The Steve Harvey Morning Show

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Lawrence Phillips. Purpose of the Interview To showcase Lawrence Phillips’ entrepreneurial journey from engineering to founding Green Book Global, a travel review platform for Black travelers. To highlight the significance of Black Ambition, an initiative by Pharrell Williams supporting Black and Brown entrepreneurs. To inspire listeners about resilience, innovation, and the importance of culturally inclusive travel resources. Key Takeaways Background & Career Shift Phillips studied Electrical Engineering at Georgia Tech and worked at Accenture in IT consulting for nearly a decade. Despite career success, he felt unfulfilled and decided to pursue his passion for travel, leading to the creation of Green Book Global. Travel Experience Traveled to 30+ countries across all seven continents, including Antarctica, in less than a year. Realized the need for a platform addressing “traveling while Black” concerns—safety, cultural acceptance, and inclusivity. Green Book Global Inspired by the historical Green Book (1936–1966), which guided Black travelers during segregation. Offers city-level Black-friendly scores, road trip planners, and Black-owned restaurant recommendations. Over 150,000 app downloads in 2025; partnered with Expedia; strong social media presence. Black Ambition Program Phillips applied three times before reaching semifinals, emphasizing persistence. Program provided funding opportunities and a transformative Evoke Wellness experience. His personal “why” statement:“I’m a protective and innovative steward of Black restoration and healing.” Impact & Vision Advocates systemic change by partnering with destinations to improve inclusivity. Highlights the economic power of Black travelers (over $140 billion annually). Encourages Black travelers to explore global opportunities beyond U.S. racial constraints. Notable Quotes “You can be successful and still not be happy.” — On leaving a lucrative career for passion. “I’m a protective and innovative steward of Black restoration and healing.” — His guiding principle. “There’s riches in niches.” — On unapologetically focusing on Black travelers. “Just because somebody said no doesn’t mean they said no to you—they said no at that time.” — On persistence in entrepreneurship. #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Ryan Richmond and Greg Bowman. ✅✅ Summary of Popcorn Remix Interview with Greg Bowman & Ryan Richmond on Money Making Conversations Master Class Purpose of the Interview The interview aimed to: Introduce Popcorn Remix, a gourmet popcorn brand founded by Greg Bowman and Ryan Richmond. Share their entrepreneurial journey and vision for creating unique, flavorful popcorn experiences. Discuss strategies for branding, scaling, and community engagement in the snack industry. Inspire listeners with insights on innovation, persistence, and partnership. Key Takeaways Origin & Concept Popcorn Remix was born from a passion for reinventing traditional popcorn with bold flavors and premium ingredients. Mission: “To create a snack that’s fun, flavorful, and unforgettable.” Innovation in Flavor Offers creative flavor combinations that go beyond standard butter and caramel. Focus on quality ingredients and consistent taste experience. Entrepreneurial Challenges Faced hurdles in branding and distribution in a competitive snack market. Overcame obstacles through community support and strategic partnerships. Quote: “We had to convince people that popcorn could be gourmet.” Community & Culture Emphasized building a brand that resonates culturally, not just as a snack but as an experience. Quote: “Popcorn Remix is about more than popcorn—it’s about creating moments.” Advice for Entrepreneurs Importance of persistence and adaptability. Quote: “Don’t be afraid to remix the ordinary into something extraordinary.” Notable Quotes “We had to convince people that popcorn could be gourmet.” “Popcorn Remix is about more than popcorn—it’s about creating moments.” “Don’t be afraid to remix the ordinary into something extraordinary.” #STRAW #BEST #SHMSSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Ozell Graham. A successful barber and entrepreneur, founder of The Fade Shop and creator of At Ease hair and skincare products. Purpose of Interview:To share the guest’s journey from military service to becoming a nationally recognized barber and business owner, highlighting the entrepreneurial spirit, community involvement, and mentorship within the barbering industry. 🧭 Purpose & Themes Entrepreneurship & Branding The guest founded The Fade Shop in 1996 while serving in the military. Created At Ease product line to address common grooming issues like razor bumps. Emphasized the importance of branding, product development, and wearing multiple hats as a business owner. Community & Mentorship Deep involvement in community service, including back-to-school events and holiday giveaways. Mentors youth and barbers through the OG Barber Conference. Believes barbers play multifaceted roles: mentor, counselor, fashion consultant, and more. Cultural Impact of Barbershops Barbershops are described as cornerstones of the community. They serve as safe spaces for conversation, advice, and personal growth. Career Path & Passion Initially wanted to be a Greyhound bus driver but found passion in barbering during military service. First celebrity client was Usher Raymond. Advocates for passion-driven careers: “Would you do it for free?” 🔑 Key Takeaways “If you look good, you feel good. You feel good, you do good. You do good, you get paid.” “Barbering is more than just a haircut—it’s about care, connection, and community.” “You can always work for them, or you can work for you.” “It’s okay to be a copycat—just copy the right cat.” “Your network is your net worth.” 💬 Notable Quotes “I joined the military to learn how to drive. Once I started driving, I hated it.” “My first celebrity client was Usher Raymond—before I even had a license.” “We’re not just barbers. We’re mentors, consultants, and community leaders.” “Mentorship is planting positive seeds. Somebody is always watching.” “I do this for free—that’s how much I love it.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Melanye Maclin. Purpose of the Interview The discussion aimed to educate the audience about the health risks associated with hair care chemicals—including relaxers, dyes, and synthetic hair—and to advocate for safer practices. It also highlighted Dr. Maclin’s pioneering work in hair and skin supplements and her ongoing mission to raise awareness about these issues. Key Takeaways FDA Ban on Hair Chemicals In 2023, the FDA considered banning certain chemicals in hair products due to health risks, but no ban has been implemented yet. These chemicals are linked to breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, and hormone disruption. High-Risk Chemicals Identified Hair Relaxers: Sodium, calcium, guanine, and lithium hydroxide. Hair Dyes: Para-phenylenediamine (especially in permanent dyes). Synthetic Hair: Contains benzene, posing risks of lung cancer and leukemia. Impact on African-American Women African-American women face a 45% higher risk of certain cancers due to combined use of relaxers and dyes. Cultural and aesthetic pressures contribute to continued use despite health risks. Children at Risk Applying relaxers to young girls can cause early puberty, uterine fibroids, infertility, and increased cancer risk. Chemicals penetrate the scalp, enter the bloodstream, and disrupt hormones. Industry Resistance Pushback from salons and manufacturers due to financial interests. Comparison to tobacco and alcohol industries—profit prioritized over health. Solutions & Advice Avoid chemical treatments when possible. If used, protect the entire scalp with petroleum jelly to reduce absorption. Space out relaxer applications (every 8–10 weeks, max 10 minutes for children). Dr. Maclin’s Contributions Launched Bella Nutri supplements (2004 for women, 2008 for men). Advocates internal nutrition for hair and skin health. Website: drmacklin.com and bellabeauproducts.com. Notable Quotes On FDA inaction:“Still to this day, that ban has not occurred… We’re continuously having women going to the next generation of life as a result—next generation cancers.” On cultural pressures:“We’re so into wanting to have a certain look versus wanting to be healthy.” On children’s exposure:“We’ve got to keep chemicals off of little girls’ hair… It’s causing hormone disruption, early puberty, infertility, and increased cancer risk.” On industry resistance:“People care about the green-eyed devil called money… Look at the tobacco industry.” On her mission:“I feel like I’m caring more about someone’s health than they’re caring about their own.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Jasmine Young. Founder and president of the Financial Literacy Institute. Here's a summary of the key themes and highlights from the conversation: 🎙️ Interview Highlights Jasmine Young’s Background Born in Jackson, Alabama, and raised in a rural, close-knit community. Attended Alabama A&M University on a full scholarship, where she decided early on to become a CPA. Emphasized the value of her HBCU experience in building confidence and professional readiness. Financial Literacy Mission Jasmine’s passion for numbers and financial education began early and was nurtured by her family’s practical financial habits. Her parents instilled financial discipline and responsibility, which she now channels into her mission to spread financial literacy “one family at a time.” Cultural and Historical Awareness Jasmine discusses the legacy of Black Wall Street and the importance of economic empowerment in the Black community. She organizes the Black Wall Street Black Business Expo, which honors the past while promoting modern Black entrepreneurship and civic engagement. Social Impact and Civic Engagement Inspired by the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder and the economic power of the Black community, Jasmine emphasizes the importance of using financial influence to drive social change. She’s considering law school to further her impact, though she currently focuses on financial literacy and community empowerment. Personal Insights Jasmine shares her journey from feeling ashamed of her rural upbringing to embracing it as a source of strength and heritage. She also reveals her musical background and Cherokee ancestry, adding depth to her personal story. #STRAW #BEST #SHMSSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.