Strawberry Letter

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Brianna Johnson. A dynamic entrepreneur and founder of Legend Life Financial. Here's a breakdown of the key highlights and insights from the episode: 🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways 1. Early Entrepreneurship By age 22, Brianna owned two clothing stores and a hair salon in Chicago. Inspired by her father, a long-time financial services professional, she developed a strong entrepreneurial spirit early on. 2. Transition to Financial Services At 24, she pivoted into financial services, initially resistant to the idea due to its lack of “cool” appeal. She passed her state licensing exam and is now licensed in over 30 states. Her company, Legend Life Financial, focuses on life insurance and financial education. 3. Insurance Education & Transparency Brianna emphasizes the importance of understanding the differences between: Term Life Insurance: Affordable, fixed for a set term (e.g., 20–30 years), but can increase if it's an annual renewable term. Whole Life Insurance: Permanent, more expensive, builds cash value slowly. Indexed Universal Life (IUL): Tied to stock market performance with capped gains and protected downside. Universal Life: Flexible premiums, moderate cash value growth. Final Expense Policies: For individuals with health or legal issues, typically lower coverage. 4. Client Advocacy She stresses the need to ask questions like “What type of policy is this?” and to avoid blindly trusting agents—especially those who may not stay in the business long-term. She follows up with clients regularly and educates them on evolving insurance needs. 5. Mentorship & Impact Brianna has mentored over 250 life insurance agents and served more than 5,000 families. She’s passionate about empowering people of color through financial literacy and entrepreneurship. 💬 Notable Quotes “Fear is just false expectations appearing real.” “Everything you want is on the other side of fear.” “You don’t have to work more to make more—you just have to work smarter.” 📍 Contact & Resources Website: LegendLife.com (spelled with a “Z” – LegzendLife.com) Phone: (312) 768-3604 Social Media: @BriannaKaylaJ on all platforms #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Mowbray and Cherina Rowand. 🎙️ Interview Summary: Mowbray & Cherina Rowand Purpose of the Interview To showcase the entrepreneurial journey of Mowbray and Cherina Rowand, co-founders of The Rowand Group and One Stop Taxes, the largest Black-owned virtual tax preparation service in America. The interview highlights their business evolution, scaling strategies, community impact, and the creation of the Black Tax Festival. 🧭 Interview Outline 1. Background & Origins Both from Memphis, Tennessee; met in high school. Started tax preparation in 2010 as a mom-and-pop operation. Transitioned from brick-and-mortar to virtual model by 2015. 2. Business Philosophy Entrepreneurship is defined as service to others. Mowbray is the visionary; Cherina is the implementer. Emphasis on scaling with structure: legal, accounting, HR. 3. One Stop Taxes Grew from a single office to over 1,000 virtual franchise locations. Offers free training, no startup costs, and shared revenue model. Built a platform allowing clients to submit documents and sign remotely. 4. Virtual Tax Model Designed for convenience and accessibility. Clients and tax preparers never need to meet in person. Platform includes document upload, e-signature, and cloud storage. 5. Franchise & Training Learning Management System (LMS) for onboarding. Training includes tax prep, customer acquisition, and platform use. Strategic partnerships with local businesses (e.g., dealerships, daycares). 6. Black Tax Festival Annual event held in Atlanta (Oct 16–18). Combines networking, education, and recognition. Includes IRS updates, business workshops, and the Titan Awards. Open to all entrepreneurs, not just tax professionals. 7. Expansion & Diversification Own restaurants in Memphis and the Dominican Republic. Franchised Fat Tuesday and Esco Restaurant (did \$1M in first 6 weeks). Own a yacht for rental experiences in the DR. Plans to develop a restaurant strip near FedExForum in Memphis. 💡 Key Takeaways Vision + Execution = Growth: Their complementary roles fuel business success. Virtual is Scalable: Transitioning to virtual allowed exponential growth. Community Impact Matters: Black Tax Festival fosters education and recognition. Diversification is Strategic: Restaurants and real estate expand their brand. Mentorship & Learning: They study successful entrepreneurs like Tilman Fertitta. Faith & Family Drive: Their journey is rooted in love, planning, and purpose. 🗣️ Notable Quotes “Entrepreneurship means being a servant to other people.” “The same thing that works at \$1M doesn’t work at \$15M.” “We had to fire ourselves from some jobs and hire professionals.” “We built a platform where you can do taxes from your couch.” “We started before social media—we know belly-to-belly marketing.” “Recognition matters—people don’t get it at home or work.” “We’re trying to bridge the wealth gap through proper paperwork.” “We bought a yacht in the Dominican Republic to rent for experiences.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSee 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 #SHMSSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Strawberry Letter heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show Friday, October 17th, 2025. Subject: "Just Burn The Whole RV"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Michelle Lilly. A cryptocurrency and blockchain educator and entrepreneur. Here's a summary of the key points discussed: 🎙️ Main Themes and Highlights Michelle Lilly’s Background Entered the cryptocurrency space in 2017. Initially lost money in a scam but used the experience to educate herself. Became the first African-American woman with a master’s degree in blockchain and digital currency from the University of Nicosia. Understanding Cryptocurrency Bitcoin is described as a protocol, not just a currency—used for value storage and transfer. Ethereum is highlighted for its smart contract capabilities and utility. Cryptocurrencies are a hybrid between stock and currency—they have utility like stock and liquidity like currency. Why Bitcoin Has Value Scarcity: Only 21 million Bitcoins will ever exist. Deflationary: Bitcoin undergoes a “halving” every four years, reducing the rate of new coins. Decentralization: Not controlled by any central authority, making it secure and transparent. NFTs and the Metaverse NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) are unique digital assets, often used for art and music. Artists can sell directly to consumers and earn royalties on resales. The metaverse is explained as a 3D version of the internet (Web 3.0), where users can own digital land and assets. Empowering Underserved Communities Michelle emphasizes the importance of African-American and female participation in crypto and blockchain. Encourages people to educate themselves and not wait for permission to participate in new financial systems. Practical Advice You don’t need a lot of money to start investing in crypto. Understanding the current financial system is just as important as learning about the new one. Consistency, self-awareness, and openness to criticism are key to success. #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Courtney Glaudé. 📝 Summary of the Interview Courtney Glaudé, an award-winning filmmaker, writer, and director from Houston, Texas, joined Rushion McDonald to discuss his creative journey, his role in Tyler Perry’s production universe, and his passion for storytelling. Glaudé is the writer, director, and producer for Season 4 of Zatima on BET+, and he holds an overall deal with Tyler Perry Studios, a rare and powerful endorsement of his talent. The conversation explored his roots, creative process, mentorship under Tyler Perry, and his commitment to emotionally gripping narratives that tackle complex social issues. 🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Tyler Perry’s Mentorship & Overall Deal Glaudé was entrusted with writing, directing, and producing Season 4 of Zatima. Tyler Perry gave him full creative control, saying: “You like Zatima? It’s yours.” The overall deal means Perry funds Glaudé’s projects and helps pitch them to major streaming platforms. 2. Creative Process & Directing Style Glaudé writes with the shot in mind, visualizing scenes as he scripts. He adapts creatively when budget or location constraints arise. His style is thriller-driven, even when tackling emotional or social themes like dementia. 3. Zatima Season 4 The show centers on Zach and Fatima’s relationship, exploring real-life romantic challenges. Glaudé brings a new emotional depth and rollercoaster storytelling to the series. He collaborates closely with the cast, who help maintain character authenticity. 4. Houston Roots & Hustle Mentality Raised in Fifth Ward, Houston, with Louisiana family roots. Self-taught filmmaker: learned through books, Google, and observing professionals. Hustle and persistence were key: “If someone told me no, I figured out how to do it myself.” 5. Breakthrough with Monique His indie thriller The Reading, starring Monique, became the #1 film on BET+. This success led to his introduction to Tyler Perry and the overall deal. 6. Legacy & Motivation Glaudé is driven by creating a legacy for his daughter. He wants to build a self-sustaining empire she can inherit. “I don’t feel like I work. I’m creating stories from my head.” 7. Social Impact Storytelling Tackles topics like mental health, trauma, and dementia through compelling narratives. Upcoming feature film Old Gray Mare explores dementia in a thriller format. 8. Tyler Perry Studios Experience Described as a “Disneyland for creators” with 12 sound stages and versatile sets. Efficient production model with on-site housing, catering, and rapid turnaround. Studios are rented by major productions like Black Panther and Coming to America. 💬 Notable Quotes “Just because God told it to me doesn’t mean He told it to everybody else.” “If you believe it, I’m not dreaming big enough.” “Tyler Perry Studios is like boot camp for creators.” “I want my films to make people feel something.” “I’m the person they tone down.” (on his intense storytelling style) #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Strawberry Letter heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show Thursday, October 16th, 2025. Subject: "What's Going On Next Door?"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Strawberry Letter heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show Wednesday, October 15th, 2025. Subject: "I Wear The Pants In This Family"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Strawberry Letter heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show Tuesday, October 14th, 2025. Subject: "He's So Good, Yet So Bad"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Strawberry Letter heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show Monday, October 13th, 2025. Subject: "A Masterpiece Without Peace Or A Piece"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Strawberry Letter, heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show, Friday, October 10th, 2025. Subject: "What Was She Doing While I Was Gone?"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Strawberry Letter, heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show, Thursday, October 9th, 2025. Subject: "Why Can't He Talk Around Me?"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Strawberry Letter, heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show, Wednesday, October 8th, 2025. Subject: "Should I Give This Man A Second Chance?"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Strawberry Letter, heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show, Tuesday, October 7th, 2025. Subject: "How Did I Miss This Over The Years?"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Strawberry Letter, heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show, Monday, October 6th, 2025. Subject: "In Love & Terrified"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Strawberry Letter, heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show, Friday, October 3rd, 2025. Subject: "Thick Thighs, Oh My"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Strawberry Letter, heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show, Thursday, October 2nd, 2025. Subject: "You Can't Do What I Do"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Strawberry Letter, heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show, Wednesday, October 1st, 2025. Subject: "I Think He Lied About Leaving Me"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Strawberry Letter, heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show, Tuesday, September 30th, 2025. Subject: "Sexy, 70 & Still Stutters"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Strawberry Letter, heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show, Monday, September 29th, 2025. Subject: "I Didn't Mean What I Said"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.