The Steve Harvey Morning Show

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dawnn Lewis.
Summary of the Interview
On Money Making Conversations Masterclass, Rushion McDonald interviews Dawnn Lewis—iconic actress, singer, songwriter, voice actress, philanthropist, and founder of the A New Day Foundation. The conversation traces her extraordinary career, starting from her childhood as a singer, dancer, and actor, through her rise to fame on A Different World, her decades-long voiceover career (including The Simpsons, Futurama, Star Trek: Lower Decks), and her ongoing philanthropic work supporting youth nationwide.
Dawnn discusses the challenges of being a multi-talented artist in an industry eager to box people into one lane, how A Different World both elevated and pigeonholed her, and how animation opened a vast new chapter for her that has lasted more than 30 years. She shares her philosophy on longevity, discipline, relationships, and the responsibility to give back. The interview also highlights her foundation’s programs supporting students, HBCUs, and underserved communities.
Purpose of the Interview
1. Celebrate Dawnn Lewis’s multi-decade, multi-disciplinary career
The interview showcases the depth of her talent—from singing and songwriting to acting, animation, and Broadway.
2. Highlight representation and legacy
Dawnn discusses the cultural impact of A Different World and her groundbreaking role as a Black female captain in Star Trek: Lower Decks.
3. Inspire audiences with her journey from Bed-Stuy to global success
Her story emphasizes perseverance, big dreaming, and ignoring limitations others impose.
4. Promote the A New Day Foundation
Dawnn details programs empowering youth, HBCU students, and underserved communities.
5. Provide insight into surviving and thriving in entertainment
She shares the importance of relationships, versatility, and constant self-improvement.
Key Takeaways
1. She was a “triple threat” long before Hollywood discovered her
Singing, dancing, and acting from age 7–11, she began performing professionally at 10 and even launched her own musical theatre degree program at the University of Miami.
2. A Different World brought fame but also typecasting
While it launched her into global visibility, it also led people to underestimate her songwriting, music, and voiceover abilities.
3. Her voice acting career spans more than 30 years
She has voiced characters on The Simpsons, Futurama, Star Trek: Lower Decks, Craig of the Creek, Fairly OddParents, Mortal Kombat, and many more.
Her entry into animation came from imitating her young niece for a role.
4. Representation matters deeply to her
Seeing Nichelle Nichols on Star Trek inspired her as a child; today, Dawnn is one of the very few Black captains in the Star Trek universe.
5. The industry rewards resilience and relationships
Dawnn emphasizes that her longevity comes from consistently doing excellent work and nurturing her professional network.
6. She founded the A New Day Foundation to uplift youth
Her programs serve teens, HBCU students, and communities nationwide, providing mentorship, laptops, scholarships, and life skills training.
7. Dawnn’s journey is one of intentional growth and constant reinvention
She never stopped expanding—into Broadway, television, songwriting, animation, philanthropy, and leadership.
Notable Quotes
(All quotes from the uploaded transcript.)
On talent and early training
“I was singing, dancing at seven, acting at eleven… doing all three professionally since I was about ten years old.”
“I thought I was going to be a recording artist… I had my own single out. I was charting on Billboard.”
On being boxed in
“I didn’t start getting pigeonholed until I did A Different World… now you’re just an actress.”
On entering animation
“There weren’t very many people of color in the animation world… the director said, ‘Who are you? How come I never met you before?’”
“I get to voice characters they wouldn’t hire me visually to play.”
On representation and Star Trek
“In the legacy of Star Trek, it’s me and Avery Brooks as the Black captains.”
“Seeing Nichelle Nichols made me hopeful… she was my hero.”
On career longevity
“You quiet the naysayers by just showing up and doing the work.”
“God keeps opening doors and giving me what I need to walk through them successfully.”
On giving back
“I am my best investment.” (also used in her foundation’s mission)
“Where you were yesterday is not where you have to end up today.”
@#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Justin M. Lee.
Purpose of the Interview
To showcase Dr. Lee’s journey from a young real estate agent to a multi-industry entrepreneur.
To inspire listeners with strategies for wealth-building through real estate, construction, and logistics.
To encourage financial literacy, ownership, and collaboration within underserved communities.
To issue a call to action for minorities to explore opportunities like Amazon DSP and real estate investment.
Key Takeaways
Early Career & Education
Started young in real estate, embraced discomfort in rooms dominated by older professionals.
Leveraged millennial tech skills (social media marketing) to help veteran brokers grow.
Earned a doctorate degree and became a licensed real estate broker.

Social Media as a Business Tool
Built a strong presence on TikTok (90K followers) and other platforms.
Helped older real estate firms thrive by creating digital visibility.
Emphasized that “business must look as good online as in person.”

Financial Literacy & Homeownership
African-American communities often lack foundational financial knowledge.
Key barriers: misunderstanding credit, fear of debt, and lack of exposure to ownership benefits.
Advocates teaching the difference between good debt (real estate) and bad debt (consumer credit).

Real Estate Process
Initial onboarding: credit score, income, tax filing.
Connect clients with lenders, secure pre-approval, then negotiate and close within 30–45 days.
Uses property tours as motivation even for those not yet approved.

Pooling Resources for Wealth
Industry dominated by white men and foreign investors who use syndication.
Dr. Lee created a private family fund with fraternity brothers and friends.
Acquired 150+ apartment units and commercial properties by pooling resources and forming LLCs.

Amazon DSP Opportunity
Owns an Amazon Delivery Service Partner business (42 trucks, 200 employees).
Offers minorities a chance to apply for DSP with $10K grant.
Taught him true CEO skills: HR, payroll, compliance, and scaling operations.

Construction Business
Entered construction after experiencing exploitation in fix-and-flip projects.
Learned the business side (permits, change orders) and got licensed.
Built major projects like a 10,000 sq. ft. restaurant in Atlanta.
Advocates for Black representation in construction, an industry dominated by whites and Hispanics.

Personal Background
Raised in New Orleans during Katrina by a single mother and grandparents.
Mother invested FEMA checks into real estate, teaching him property management and renovation skills early.
Believes knowledge is power and emphasizes planning and consistency.

Notable Quotes
On embracing discomfort:
“I learned to embrace the uncomfort and make it one of my biggest strengths.”

On social media:
“You have to make your business look the same way online as in person.”

On financial literacy:
“Real estate is always going to be good debt. Bad debt is the Macy’s card.”

On collaboration:
“Pooling resources shows how far we can go and how fast we can go—but together.”

On planning:
“If you don’t plan, you plan to fail. All you have to do is stick to the plan.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/
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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Brett Chestnut.
Summary of the Interview
On Money Making Conversations Masterclass, host Rushion McDonald interviews Brett Chestnut, Managing Director of Northwestern Mutual Goodwin, Wright Gwinnett. The conversation centers on Brett’s mission as a financial leader, his journey from engineering to financial planning, his commitment to mentoring, and his focus on expanding diversity in the financial services industry.
Brett describes how he transitioned from engineering in 2015 to financial planning because he wanted to help people regain the ability to dream—not just survive. He discusses his work in recruiting diverse advisors, supporting career‑shifting professionals, mentoring, and educating people on foundational financial decision‑making.
The interview also explores money mindsets, budgeting, the challenges of building wealth in communities of color, and the often‑overlooked emotional side of money. Brett emphasizes starting with the basics, not skipping steps (e.g., jumping straight to cryptocurrency), and building strong financial foundations.
Rushion repeatedly highlights Brett as a powerful brand and role model, underscoring the importance of Black leadership in financial fields and the role of representation in increasing trust and access.
Purpose of the Interview
The interview’s purpose is to:
1. Introduce Brett Chestnut as a trusted financial leader
Rushion aims to elevate Brett’s visibility as a Black managing director in financial services—an industry where representation has traditionally been limited.
2. Educate listeners on financial empowerment
Brett provides practical, relatable guidance on budgeting, investing, career transitions, and developing financial discipline.
3. Highlight Northwestern Mutual’s diversity initiatives
Brett explains how the company is intentionally investing in diverse advisors and underserved markets.
4. Inspire career‑based and financial self‑reflection
He encourages people to examine their spending habits, consider new career paths, and align decisions with long-term goals.
5. Promote mentorship and community uplift
Both Brett and Rushion stress the transformative power of mentorship and generational investment.
Key Takeaways
1. Financial empowerment starts with awareness
Brett urges everyone to analyze their last 2–3 months of spending to understand what their habits really prioritize.
2. You must “choose your hard”
Saving and planning may be difficult now, but the alternative is harder later. Financial success requires discipline, not magic formulas.
3. Wealth building is emotional as much as logical
Money connects to family, relationships, self‑worth, stress, and confidence. Advisors must understand clients emotionally, not just mathematically—especially women and diverse communities.
4. Don’t skip steps (especially with investing and crypto)
Many want to “get rich fast,” but Brett warns that skipping foundational steps (budgeting, savings, retirement planning) leads to confusion and poor decisions.
5. Mentorship works only with real relationship
True mentorship requires understanding someone’s full life story, not just giving advice.
6. Representation matters in financial services
Northwestern Mutual is investing heavily in diverse advisors not just for optics, but because entire markets have been historically underserved.
7. Closing the wealth gap requires generational strategy
One generation must be willing to be selfless, disciplined, and intentional with assets to move future generations forward.
8. Brett sees his work as multiplying impact
By developing new advisors and helping create “15 millionaires,” he hopes to create compounding community uplift.
Notable Quotes (from the transcript)

On financial empowerment
“I want people to dream again. We’re not dreaming no more—we’re living because of obligation.”
“When we’re born we look like our parents, but when we die, we look like our decisions.”
On career purpose
“I help people who are successful but career‑disturbed. They want more.”
On money habits
“Look at your last three months of spending. Your money tells you what your real priorities are.”
On investing and crypto
“People want to skip steps… going from no savings straight to crypto.”
“If you don’t understand it, maybe it’s not time for you to invest in it.”
On mentorship
“To give someone feedback without relationship is harassment.”
“Let me hear your story… mentorship starts with knowing the inner person.”
On diversity and empowerment
“Their growth strategy is diversity… whole markets haven’t even been called on yet.”
On community and identity
“We’re special… if we regain that confidence and approach the marketplace with courage, everything changes.”
On wealth-building reality
“You have to choose your hard. Hard now or hard later.”
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
Support 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. Willie Jolley.
SUMMARY OF THE INTERVIEW
In this energetic and motivational conversation, Hall of Fame speaker Dr. Willie Jolley joins Rushion McDonald on Money Making Conversations Masterclass to discuss his new book, “Rich Is Good, Wealthy Is Better.” The interview covers the difference between being rich and being wealthy, the mindsets required for long-term financial growth, and how individuals—no matter their background—can build generational wealth. Jolley also emphasizes discipline, humility, planning, multiple streams of income, overcoming setbacks, and the importance of insurance and protection of assets.
PURPOSE OF THE INTERVIEW
The interview aims to:
1. Introduce and promote Dr. Jolley’s new book
“Rich Is Good, Wealthy Is Better” and the teachings within it.
2. Educate listeners on the distinction between rich and wealthy
Jolley wants audiences to understand wealth in generational, not short-term, terms.
3. Motivate individuals to shift their financial mindset
From “working money” to “mailbox money.”
4. Empower entrepreneurs and families
To adopt discipline, drop pride, and create multigenerational financial systems.
5. Share Jolley’s personal setback‑to‑success story
To reinforce that anyone can grow wealth with the right principles.
KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Rich vs. Wealthy
Being rich = high income, often tied to active labor (e.g., athlete contracts).
Being wealthy = passive income, ownership, generational sustainability.
A rich football player earns millions; the team owner earns billions and doesn’t have to “run up and down the field.”
2. The Five Money Mindsets
Jolley explains five financial mindsets:
One‑day mindset – living day to day.
30‑day mindset – fixed incomes/check-to-check living.
One‑year mindset – annual thinking (raises, annual income).
Decade mindset – typical for entertainers/athletes with multi‑year contracts.
Generational mindset (Wealth Mindset) – building wealth to last multiple generations.
Jolley’s goal: move people up just one level at a time.
3. Five Types of Wealth
Jolley breaks wealth into five categories:
Financial Wealth
Health Wealth (“A sick person has one dream; a healthy person has a thousand.” – Les Brown)
Relationship Wealth
Reputational Wealth (Brand)
Intellectual Capital Wealth (What you know and can charge for)
4. Discipline Is the Key
Wealth requires:
Living below your means
Investing the difference
Consistency
Avoiding arrogance and ignorance
5. Pride Is an Enemy of Wealth
Pride leads people to overspend to keep up appearances.
Jolley argues that pride “kills wealth” and must be replaced with planning and humility.
6. The Three Legs of Wealth
To build sustainable wealth, you need:
Income
Investment (letting money work for you)
Insurance (life, health, car, disability, long-term care)
7. Multiple Streams of Income
Jolley urges everyone to build at least two streams of income from:
Stocks
Bonds
Real estate
Crypto
Collectibles
Jewelry
Art
Content creation
8. Overcoming Setbacks
Jolley details his own journey from unemployed nightclub singer to globally recognized motivational speaker.
He reinforces that a setback is a setup for a comeback—the core message of his earlier bestselling book.
9. It’s Never Too Late to Start
He cites examples of:
A secretary who retired with $8M by investing small amounts over time
Invested $12,000 at age 65 and grew it to $890,000 by age 72
NOTABLE QUOTES FROM THE INTERVIEW On Time & Opportunity
“I have only just a minute… but it’s up to me to use it.”
On Mindset
“Wealth starts in your mind.”
On Rich vs. Wealthy
“Regular folks work for their money. Wealthy people make their money work for them.”
On Pride
“My pride was killing my wealth.”
On Growth & Learning
“If you’re willing to learn, no one can stop you.” [On Setbacks
“A setback is a setup for your greater comeback.”
On Starting Late
“When is the best time to plant a tree? Eighty years ago. The second-best time? Today.”
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
Support 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 Jeremy Anderson.
SUMMARY OF THE INTERVIEW
The conversation between Rushion McDonald and Jeremy Anderson on Money Making Conversations Masterclass covers Jeremy’s personal transformation, his mission-driven approach to motivational speaking, the creation of Next Level Speakers Academy, the power of environment and mindset, and his philanthropic work in South Africa. The interview highlights values such as purpose over profit, taking ownership, perseverance, and maximizing one’s potential. [
PURPOSE OF THE INTERVIEW
The purpose of the episode is to:
1. Introduce Jeremy Anderson’s Work
Showcase Jeremy’s role as a premier motivational speaker, founder of Next Level Speakers Academy, and co‑founder of Next Level Living, which feeds a thousand children weekly in South Africa. [
2. Inspire Listeners Toward Purpose‑Driven Success
Encourage viewers to move from “wasted potential” to purposeful, impactful living by believing in themselves and pursuing their gifts.
3. Demonstrate How Jeremy’s Principles Apply Broadly
Rushion emphasizes that Jeremy’s business, branding, and mindset strategies apply not just to speakers, but to entrepreneurs, executives, and everyday people.
4. Promote Actionable Personal Growth
The interview seeks to motivate listeners to take ownership, adopt non‑negotiable success habits, and maximize opportunities.
KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Wasted Potential is a Universal Struggle
Jeremy defines wasted potential as having greatness inside but failing to believe in it or pursue it. Many people don’t lack talent — they lack belief and action.
2. Purpose Over Profit
He warns new speakers not to chase “the bag.”
Impact first → income follows. If your heart is for people, success comes naturally.
3. Your Story Is Your Superpower
Every struggle someone has overcome is a testimony meant to help others. Keeping quiet keeps your gift hidden.
4. Maximize Every Opportunity
Whether you’re speaking, laying concrete, or running a small business, get every drop out of every engagement — testimonials, photos, referrals, and relationship‑building. citeturn1search1
5. Environment and Mindset Matter
True growth starts by changing your internal environment.
Jeremy’s life changed when teachers chose to see the best in him, showing that belief from others can shift self-belief.
6. Non‑Negotiables Build Discipline
Success requires habits you don’t negotiate with: early rising, prayer, meditation, cold plunges, challenging discomfort, and consistent personal development.
7. Extreme Ownership Replaces Excuses
Greatness comes from responsibility, not excuses. Jeremy demands accountability from his teams and himself.
8. Brand Is Built on Transparency
Jeremy’s brand centers on perseverance, faith, and family—not perfection. He shares both triumphs and private struggles.
9. Giving Back Is Central to His Purpose
Next Level Living feeds 1,000 children weekly and sponsors students in South Africa through college. Impact must extend beyond business.
NOTABLE QUOTES FROM THE INTERVIEW On Purpose & Potential
“Don’t come to me for profits. Come to me for purpose. Don’t come to me for income. Come to me for impact.”
“It’s only a testimony if you testify.”
“Most people don’t believe and they don’t pursue — that’s wasted potential.”
On Mindset & Environment
“I wasn’t living a life of purpose… I had to stop blaming others and go all in on me.”
“Sometimes the shackles we have are in our mind.”
On Discipline
“Success requires non‑negotiables.” (Waking early, prayer, meditation, discomfort training)
“People want comfort — but everything great comes with discomfort.”
On Value
“If you want to be valuable, you must have value.”
“They’re not paying me top dollar because I'm motivational. I solve a problem.”
On Legacy & Family
“My brand is perseverance and family.”
“These things don’t happen to me — they happen for me.”
On Accountability
“No excuses — take ownership.”
“I’ve never met anyone who became great from excuses.”
On Giving Back
“We’ve been feeding a thousand starving children every week since 2018.”
“We put 60 kids through college — and we’re just getting started.”
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
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