
Quote:
“There is no perfect time. The time to get started is now.”
3. Consistency & Growth
TSP’s first event in 2016 had only 47 attendees, half of whom came for free.
Growth came from consistency and listening to the community.
Quote:
“Sometimes all you need is confirmation.”
4. Customer Experience & Branding
Inspired by Disney’s “unexpected touchpoints,” Lamar expanded branding beyond the event space to include the hotel exterior and even airport baggage claim.
Quote:
“We brand everything from the lobby to the pool… to make it feel like home.”
5. Faith & Execution
Faith plays a central role in Lamar’s business philosophy.
He encourages entrepreneurs to act on the opportunities they pray for.
Quote:
“You pray to get the opportunity, now you want to do all the work too.”
6. Scaling vs. Growing
Growth increases revenue and expenses; scaling increases revenue without proportional expense growth.
TSP Scale is a new event focused on helping businesses reach this level.
Quote:
“Scale is where the real money comes in.”
7. Lever-Driven Growth System
Lamar outlines systems for: Proposal processes
Upselling
Referral systems
Creating experiences that justify premium pricing

Quote:
“If you create an experience around what you do, you can charge two, three, four times more.”
8. Platform & Community
Lamar transitioned from doing all the speaking to empowering others in his community.
He believes in giving others a platform to grow.
Quote:
“Too many artists try to hold on too tight… and miss out on the blessing.”
🌟 Notable Guests & Surprises at TSP Events
Surprise appearances by Magic Johnson, Issa Rae, Master P, Jermaine Dupri, Janice Bryant Howroyd, and Ambassador Andrew Young.
Quote:
“If you want to be it, you need to see it.”
📍 Event Details
New Event: TSP Scale
Location: Atlanta Westin Gwinnett, Gwinnett County, GA
Website: TSPScale.com
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning!
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Jennifer Ledwith.
🔷 Purpose of the Interview
The primary purpose of the interview is to:
Promote college readiness and scholarship access, especially for students who may lack guidance.
Explain the value of preparation (academic, testing, and strategic) in unlocking higher education opportunities.
Introduce Jennifer Ledwith’s business (Scholar Ready) and how it helps students improve test scores, write strong essays, and secure scholarships.
Encourage parents and students to be proactive and intentional in the college admissions process.
👉 Overall, the interview is both educational and promotional, aimed at empowering families while showcasing a solution (her services).
🔷 Summary of the Interview
Jennifer Ledwith, founder of Scholar Ready, shares how her personal experience applying for over 30 scholarships—and graduating with minimal student debt—led her to build a company that prepares students for college success.
She explains that college opportunities (admissions, scholarships, and programs) are widely available, but many students miss them due to lack of preparation, awareness, or confidence.
Her program focuses on:
SAT, ACT, and PSAT preparation (via 8-week online courses)
Essay writing and storytelling skills
Strategic planning based on a student’s goals (e.g., required scores for certain majors)
Ledwith emphasizes that test anxiety, poor preparation, and misconceptions about ability prevent students from performing well—but these barriers can be overcome with training and structure.
She also highlights the importance of:
Starting early (even in mindset)
Practicing consistently
Tailoring applications to specific schools or scholarship organizations
The interview concludes with a call to action encouraging families to seek guidance, ask questions, and take control of the college preparation process.
🔷 Key Takeaways 1. Preparation Creates Opportunity
Students must be “ready” to take advantage of scholarships and admissions opportunities.
High test scores and strong essays can compensate for other academic gaps.
👉 “You have to be ready to take advantage of all of the opportunities.” [Jennifer L...green) (1) | Txt]
2. Early Mindset Matters More Than Timing
College prep doesn’t start with test prep—it starts with expectations and exposure.
Even casual conversations in childhood can shape readiness.
👉 “Preparing for college [starts] as early as possible… with just setting expectations.” [Jennifer L...green) (1) | Txt]
3. Test Scores Still Open Doors
SAT/ACT scores directly impact: Scholarship eligibility
Admission into competitive programs (especially technical fields)

👉 “You might be valedictorian… but if you don't have the SAT score… you might not get in.” [Jennifer L...green) (1) | Txt]
4. Test Anxiety Comes From Lack of Preparation
Anxiety is often caused by unfamiliarity—not inability.
Training and repetition reduce fear.
👉 “We throw them into situations for which they are not prepared and then expect them to perform.” [Jennifer L...green) (1) | Txt]
5. Structured Prep Works (If Students Commit)
Programs require: 4–6 hours of class weekly
2–3 additional study hours

Results depend on consistency and effort.
6. Essays Are About Storytelling, Not Just Writing
Strong essays are: Narrative-driven
Personal and engaging
Tailored to the organization

👉 “I teach my students to write stories… people remember stories.” [Jennifer L...green) (1) | Txt]
7. Strategy Is Critical
Students must: Know their target scores
Align prep with goals (schools, majors, scholarships)
Research organizations before applying

👉 “People need to be very strategic when it comes to preparing for exams.” [Jennifer L...green) (1) | Txt]
8. Access Has Expanded (Online Learning)
Virtual learning allows nationwide access to prep services.
Post-COVID, online education is more accepted and effective.
9. Persistence Drives Success
Jennifer credits her achievements to: Applying to many scholarships
Constantly seeking opportunities
Staying disciplined

👉 “I applied for over 30 scholarships… I was always seeking a new opportunity.” [Jennifer L...green) (1) | Txt]
10. Many Students Miss Opportunities Due to Fear or Lack of Guidance
Common barriers: Fear of essays
Lack of knowledge
Not asking questions

👉 “People don’t apply… because they’re afraid of the essay.” [Jennifer L...green) (1) | Txt]
🔷 Notable Quotes On readiness and opportunity
“You have to be ready to take advantage of the opportunities.” [Jennifer L...green) (1) | Txt]
On preparation and anxiety
“I would be nervous if you asked me to do something I haven’t trained for.” [Jennifer L...green) (1) | Txt]
On essay writing
“People remember stories… you want to be memorable.” [Jennifer L...green) (1) | Txt]
On persistence
“I applied for over 30 scholarships.” [Jennifer L...green) (1) | Txt]
On strategy
“People need to be very strategic when it comes to preparing for exams.” [Jennifer L...green) (1) | Txt]
On performance gaps
“We throw them into situations for which they are not prepared.” [Jennifer L...green) (1) | Txt]
On mindset
“Preparing for college… starts with setting expectations.” [Jennifer L...green) (1) | Txt]
🔷 Bottom Line
This interview reinforces a central message:
👉 College success is not just about intelligence—it’s about preparation, strategy, and access to the right guidance.
Jennifer Ledwith positions Scholar Ready as a bridge between student potential and real opportunities—helping families turn ambition into measurable outcomes (scores, scholarships, admissions).
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/
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Kenneth Chester
🧾 Overall Purpose of the Interview
The interview is designed to educate, inspire, and empower listeners—especially entrepreneurs and communities of color—around technology, entrepreneurship, and economic opportunity.
It serves three main purposes:
Demystify emerging technologies (AI, electric vehicles, mobility)
Encourage entrepreneurship and self-starting behavior
Advocate for greater access to knowledge and participation in tech among Black communities
Chester’s role is that of a translator and motivator, turning complex topics into actionable insight while challenging limiting beliefs.
🎯 Key Themes & Takeaways 1. Mindset: “Evolve or Die”
Chester emphasizes that adaptability is essential for survival and success.
Resistance to change leads to stagnation and missed opportunity.
👉 Takeaway:
Success comes from continuous learning and embracing change, especially in fast-moving fields like tech.
2. Entrepreneurship Requires Overcoming “But”
Chester identifies the most dangerous word in entrepreneurship:“but.”
People often block themselves with excuses (lack of time, money, connections).
👉 Takeaways:
Start before you feel ready.
Your first customer validates your idea.
Growth is incremental: 1 → 2 → 5 → 10 customers.
3. Technology as Opportunity (Not Threat) Focus areas:
Artificial intelligence (AI)
Electric vehicles (EVs)
Autonomous vehicles
Chester reframes technology as:
A tool for empowerment, not replacement
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, especially for underserved communities
👉 Takeaways:
AI lowers barriers (no coding required, often free)
EVs are driven by economics and efficiency, not just climate concerns
Understanding tech = controlling your future
4. Information Access Gap in Black Communities
Chester highlights a major issue: lack of access to tech information in Black media spaces
Ironically, he receives more support from non-Black (even conservative) platforms
👉 Takeaways:
The issue is not capability—it’s distribution and exposure
Communities must actively seek and share knowledge
5. AI as a Transformational Equalizer
Chester strongly argues:
AI is comparable to literacy in earlier eras
Avoiding it is like refusing education 100 years ago
👉 Takeaways:
AI can: Create new careers quickly (3–6 months training)
Increase independence and income

All that’s required is: Time
Curiosity
Access (libraries included)

6. Simplifying Tech for the Masses
Chester intentionally avoids over-complication
He positions himself as**“tech-aware,” not overly technical**
👉 Takeaway:
Effective communication = meeting people where they are
Education works best when it is practical and digestible
7. Structural & Environmental Awareness
The discussion expands into:
Infrastructure inequality
Energy systems (solar, EVs, grid stress)
Urban planning disparities
👉 Takeaway: Understanding tech and mobility helps people:
Anticipate societal shifts
Avoid becoming victims of those shifts
💬 Notable Quotes On resilience and adversity
“We’ve always been under attack… You can choose to be a victim or make the most of it.”
On growth and adaptability
“You either evolve or die, period.”
On entrepreneurship
“‘But’ stops so many phenomenal ideas.”
“If you can sell to one person… you can sell to ten.”
On uniqueness and value creation
“Nobody can tell it like you… the world deserves to see it.”
On AI opportunity
“AI represents a once in a lifetime opportunity… you have the world at your fingertips.”
“All you need is time.”
On fear vs action
“If you wait for it… it’s like standing in the street waiting for a dump truck.”
🧠 Bottom-Line Insights
Mindset beats circumstance: Success requires action despite limitations
Technology is leverage: Those who embrace it early gain advantage
Access to knowledge is critical: Communities must actively seek and share information
AI is the new literacy: Ignoring it risks being left behind
Entrepreneurship starts small: Validation begins with one customer
#SHMS #BEST #STRAW
Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning!
Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Alaysia Miller.
A certified nurse practitioner, travel nurse practitioner, and founder of NP Luxe CPR, a Florida-based CPR training company.
Alaysia discusses her journey from nurse to travel nurse practitioner, how frontline burnout pushed her into entrepreneurship, and why she launched a CPR education business. She explains the financial and lifestyle advantages of travel nursing, the importance of mentorship, the realities of entrepreneurship, and the major CPR survival gap in Black and underserved communities.
Rushion and Alaysia also dive into leadership, negotiating contracts, building a lucrative CPR business, and empowering community health through education.
🎯 Purpose of the Interview
The interview aims to:
1. Showcase a path to financial freedom through nursing entrepreneurship
By highlighting travel nurse contracting and CPR instruction as viable wealth‑building vehicles.
2. Highlight the importance of CPR education in underserved communities
Especially addressing the survival gap in Black communities due to low CPR literacy.
3. Encourage aspiring entrepreneurs—especially women and healthcare workers
By sharing Alaysia’s experiences with mentorship, confidence building, and launching a service-based business.
4. Educate listeners on the realities of entrepreneurship
Including time demands, imposter syndrome, and the need for consistency and proper pricing.
🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Travel Nurse Practitioners Have High Earning Potential
As a staff NP she would earn $100k per year, but as a travel NP she earned $100k in six months while gaining time freedom and flexibility.
Travel NP work is paid via 1099, opening the door to tax write-offs, investment flexibility, and entrepreneurial benefits.
2. Burnout Was the Catalyst for Change
Working six days a week during COVID and the pressure of commercialized urgent-care systems led to burnout, weight gain, and loss of self. This pushed Alaysia toward traveling, where she worked half the time for double the pay.
3. CPR Survival Rates Are Lower in Black & Underserved Communities
Alaysia explains that lack of exposure, knowledge, and basic emergency training leads to significantly lower cardiac survival rates in communities of color.
She addresses this through her nonprofit We Push Health, which brings CPR and medical education to rural and urban communities.
4. You Don’t Need to Reinvent the Wheel—Mentorship Is Key
She learned about mentorship in 2024 and emphasizes that mentors help you avoid costly mistakes and speed up your path.
“Find someone who is the ideal image of what you want to be and mimic what they do.”.
5. CPR Businesses Are Lucrative and Accessible
Almost every industry requires CPR certification:
Healthcare
Schools & daycares
Gyms
Police & fire departments
Hotels
Tattoo studios
These make CPR instruction a strong side hustle or full-time business, especially for healthcare professionals who already understand the material.
6. Entrepreneurship Requires Real Work
Alaysia breaks down the less glamorous side of building a business:
Imposter syndrome
The need for consistent marketing
Pricing confidently
Long hours initially
Learning branding, systems, and follow-up
“You only eat what you kill.”.
7. Communication and Adaptability Are Leadership Superpowers
Travel nursing requires walking into unfamiliar environments and leading without overpowering. She emphasizes:
Reading the room
Adjusting communication styles
Delegating the right way
Being assertive but team-oriented
“Adaptability is number one.”.
8. Negotiation Skills Changed Her Entire Career
She learned to stop undervaluing herself and start negotiating confidently:
First contract: underpriced
Second contract: raised rates dramatically
Uses supply‑and‑demand to justify price increases
“You miss 100% of the shots you never take.”.]
🗣️ Notable Quotes On Entrepreneurship
“If you know how to save a life, don’t you think you know how to run a business?”.
“You only eat what you kill.”.
On Burnout
“I lost myself giving it to a job.”.
On Community Health
“They can’t know what they don’t know.”
“Survival rates for cardiac arrest are significantly lower in communities of color because they lack access to basic emergency skills.”.
On Mentorship
“You don’t have to reinvent the wheel to be successful.”
“Find someone who is the ideal image of what you want to be.”.
On Negotiation
“What’s the worst they can say? No.”
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.