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 Wendell Graham.
A stroke survivor, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and founder of Slight Edge Consulting, joins Rushion McDonald to share a deeply personal and powerful story of survival, resilience, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship.
Graham recounts two life-altering experiences:
Surviving a fatal Amtrak train crash in which the person who took his place died, causing years of survivor’s remorse.
Suffering an anaphylactic shock and stroke in 2024, which temporarily robbed him of speech, memory, mobility, and independence.
Rather than allowing these moments to define him negatively, Graham reframed them as assignments—calling him to live intentionally, help others overcome “the hump,” and use his lived experience as intellectual property to serve, coach, and motivate people through adversity, business challenges, fear, and self-doubt.
The interview blends emotional storytelling with practical insights into personal growth, sales, mindset, recovery, faith, and entrepreneurship.
Purpose of the Interview
The interview aims to:
Inspire listeners to persevere through trauma, loss, and setbacks.
Demonstrate how adversity can become purpose and value, not limitation.
Show how lived experience translates into income and impact, especially for entrepreneurs.
Encourage patience during recovery, whether from health issues, career loss, or personal failure.
Promote Slight Edge Consulting as a resource for individuals stuck at the “15%” holding them back.
Key Takeaways 1. Survival Creates Responsibility
After narrowly avoiding the Amtrak crash that killed 47 people, Graham vowed not to waste his life and to live with intention.
Takeaway: Survival is not luck—it’s an assignment.
2. Trauma Is Real, but It Can Be Transformed
Graham openly discusses survivor’s remorse, PTSD, fear, discouragement, and self-doubt—especially after his stroke.
Takeaway: Healing is messy, slow, and honest—but possible.
3. Recovery Requires Patience With Yourself
Following his stroke, Graham had to relearn how to speak, walk, and think clearly. Progress came through patience, humility, and repetition.
Takeaway: Every recovery has its own timeline—don’t rush the process.
4. Money Is a Byproduct of Action and Value
Graham explains that income flows from prior action, knowledge, and intellectual property—not the other way around.
Takeaway: Focus on value first; money follows.
5. Most People Already Have 85% of What They Need
Through Slight Edge Consulting, Graham helps clients identify and fix the missing 15%—mindset, confidence, access, skills, or strategy.
Takeaway: You’re closer to success than you think.
6. Sales Is the Transfer of Feeling
Sales isn’t pressure or manipulation—it’s enthusiasm, belief, and confidence communicated clearly.
Takeaway: If you don’t believe in what you’re selling, no one else will.
7. Fear Grows When You Stand Still
Standing at the “hump” makes it feel larger. Movement shrinks fear.
Takeaway: Action reduces intimidation.
8. Give Yourself Permission to Be Great
Too many people wait for validation, approval, or perfect timing that never comes.
Takeaway: The cavalry is not coming—now is your time.
Notable Quotes
On surviving tragedy:
“I made a vow that I was not going to be irresponsible with the time that I have left.”

On the stroke and recovery:
“Physically, it was like being locked inside of your body.”

On honesty in healing:
“We tell the success story, but what about the middle?”

On patience:
“We have to be patient with ourselves in any recovery process.”

On mindset and entrepreneurship:
“Money is only the byproduct of something.”

On personal growth:
“Most people have 85% of what they need—it’s the 15% that’s holding them back.”

On sales:
“Selling is nothing more than transferring feeling.”

On fear and permission:
“Give yourself permission to be great. The cavalry is not coming.”

#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 Ryan Wilson.
Co-founder and CEO of The Gathering Spot (TGS), joins host Rushion McDonald to discuss his entrepreneurial journey, the creation and expansion of The Gathering Spot, and the broader mission of building community, economic opportunity, and cultural pride for Black professionals and creatives.
Wilson explains that while TGS officially opened in Atlanta in 2016, the idea began years earlier when he was a law student in Washington, D.C. What started as a reimagining of the traditional private city club became a national platform combining community, collaboration, events, workspaces, and eventually fintech tools. Despite major obstacles—most notably being rejected by 97 potential investors—Wilson persisted, driven by a clear sense of purpose and belief in the unmet needs of Black and minority communities.
The conversation highlights Atlanta’s importance as the launch city, the power of community-driven spaces, and the need to move beyond performative diversity efforts toward sustainable, scalable Black-owned businesses.
Purpose of the Interview
The primary purpose of the interview is to:
Inspire entrepreneurs, especially young and underrepresented founders, to pursue their ideas despite resistance.
Explain the mission and impact of The Gathering Spot as more than a coworking space—positioning it as a cultural, economic, and social hub.
Encourage long-term thinking about Black business growth, community wealth, and access to financial tools.
Provide real-world lessons about fundraising, resilience, leadership, and community building.
Key Takeaways 1. Success Is a Process, Not an Overnight Event
Wilson emphasizes that The Gathering Spot took years of planning, pitching, and rejection before launching. The popular narrative of “instant success” hides the real work required.
Takeaway: Consistency and belief matter more than early validation.
2. Rejection Can Be a Signal You’re Early—Not Wrong
Wilson was told “no” 97 times before securing his first investor. Instead of discouragement, he saw rejection as proof that he was pursuing something others couldn’t yet see.
Takeaway: If everyone understands your idea immediately, you might not be pushing far enough.
3. Atlanta Was a Strategic and Cultural Choice
Atlanta was selected because of its Black leadership, business ecosystem, cultural influence, and sense of communal support. Wilson describes the city as both big and intimate—ideal for relationship building.
Takeaway: Location matters, especially when building community-centered businesses.
4. The Gathering Spot Is About Belonging and Pride
TGS intentionally celebrates Black culture while remaining open to all. The experience is designed to feel warm, affirming, and professional—something many members had never encountered in adult spaces.
Takeaway: Spaces are never neutral; design should be intentional about who feels welcomed and valued.
5. Community Is the Product
While TGS offers buildings, events, restaurants, and workspaces, Wilson is clear that the network is the real value—introducing people who otherwise may never meet.
Takeaway: Relationships create opportunity faster than resources alone.
6. Fintech Is About Real Access, Not Just Education
Wilson explains that after years of hosting conversations about money and wealth, TGS realized the next step was providing actual financial tools, not just dialogue.
Takeaway: Empowerment requires both knowledge and access.
7. DEI Without Results Is Performative
Wilson and McDonald discuss the post-2020 slowdown in corporate DEI efforts. Wilson challenges organizations to focus less on optics and more on outcomes—specifically business scale and job creation.
Takeaway: The goal isn’t to “look good losing,” but to win sustainably.
Notable Quotes
On rejection:
“It was 97 people that told us no in a row before we got to our first yes.”

On purpose:
“My mission is to connect people. I’m a community builder.”

On fear and timing:
“I didn’t want to have any regrets about not trying.”

On intentional design:
“I was thinking about Black folks when we were building The Gathering Spot.”

On DEI efforts:
“Do you really want to win or look good losing?”

On scale and impact:
“It’s not enough to start Black-owned businesses—we have to watch them grow.”

#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 Stacey Gholar.
🔹 Summary of the Interview
Stacey Gholar, founder of Bloom Creative Agency, shares her journey from being a young mother in Chicago to becoming a brand strategist and creative entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in marketing, media, and business. She emphasizes the importance of aligning personal identity with brand strategy, especially in the digital age. Stacey discusses her approach to brand audits, the role of social media, the impact of AI, and her passion for empowering women through entrepreneurship and skincare.
🔹 Key Takeaways 1. What Is a Brand Strategist?
A brand strategist helps individuals and businesses define and articulate their brand clearly.
“You are the brand, but you have to put the brand together in a way that people can articulate what you do.”
2. Social Media Strategy
Stacey conducts social media audits to ensure alignment between personal and business branding.
She recommends having separate personal and business accounts, but acknowledges blending them when appropriate.
3. Discovery Process
Her process starts with a discovery call to understand the client’s “why” and goals.
She believes passion must drive entrepreneurship—not just money.
4. Digital Branding & AI
Stacey identifies as a digital brand specialist, helping Gen X women and others pivot into digital spaces.
She uses AI tools like ChatGPT and Google Gemini to enhance productivity but values human connection.
“AI is an asset… but I don’t solely rely on it.”
5. Email Marketing
Email is still vital: “If you're solely on social media, you can lose your business in a minute.”
She advocates for funnel systems and community building outside of social platforms.
6. Going Viral vs. Being Valuable
“You don’t need to go viral. You just need to be valuable.”
She went viral unintentionally with a review of Harold’s Chicken, but stresses the importance of sustainable value over fleeting attention.
7. Brand Refresh & Outreach
Most of her clients come through word of mouth, but she’s expanding her reach via social media.
She encourages clients to step out of their comfort zones and engage in community-driven initiatives.
8. Skincare Line
Stacey founded Skin Light Skincare at age 50 to promote pro-aging and natural beauty.
She now focuses on organic body oils that are clean, hydrating, and hormone-safe.
🔹 Notable Quotes
“Experience has been the best teacher for me.”
“You don’t need to go viral. You just need to be valuable.”
“If you stop learning, you stop growing.”
“I want you to be a part of building your brand—not just me doing it for you.”
“Social media is great, but word of mouth is still real.”
#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 Tonya Edmonds.
Podcast: Money Making Conversations Masterclass
Host: Rushion McDonald
Guest: Tonya Edmonds (Founder, Smart Growth AI)
1. Purpose of the Interview
The purpose of the interview is to educate, motivate, and equip listeners—especially professionals, entrepreneurs, and women—with:
A practical understanding of artificial intelligence (AI) without technical intimidation
Strategies to reclaim time, increase productivity, and future‑proof careers
Lessons on wealth building, including multiple streams of income and investing
The importance of mentorship, partnerships, and adaptability
Real-world insights from Tonya’s entrepreneurial and corporate journey
At its core, the conversation connects AI adoption with financial empowerment, career resilience, and modern entrepreneurship.
2. Interview Overview
Tonya Edmonds shares her transition from corporate roles (including work at Johnson & Johnson) to founding Smart Growth AI, a consulting and training firm that helps busy professionals and entrepreneurs reclaim 10+ hours per week by implementing practical AI systems.
Rushion McDonald frames the discussion around:
Technology adoption
Financial literacy
Entrepreneurship
Personal resilience
Long-term thinking in a rapidly changing economy
3. Key Takeaways A. AI Is a People Challenge, Not a Technology Problem
Tonya explains that resistance to AI is driven by fear, not complexity. Employees worry AI will replace them, so leaders must reframe it as a co-creator and productivity partner, not a job threat.
AI succeeds when people understand how it elevates their role instead of eliminating it.
B. AI Is About Time Leverage, Not Working More
Smart Growth AI focuses on helping clients:
Automate repetitive tasks
Improve workflows
Regain lost hours
Redirect time toward strategy, creativity, and rest
Tonya warns against burnout, emphasizing that reclaimed time should be used intentionally—not just to take on more work.
C. Multiple Streams of Income Build Stability
A casual cookout conversation introduced Tonya to the idea of wealth-building beyond employment. Playing Robert Kiyosaki’s Cashflow Quadrant helped her understand:
Being an employee alone limits wealth creation
Leveraging money and assets creates freedom
Community and shared learning accelerate growth
This mindset later helped her navigate layoffs, entrepreneurship, and motherhood.
D. Mentorship Is a Critical Success Factor
Tonya repeatedly highlights mentorship as a defining difference between struggle and progress:
The lack of mentorship contributed to challenges with her day spa business
Strong mentorship later helped her pivot, recover, and scale
Her relationship with Alicia Lyttle (“The Queen of AI”) accelerated her expertise and credibility
Mastermind groups and strategic partnerships played a key role in expansion.
E. Women Must Shift from Spending to Investing
Tonya offers direct advice to women:
Start small and stay consistent
Invest only in things you understand—or get educated
Consider real estate, passive investments, and partnerships
Use tools like self-directed IRAs or rolled-over 401(k)s to build wealth
Progress matters more than perfection.
F. Learning AI Is Career Insurance
Tonya encourages professionals to:
Learn AI on their own time if necessary
Experiment hands-on, not just consume content
Become the AI “go‑to” person at work
Increase job security by increasing relevance
Early adopters gain disproportionate advantage.
G. No Single AI Tool Does Everything Best
She explains how different tools serve different purposes:
ChatGPT – brainstorming and idea generation
Claude – deeper, more refined writing
Perplexity – research
Gemini – graphics and video
Copilot – integrated enterprise workflows
Her advice: use multiple tools strategically.
H. Privacy and Security Matter
Tonya stresses AI safety best practices:
Turn off model-training permissions
Never input personal or client-identifying data
Use placeholder names (e.g., “Company X”)
Treat AI tools as public spaces unless secured
4. Notable Quotes
On AI Adoption
“It’s not a technology problem—it’s a people problem.”
On Fear of AI
“You’re asking people to train a tool they think could replace them.”
On Time Freedom
“If you learn AI, it will help you leverage your time—but don’t use that time to burn yourself out.”
On Wealth Building
“You can’t really get ahead just being an employee. You have to leverage your money.”
On Mentorship
“You have to be careful who you plant seeds with—because they can come back and help you.”
On Women and Investing
“Even if it’s just $100 a week or $100 a month, every little bit counts.”
On Learning AI
“Don’t just listen—open up your laptop and start playing with it.”
#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 Ri‑Karlo Handy.
Interview Overview
Guest: Ri‑Karlo Handy
Host: Rushion McDonald
Podcast: Money Making Conversations Masterclass
Primary Focus:
Handy’s role as showrunner/executive producer of Harlem Globetrotters: Secrets of the City
His media career spanning 25+ years
Representation, legacy, trust, and mentorship in the entertainment industry
The mission and impact of the Handy Foundation
Purpose of the Interview
The interview serves multiple purposes:
Promote Harlem Globetrotters: Secrets of the City on aspireTV+ by explaining what makes the series unique within the travel and lifestyle genre.
Reposition the Harlem Globetrotters as a cultural, historical, and global brand beyond basketball—especially significant during their 100‑year legacy.
Highlight pathways into the entertainment industry, particularly for Black creatives, through mentorship, trust-building, and skills-based training.
Showcase Handy’s philosophy on leadership and opportunity, emphasizing responsibility, legacy, and access.
Key Themes & Takeaways 1. Redefining the Travel Show Format
Secrets of the City goes beyond sightseeing.
The show explores how Black people live, connect, and thrive globally, especially through expat communities and diaspora culture.
Episodes emphasize how to move through a city, not just visit it—using insider access, cultural context, and lived experience.
Takeaway: Travel content is more powerful when rooted in identity, history, and authenticity.
2. Harlem Globetrotters as Cultural Ambassadors
Handy frames the Globetrotters as “ambassadors of goodwill”, not just entertainers.
They represent joy, diplomacy, and cultural exchange—appearing everywhere from the Vatican to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization.
The show captures their off‑court personalities, maturity, and global influence.
Takeaway: The Harlem Globetrotters are a living Black institution with worldwide reach, relevance, and responsibility.
3. Sustaining a 100‑Year Black Brand
The Globetrotters predate the NBA and helped globalize basketball.
After fading from TV prominence in the 1990s–2000s, a post‑pandemic strategy brought them back into media.
Handy sees longevity itself as a lesson—few businesses, especially Black‑owned legacies, endure a century.
Takeaway: Longevity comes from reinvention, relevance, and honoring history while adapting to the present.
4. Mastery, Discipline, and Authentic Skill
Globetrotter performances are not “fake” or staged.
Players must actually make the shots and execute at elite athletic levels.
Handy compares their mindset to elite athletes like Steph Curry—hours of practice for moments of excellence.
Takeaway: Entertainment still demands real mastery; excellence behind the scenes creates effortless magic on screen.
5. Trust as the Real Currency of Business
Handy repeatedly emphasizes trust over talent as the foundation of his career.
His progression—from editor to producer to network executive—came from delivering consistently on promises.
Relationships, reliability, and integrity enabled him to control projects and earn leadership roles.
Takeaway: Skills open doors, but trust keeps them open.
6. Mentorship and the Handy Foundation
Handy formalized his long-standing mentorship work into the Handy Foundation (founded 2020).
The foundation focuses on post‑production training, an area with limited Black representation.
Started with 8 trainees; now has 400+ alumni working on major films and TV shows.
The program is now a nationally recognized registered apprenticeship with the California Film Commission.
Takeaway: Access—not just ambition—is the missing link for many aspiring creatives.
Notable Quotes
“Our business is less about skills and creativity and more about trust.”
“A lot of times the first opportunity is the hardest one to get.”
“They’re not pretending to make the basketball. You’ve actually got to make the shot.”
“There aren’t a lot of Black folks in post‑production because they don’t get the opportunity to learn those skills.”
“How many Black businesses can we say are 100 years old?”
“They are ambassadors of goodwill. You’ve got to be a good person to be a Globetrotter.”
#SHMS #BEST #STRAW
Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.