Strawberry Letter

iHeartPodcasts

Got a situation? Steve Harvey and Shirley Strawberry deliver unfiltered advice on love, relationships, family, work, and life. Send your letter, subscribe, and get real talk every day! Every weekday, the Steve Harvey Morning Show tackle a listener-submitted “Strawberry Letter”... a real-life dilemma ranging from romantic entanglements to career choices, family drama to money struggles, and everything in between. With a blend of wisdom, wit, and brutal honesty, they offer candid commentary and heartfelt guidance, often sparking conversation (and laughter) among the rest of the morning show crew. Submit your Strawberry Letter at www.steveharveyfm.com for a chance to be featured, and get the truth, Steve Harvey style!

  1. 1 hr ago

    Career Uplift: She developed the PAID Method to help educators monetize their skills.

    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! Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success. Business Podcast Entrepreneurship Small Business Business Growth Financial Literacy Wealth Building Black Entrepreneurs Minority Business Leadership Executive Leadership Business Funding Marketing Strategies Personal Development Startup Advice Sales Training CEO Interviews Founder Stories Professional Development Economic Empowerment Business Success Networking Brand Building Innovation How to start a business Small business funding Entrepreneur success stories Business leadership podcast Wealth building strategies Black entrepreneur podcast Minority business development Marketing for small businesses Business growth strategies Startup funding opportunities Executive leadership training Financial literacy education Success mindset podcast Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Bisa Lewis.   🎯 Purpose of the Interview To spotlight the challenges and opportunities within the teaching profession, especially post-COVID, and to empower educators to leverage their skills for financial growth beyond the classroom. Dr. Besa shares her journey, insights, and strategies for educators to supplement their income while maintaining their passion for teaching. 🗝️ Key Takeaways 1. Educators Are Undervalued Yet Essential Teachers are underpaid and often disrespected despite their critical role in shaping future generations. COVID briefly highlighted their importance, but systemic undervaluation persists. 2. Mental Wellness and Structure Matter Dr. Bisa emphasizes morning meditation, prayer, and silence to manage stress and set the tone for her day. She avoids early meetings and uses Mondays and Fridays for planning and reflection. 3. Education Credentials Open Doors Dr. Bisa holds four degrees and explains that credentials often determine access to influential spaces. Degrees help gain respect and credibility, especially in leadership and public speaking roles. 4. The Paid Method for Educators Dr. Besa developed the PAID Method to help educators monetize their skills: P – Prospects: Who will pay for your skills? A – Allies: Who can support your journey? I – Information: What do you need to know? D – Dollars: How much can you earn? 5. Teachers Can Earn Beyond the Classroom Through coaching, curriculum development, speaking engagements, and grant writing. Dr. Bisa’s curriculum is used in 30 states, showcasing how educators can scale their expertise. 6. AI and Education AI should be embraced, not feared. It won’t replace teachers but will transform education by shifting focus from theory to practice. Educators must adapt and use technology to enhance learning and remain competitive. 7. Cultural and Economic Empowerment Dr. Bisa advocates for Black educators and communities to overcome systemic barriers by embracing innovation. She warns against fear-based resistance to technology and encourages strategic adoption. 💬 Notable Quotes “It’s time to stop reading other people’s success stories and start living your own.” – Rushion McDonald “Sometimes those papers just help you get in the room.” – Dr. Bisa “Stop being afraid, stop being oppressed, and make sure that whatever comes out, you figure out how you can use it.” – Dr. Bisa “Guide learning. That is what we should do.” – Dr. Bisa “Consistency is what people gain trust in.” – Rushion McDonald 🌐 Resources Mentioned Website: DrBisa.com Podcast: The Paid Educator Podcast Social Media: Consistent handles across platforms under “DrBisa” #SHMS #STRAW #BEST See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Career Uplift: She developed the PAID Method to help educators monetize their skills.
  2. 1 hr ago

    Motivation: Her global movement to help women unmute their voices and lead with authenticity and confidence.

    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! Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success. Business Podcast Entrepreneurship Small Business Business Growth Financial Literacy Wealth Building Black Entrepreneurs Minority Business Leadership Executive Leadership Business Funding Marketing Strategies Personal Development Startup Advice Sales Training CEO Interviews Founder Stories Professional Development Economic Empowerment Business Success Networking Brand Building Innovation How to start a business Small business funding Entrepreneur success stories Business leadership podcast Wealth building strategies Black entrepreneur podcast Minority business development Marketing for small businesses Business growth strategies Startup funding opportunities Executive leadership training Financial literacy education Success mindset podcast Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Stephanie Wall. Purpose of the Interview To share Dr. Wall’s expertise as a neuroscience coach, criminal justice professor, author, and mentor. To discuss her mission through 1 Million Lives Transform, a global movement helping women unmute their voices and lead with authenticity and confidence. To provide actionable strategies for overcoming self-doubt, fear, and imposter syndrome in professional and personal settings. Key Takeaways Background and Roles Served 20 years in law enforcement and continues teaching criminal justice and ethical leadership. Founder of 1 Million Lives Transform, focused on empowering women to reclaim their voices. Unmuting Your Voice Many professionals mute themselves due to fear, lack of confidence, or imposter syndrome. Techniques: Awareness: Recognize when you’re silencing yourself. Pause and breathe before responding. Stand up when speaking in meetings to command attention and project confidence. Use phrases like “I’d like to build on that point” to engage respectfully. Mindset and Fear What you tell yourself matters more than external criticism. Replace negative self-talk with affirmations and surround yourself with positive influences. Neuroscience supports that repeated positive input rewires thought patterns. Boundaries and Time Management Learn to say “No” as a complete sentence. Set boundaries for phone calls and social interactions to protect productivity. Busy professionals should establish communication rules (e.g., “Do you have a minute?”). Authenticity and Leadership Authenticity is key—embrace your natural gifts and use them to transform spaces. Leadership requires mindset shifts when moving from peer to manager roles. Mentorship should be intentional and specific, not generic (“pick your brain” requests need structure). 1 Million Lives Transform A movement to help women rewrite their narratives, reclaim confidence, and lead boldly. Focus on self-awareness, boundaries, and empowerment strategies. Notable Quotes “Notice in that moment that you are muting yourself.” “Stand up when you speak—you command the room.” “No is a complete sentence.” “Our gifts are not for us; they are for other people.” “What you say to yourself does more damage than anything anyone else could say.” “Authenticity isn’t lip service—it’s showing up as who you truly are.” “Boundaries are not selfish; they are necessary.” #SHMS #STRAW #BEST See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Motivation: Her global movement to help women unmute their voices and lead with authenticity and confidence.
  3. 3 hrs ago

    Overcoming Haters: He shares personal experiences of overcoming naysayers and trusting his instincts.

    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! Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success. Business Podcast Entrepreneurship Small Business Business Growth Financial Literacy Wealth Building Black Entrepreneurs Minority Business Leadership Executive Leadership Business Funding Marketing Strategies Personal Development Startup Advice Sales Training CEO Interviews Founder Stories Professional Development Economic Empowerment Business Success Networking Brand Building Innovation How to start a business Small business funding Entrepreneur success stories Business leadership podcast Wealth building strategies Black entrepreneur podcast Minority business development Marketing for small businesses Business growth strategies Startup funding opportunities Executive leadership training Financial literacy education Success mindset podcast Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Damon Haley Co‑founder of Glow and Flow Beauty, discussing his transition from entertainment and sports marketing into the beauty-supply industry, his mission to elevate service for Black and Brown communities, and the franchising model he is rolling out nationwide. Hosted by Rushion McDonald on Money Making Conversations Masterclass, the conversation highlights Haley’s business philosophy, community-driven approach, and long-term vision to create ownership opportunities through franchising. 🎯 Purpose of the Interview The interview aims to: 1. Highlight Damon Haley’s entrepreneurial journey How he moved from high-level event production and marketing (Nike, Pepsi, Coke) into beauty retail. 2. Explain why the beauty-supply industry needs Black ownership Haley outlines the disconnect between Black consumer spending and the lack of Black-owned beauty-supply stores. 3. Promote Glow and Flow Beauty’s mission A service-first retail model designed to uplift, educate, and serve Black and Brown consumers with dignity. 4. Introduce Glow and Flow’s franchising opportunity Haley frames franchising as a path for individuals to enter business ownership with support and a proven model. 5. Inspire listeners to embrace change and pursue entrepreneurship He shares personal experiences overcoming naysayers and trusting his instincts. 📌 Key Takeaways from the Interview 1. The Beauty Industry Is a Huge, Under-Owned Space for Black Entrepreneurs Black consumers spend heavily on beauty, but historically have not owned the supply-chain or retail footprint. Haley wants to change that by bringing ownership and pride back to local communities.  2. Glow and Flow Beauty Focuses on Service, Experience, and Community The stores celebrate culture (Breast Cancer Month, Black History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month). Customer care is central—Haley emphasizes smiles, water for coughing customers, and creating “fabulousness.”  3. Franchising Eliminates the “Start From Zero” Problem Haley believes franchising is more accessible than starting independently because: You get a proven model. You get supply-chain support. You avoid costly mistakes.  4. Hair Is the Cornerstone of the Business Glow and Flow launched its own synthetic hair brand, SLAY (with 3 Ys). Synthetic hair dominates due to affordability. Human hair is sourced from Asia, Africa, and Southeast Asia.  5. Inventory & Capital Are Major Barriers to Entry Beauty supply requires heavy up‑front inventory investment. Glow and Flow stays heavily stocked to maintain customer trust. 6. Data + Marketing Experience = Competitive Advantage Haley leverages his corporate marketing background (Nike, Foot Locker) to optimize retail presentation, customer experience, and product mix.  7. His Long-Term Vision: 40 Stores Nationwide His exit strategy is to build 40 Glow and Flow stores (McDonald jokes he’d smile at 100).  8. E-commerce and Community Outreach Expand Their Reach GlowAndFlowBeauty.com sells products and SLAY hair online, with shipping and local pickup. Stores support community fundraisers by including materials in shoppers’ bags (up to 5,000 per month).  💬 Notable Quotes (From the Transcript) On the power of beauty in the community “When we look good, we feel good. When we feel good, we be good, we do good.”  On why Black beauty ownership matters “We’re buyers… we’re consumers… we just don’t own.”  On moving into the beauty industry “We’ve had the short end of the stick — not only from recycling our Black dollars, but the concept of service.”  On franchising “You don’t start from zero with a franchise… you have a corporation behind you.”  On entrepreneurship and criticism “There’s jealous, envy, and naysayers… but I’ve never been fearful of change.”  On customer service “I try to give you other stuff… I give you a smile… if you cough, I’m gonna give you some water.”  On the importance of hair “Hair is the cornerstone of our beauty industry.”  On long-term ambitions “I would love to have maybe 40 Glow and Flows nationwide.”  #SHMS #BEST #STRAW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Overcoming Haters: He shares personal experiences of overcoming naysayers and trusting his instincts.
  4. 6 hrs ago

    Family Talk: She emphasizes the importance of locking up medications and educating both adults and children.

    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! Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success. Business Podcast Entrepreneurship Small Business Business Growth Financial Literacy Wealth Building Black Entrepreneurs Minority Business Leadership Executive Leadership Business Funding Marketing Strategies Personal Development Startup Advice Sales Training CEO Interviews Founder Stories Professional Development Economic Empowerment Business Success Networking Brand Building Innovation How to start a business Small business funding Entrepreneur success stories Business leadership podcast Wealth building strategies Black entrepreneur podcast Minority business development Marketing for small businesses Business growth strategies Startup funding opportunities Executive leadership training Financial literacy education Success mindset podcast Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Yolanda D. McElroy (aka “Dr. Yo-Yo”). 🎯 Purpose of the Interview To spotlight Dr. McElroy’s work as a pharmacist, educator, and author of the children’s book It’s Not Candy, which promotes medication safety. The interview also highlights her consulting company, MediManage, and her mission to improve health outcomes through education and community engagement. 🧠 Key Takeaways 1. Professional Background Dr. McElroy is a registered pharmacist in Louisiana with over 30 years of experience in retail and hospital settings. She began her academic journey at Grambling State University (HBCU) studying chemistry before transferring to pharmacy school. 2. MediManage Consulting Founded to promote medication safety and improve health outcomes. Focuses on educating communities about proper medication use, adherence, and preventing medication-related problems. 3. Medication Safety Advocacy Medications are a leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in children. Parents often leave medications and chemicals within reach of children. Emphasizes the importance of locking up medications and educating both adults and children. 4. Target Age Groups Focuses on children ages 3–10 to instill early awareness of medication safety. Also highlights teens as a vulnerable group due to increased drug experimentation and access to medications at home. Notes the importance of educating parents and senior citizens as well. 5. Book: It’s Not Candy Inspired by her ministry work with youth in mental health hospitals. Based on real-life experiences and includes a song to make learning fun and memorable. Demonstrates how medications can resemble candy, making it difficult for children (and adults) to distinguish. Aims to equip families with knowledge to prevent accidental overdoses and misuse. 6. Challenges in Pharmacy Profession Pharmacists face heavy workloads, including vaccinations, insurance calls, and patient counseling. Many are overworked and under-supported, leading to burnout and even strike considerations. 7. Book Creation Journey Took years to develop after encouragement from her pastor. Extensive research into publishing options and budgeting. Partnered with a publishing company and built a team including an editor and illustrator. Advises aspiring authors to be patient, budget generously, and seek support and education. 💬 Notable Quotes “Medications are a leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in children.” “If you’re not sure, ask a professional. Ask your pharmacist.” “We want to get them early and instill that training so they can make good decisions.” “Many medication-related injuries are preventable.” “If there’s no room at the table, bring a folding chair.” “Our children are important and their lives are valuable.” #SHMS #STRAW #BEST See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Family Talk: She emphasizes the importance of locking up medications and educating both adults and children.
  5. 7 hrs ago

    Family First: Husband and Wife are wealth-building through diversification (restaurants, real estate, hospitality)

    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! Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success. Business Podcast Entrepreneurship Small Business Business Growth Financial Literacy Wealth Building Black Entrepreneurs Minority Business Leadership Executive Leadership Business Funding Marketing Strategies Personal Development Startup Advice Sales Training CEO Interviews Founder Stories Professional Development Economic Empowerment Business Success Networking Brand Building Innovation How to start a business Small business funding Entrepreneur success stories Business leadership podcast Wealth building strategies Black entrepreneur podcast Minority business development Marketing for small businesses Business growth strategies Startup funding opportunities Executive leadership training Financial literacy education Success mindset podcast Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Cherina & Mowbray Rowand. 🔷 Interview Summary Cherina and Mowbray Rowand—co-founders of the Rowand Group and creators of One Stop Taxes—share how they built the largest Black-owned tax preparation service in the U.S., scaling to 1,000+ virtual locations. [CHERINA &...AND iHeart | Txt] They discuss: Their entrepreneurial philosophy Their complementary roles as partners The transition from brick-and-mortar to a virtual franchise model Scaling strategies, team building, and infrastructure Wealth-building through diversification (restaurants, real estate, hospitality) Their creation of the Black Tax Festival to educate and unify entrepreneurs The conversation blends practical business strategy, mindset, and community impact. 🎯 Purpose of the Interview The interview serves several key purposes: 1. Educate aspiring entrepreneurs Demonstrates how to start, scale, and systematize a service business Highlights real-world lessons in scaling, hiring, and structuring companies 2. Promote economic empowerment Focuses on helping underserved communities access: Entrepreneurship Tax knowledge Financial systems 3. Showcase a scalable business model Emphasizes low-barrier entry franchising and virtual platforms 4. Inspire through lived experience Shows how vision, persistence, and partnership can create generational wealth 🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Entrepreneurship = Service + Ownership Entrepreneurship is framed as serving people first, then building a business around that service [CHERINA &...AND iHeart | Txt] 2. Complementary partnership is critical Mowbray = visionary (ideas) Cherina = implementer (execution systems) Their success comes from balancing vision with structure 3. Scaling requires evolving your team What works at $1M won’t work at $10M+ Businesses must upgrade: Attorneys CPAs Systems 4. Systems > hustle They scaled by creating a repeatable system and training others Their franchise model enables others to replicate success 5. Virtual model unlocked growth Eliminating physical offices reduced cost and increased reach Their early adoption of virtual tax prep became a major advantage 6. Timing + vision = breakthrough They launched virtual tools before mainstream trust in digital transactions COVID accelerated their already-built infrastructure 7. Lowering barriers drives scale No startup cost, free training, and back-end revenue sharing allowed rapid adoption [CHERINA &...AND iHeart | Txt] 8. Marketing starts with relationships Begin with: Warm network Strategic partnerships (car dealerships, apartments, etc.) 9. Financial literacy is a wealth gateway Many entrepreneurs lack: Proper documentation Financial systems Their platform and events aim to fix that gap 10. Community + recognition drive engagement The Black Tax Festival builds community, education, and motivation Recognition (awards, visibility) encourages performance 11. Diversification builds long-term wealth They reinvested profits into: Restaurants Real estate International assets (Dominican Republic hospitality) 💬 Notable Quotes On entrepreneurship “Entrepreneurship [is] being able to set your own path… being a servant to other people.” [CHERINA &...AND iHeart | Txt] On partnership dynamics “He’s the big idea guy… I’m the implementation person.” [CHERINA &...AND iHeart | Txt] On vision vs execution “Let me get the vision out first… then we start figuring out the pieces.” [CHERINA &...AND iHeart | Txt] On scaling infrastructure “The same thing that works at $1 million is not the same thing that works at $10 million.” [CHERINA &...AND iHeart | Txt] On early-stage hustle “We didn’t have a ton of support… but we had a lot of drive.” [CHERINA &...AND iHeart | Txt] On innovation and skepticism “When you tell a person we own a virtual tax company, they’re like, ‘What is that?’” [CHERINA &...AND iHeart | Txt] On reducing barriers “We don’t have any startup cost… we train for free… we lowered that point of entry barrier.” [CHERINA &...AND iHeart | Txt] On wealth gap realities “We’re left out of rooms because we don’t have the proper paperwork… financials.” [CHERINA &...AND iHeart | Txt] On mission-driven events “Hopefully [people] leave better than we found them.” [CHERINA &...AND iHeart | Txt] 🧭 Bottom Line The Rowands’ story is a blueprint for modern entrepreneurship: Start with service Build systems Scale through people and technology Reinforce success with community and education Convert income into assets and ownership Their model isn’t just about making money—it’s about making wealth accessible and transferable. #SHMS #STRAW #BEST See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Family First: Husband and Wife are wealth-building through diversification (restaurants, real estate, hospitality)
4.8
out of 5
24 Ratings

About

Got a situation? Steve Harvey and Shirley Strawberry deliver unfiltered advice on love, relationships, family, work, and life. Send your letter, subscribe, and get real talk every day! Every weekday, the Steve Harvey Morning Show tackle a listener-submitted “Strawberry Letter”... a real-life dilemma ranging from romantic entanglements to career choices, family drama to money struggles, and everything in between. With a blend of wisdom, wit, and brutal honesty, they offer candid commentary and heartfelt guidance, often sparking conversation (and laughter) among the rest of the morning show crew. Submit your Strawberry Letter at www.steveharveyfm.com for a chance to be featured, and get the truth, Steve Harvey style!

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