Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald, interviewed Tremayne Thompson.  TK is a husband and wife duo, Tremayne and Karen. Born in Chicago and raised in Gary, IN. Taught there is no excuses only the ones we give ourselves. Grandparents who did not have a high school education but made a successful career for their retirement plan in real estate. They knew that social security would not be enough when they retired, so the plan was put into action. I put that same thing in place but got it late as I have been in church through choirs all my life. I had my first business at 10 paper route. Lol Then from there I knew I was destined to be an entrepreneur every job I ever got I was always promoted quickly. So fast forward, we moved to Birmingham in 2008 and started Intimate Jazz and Conversations as a pop-up in 2012 to return to our 1st Love. Gerald Albright was our 1st act, and the rest was history. Then, in 2015, Perfect Note was born as a dinner supper club. Now we have 2 Perfect Note Birmingham and ATL. A cafe called Perfect Note Express breakfast and lunch in city hall. Noted through Huffington Post as the Top Blackowned venue to visit in the US. Wife has a real estate development company called Own It Property Solutions. True revitalization of communities through restoring delipidated homes for affordable housing. We have now been married for 17 years.

#BEST

#AMI

#SHMS

#STRAW

Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald, interviewed Tremayne Thompson.  TK is a husband and wife duo, Tremayne and Karen. Born in Chicago and raised in Gary, IN. Taught there is no excuses only the ones we give ourselves. Grandparents who did not have a high school education but made a successful career for their retirement plan in real estate. They knew that social security would not be enough when they retired, so the plan was put into action. I put that same thing in place but got it late as I have been in church through choirs all my life. I had my first business at 10 paper route. Lol Then from there I knew I was destined to be an entrepreneur every job I ever got I was always promoted quickly. So fast forward, we moved to Birmingham in 2008 and started Intimate Jazz and Conversations as a pop-up in 2012 to return to our 1st Love. Gerald Albright was our 1st act, and the rest was history. Then, in 2015, Perfect Note was born as a dinner supper club. Now we have 2 Perfect Note Birmingham and ATL. A cafe called Perfect Note Express breakfast and lunch in city hall. Noted through Huffington Post as the Top Blackowned venue to visit in the US. Wife has a real estate development company called Own It Property Solutions. True revitalization of communities through restoring delipidated homes for affordable housing. We have now been married for 17 years.
#BEST
#AMI
#SHMS
#STRAW

Hi, this is Rushion McDonald. Welcome to the world of profits and nonprofits as we learn their "Secrets to Success."  Money Making Conversations Master Class interviews successful celebrities, entrepreneurs, and influencers about their definitions of success and shares that information so you can be successful.  My guest represents the best in the entertainment, motivation, entrepreneurial, and financial communities who did not let fear or haters stop them from pursuing their dreams. It’s time to stop reading other people’s success stories and start writing your own. People always talk about their purpose or gifts. If you have a gift, Lead with your Gift, and don’t let your friends, family, or co-workers stop you from planning or living your dream.  I'm a former IBM Executive with a degree in Mathematics.  I started my entertainment career as a stand-up comic, then became a sitcom writer, award-winning baker, entrepreneur, social media influencer, and brand architect for super-successful celebrities. If you need more background on me, Google Me! Keep winning!

https://www.moneymakingconversations.com

https://www.youtube.com/MoneyMakingConversations

https://www.facebook.com/MoneyMakingConversations/

https://twitter.com/moneymakingconv

https://www.instagram.com/moneymakingconversations/

Hi, this is Rushion McDonald. Welcome to the world of profits and nonprofits as we learn their "Secrets to Success."  Money Making Conversations Master Class interviews successful celebrities, entrepreneurs, and influencers about their definitions of success and shares that information so you can be successful.  My guest represents the best in the entertainment, motivation, entrepreneurial, and financial communities who did not let fear or haters stop them from pursuing their dreams. It’s time to stop reading other people’s success stories and start writing your own. People always talk about their purpose or gifts. If you have a gift, Lead with your Gift, and don’t let your friends, family, or co-workers stop you from planning or living your dream.  I'm a former IBM Executive with a degree in Mathematics.  I started my entertainment career as a stand-up comic, then became a sitcom writer, award-winning baker, entrepreneur, social media influencer, and brand architect for super-successful celebrities. If you need more background on me, Google Me! Keep winning!
https://www.moneymakingconversations.com
https://www.youtube.com/MoneyMakingConversations
https://www.facebook.com/MoneyMakingConversations/
https://twitter.com/moneymakingconv
https://www.instagram.com/moneymakingconversations/

Money Making Conversations Master Class

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Overcoming the Odds: Former Waffle House cook owns popular live R& B and Jazz music, dining supper clubs, called Perfect Note.

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/89ab81f2-a9b5-4336-876c-af620158317d/transcript

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed, Dr. Sonia Lewis, is the CEO of award-winning business The Student Loan Doctor LLC. She is considered the people’s expert on all matters related to student loan debt repayment. She has over 14 years of practical higher education and financial aid experience.  

Dr. Lewis is an expert speaker across all audiences, regardless of age. She has been invited to share her expertise in written work, conferences, or live media: CNN, The White House Briefing on Advancing Equity for Women and Girls of Color, Black Enterprise, SALON Magazine, RT America, Essence Magazine, KYW News Radio 1060 AM, Fox 29, The BET Network, Money Magazine, Forbes, Investfest (EYL) and a host of other notable platforms across the nation. Sonia is also a 3-time self-published author.

Company Description *
The Student Loan Doctor LLC has been recognized as the first African American and woman-owned student loan repayment company in the country. The City of Philadelphia has also awarded us two citations for our business’s impact on the Philadelphia community.

The company was designed to educate others about their student loan debt and provide assistance in making a tangible plan for repayment. The social impact goal of the business is to help a generation of borrowers become free of debt to promote social mobility and wealth building.

Talking Points/Questions *
1.    Student Loan Forgiveness and the Election: How the current administration’s policies are shaping forgiveness programs and what borrowers can expect from candidates in the upcoming election.
2.    Financial Freedom and Student Loans: Why student loan debt is a major obstacle to financial milestones like homeownership and investing, and how to navigate debt to move towards true financial freedom.
3.    Staying in Good Standing: Why keeping your loans in good standing is critical for personal and financial health, and actionable steps borrowers can take today to avoid penalties and default.
4.    The Student Loan Doctor LLC, founded in 2016, has been recognized as the first African American and woman-owned student loan repayment company in the country. 
5.    The City of Philadelphia has also given the business two citations for its impact on the Philadelphia community. 
6.    The Student Loan Doctor LLC was designed to educate others about their student loan debt and assist them in making a tangible repayment plan. 
7.    The social impact goal of the business is to help a generation of borrowers become free of debt to promote social mobility and wealth building.

#STRAW

#BEST

#SHMS

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed, Dr. Sonia Lewis, is the CEO of award-winning business The Student Loan Doctor LLC. She is considered the people’s expert on all matters related to student loan debt repayment. She has over 14 years of practical higher education and financial aid experience.  
Dr. Lewis is an expert speaker across all audiences, regardless of age. She has been invited to share her expertise in written work, conferences, or live media: CNN, The White House Briefing on Advancing Equity for Women and Girls of Color, Black Enterprise, SALON Magazine, RT America, Essence Magazine, KYW News Radio 1060 AM, Fox 29, The BET Network, Money Magazine, Forbes, Investfest (EYL) and a host of other notable platforms across the nation. Sonia is also a 3-time self-published author.
Company Description * The Student Loan Doctor LLC has been recognized as the first African American and woman-owned student loan repayment company in the country. The City of Philadelphia has also awarded us two citations for our business’s impact on the Philadelphia community.
The company was designed to educate others about their student loan debt and provide assistance in making a tangible plan for repayment. The social impact goal of the business is to help a generation of borrowers become free of debt to promote social mobility and wealth building.
Talking Points/Questions * 1.    Student Loan Forgiveness and the Election: How the current administration’s policies are shaping forgiveness programs and what borrowers can expect from candidates in the upcoming election. 2.    Financial Freedom and Student Loans: Why student loan debt is a major obstacle to financial milestones like homeownership and investing, and how to navigate debt to move towards true financial freedom. 3.    Staying in Good Standing: Why keeping your loans in good standing is critical for personal and financial health, and actionable steps borrowers can take today to avoid penalties and default. 4.    The Student Loan Doctor LLC, founded in 2016, has been recognized as the first African American and woman-owned student loan repayment company in the country.  5.    The City of Philadelphia has also given the business two citations for its impact on the Philadelphia community.  6.    The Student Loan Doctor LLC was designed to educate others about their student loan debt and assist them in making a tangible repayment plan.  7.    The social impact goal of the business is to help a generation of borrowers become free of debt to promote social mobility and wealth building.
#STRAW
#BEST
#SHMS

Follow Your Passion: She created popular student loan debt repayment company.

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/26ee5e0d-35da-4969-ab9b-b20d00e98d6a/transcript

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed, Rod Griffin.

Rod Griffin.  He is the Senior Director of Public Education and Advocacy at Experian, to unpack the essentials of financial health and identity protection. Griffin dives into savvy strategies for improving your credit score, understanding fraud prevention, and managing personal finances for lasting success. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to take control of their financial future and gain peace of mind in today’s digital world. Perfect for listeners eager to unlock financial freedom and protect what matters most.

Talking Points/Questions *
 From your perspective and career in the financial services industry, what does it mean to be financially savvy?
 What role does credit play in a consumer’s overall financial health?
 What are some of the common misconceptions about credit and credit scores?
 What advice would you give to someone who is looking to establish or rebuild their credit history?
 Many people know your credit score can impact your ability to access credit cards, loans, etc. but what else can your credit history influence?
 What are ways consumers can save on everyday expenses like car insurance?
 What are your top tips for people looking to be more financially savvy in 2025?
 What tools and resources are available from Experian for consumers who are looking to improve their overall financial health and save money?

#BEST

#STRAW

#SHMS

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed, Rod Griffin.
Rod Griffin.  He is the Senior Director of Public Education and Advocacy at Experian, to unpack the essentials of financial health and identity protection. Griffin dives into savvy strategies for improving your credit score, understanding fraud prevention, and managing personal finances for lasting success. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to take control of their financial future and gain peace of mind in today’s digital world. Perfect for listeners eager to unlock financial freedom and protect what matters most.
Talking Points/Questions *
<ul>
<li> From your perspective and career in the financial services industry, what does it mean to be financially savvy?</li>
<li> What role does credit play in a consumer’s overall financial health?</li>
<li> What are some of the common misconceptions about credit and credit scores?</li>
<li> What advice would you give to someone who is looking to establish or rebuild their credit history?</li>
<li> Many people know your credit score can impact your ability to access credit cards, loans, etc. but what else can your credit history influence?</li>
<li> What are ways consumers can save on everyday expenses like car insurance?</li>
<li> What are your top tips for people looking to be more financially savvy in 2025?</li>
<li> What tools and resources are available from Experian for consumers who are looking to improve their overall financial health and save money?</li>
</ul>
#BEST
#STRAW
#SHMS

Mastering Your Money: Fix Your Credit, Learn Fraud Protection, and gain Financial Freedom with Experian.

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/dc66c747-6ac8-4b58-ad46-b2180153385c/transcript

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Douglass Fort.  He founded The Blerd Academy (Black Nerds).  It’s a wealth building program that helps High-Achieving Black-American youth get scholarships to HBCU’s. They have secured over $8 million dollars in scholarships!  Please welcome to Money Making Conversations Master Class Douglass Fort.
Why did you start the Academy?
What are some outcomes of the Academy?
Why should the Black-American community highlight our nerds?

· Since 2016 Fort has secured $8 million in scholarships for 63 high-achieving Black American students. Full-ride and tuition-only scholarships to HBCUs through graduate school.
· PJ’s sister, Marissa, also went through the program. She graduated Cum Laude from Hampton University with a degree in Accounting, earned a Master’s degree from Columbia University all debt-free, and now works for Deloitte in New York City.
· Other success stories: A Tennessee State U graduate now works in the front office for the NFL’s Chicago Bears.
· Two are Obama-Cheskey Voyager scholars.
· Fort says: “We don’t talk enough about Black scientists, mathematicians, and doctors. Only 1% of athletes make it to the NFL. We’re hustling backward having our kids focus on sports over education.”
· Criteria for the students he assists: a 3.5 GPA, a 28 ACT score, or a 1300 SAT score for a full-ride scholarship, or a minimum 3.2 GPA, a 23 ACT score, or an 1130 SAT score for tuition-only scholarships. AP and/or Honors classes, community service, and school leadership is also beneficial.
· Since the 2023 U.S. Supreme Court ruling of Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College and Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. University of North Carolina struck down Affirmative Action in college admissions Fort has been busy.
· Several HBCUs saw a surge in applications, including Washington D.C.’s Howard University, Clark-Atlanta University, which outpaced the University of Georgia, and Florida Agricultural Mechanical University (FAMU).
· Fort says: Parents just don’t know there is money and resources at these institutions for their high-achieving students, but they should because their kids have excelled in the classroom, and they deserve it.”

MONEY MAKING CONVERSATIONS TALKING POINTS
Guest: Douglass J. Fort, Founder, The BLERD Academy
· Grew up in East Palo Alto, California
· Liked school but got caught up in the streets
· Was shot as a teen.
· A childhood friend suggested he apply to Jackson State University. When he was accepted, hesitated, but did go.
· Graduated from JSU. A Criminal Justice Major/Urban Affairs/Development minor. After graduation, he returned to East Palo Alto where he started the violence prevention program, For Youth By Youth.
· Worked with law enforcement to help clean up Black neighborhoods.
· His son received a full-ride athletic scholarship to Morehouse College but turned it down to play Division 1 Football at a PWI, and never played.
· Doug was heartbroken that his son turned down Morehouse. A close friend told him he had to get over it and focus on kids who wanted the HBCU experience.
· Founded The BLERD Academy, a combination of the words Black and Nerd in 2016 in Oakland; a non-profit wealth-building program that assists high-achieving Black American students graduate, debt-free from more than 100 HBCUs.
· Found the first BLERD while working at a Bay Area JSU Black College Expo booth. It was 6’5 honor roll student, Phillip Patrick Jr. who had a 3.6 GPA and 28 ACT score. Fort offered him a full-ride Presidential scholarship to Jackson State on the spot.
· Phillip Patrick had played baseball all his life and thought he would have to continue playing in college on scholarship. When he received the full-ride, he told his mother he no longer wanted to play baseball, he wanted to be a brain surgeon.
· Patrick Jr. majored in Biology Pre-Med and graduated from JSU in 2020. He is now in the 3rd year of a five-year medical program at UC Irvine Medical School where he will receive his Master’s in Public Health and Medical Degree in Cardiac Anesthesiology. UC Irvine is fully financing his medical
degree. He is engaged to a fellow Blerd who graduated from Howard University and is in Medical School at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Also debt free.
· Fort advises his kids to leverage their B.L.E.R.D and secure their bag of money through graduate school.
· He is especially passionate about young Black men from tough neighborhoods like he came from.
· He is a big proponent of kids buying property as early as possible.
· Fort says: “This is a spiritual calling. My mission is to rebuild our community, and it starts with young men because they are the ones who will be the providers for their families. We exist as an organization to build a healthy community that is Black, Educated, Resourceful, and Determined, and we are doing it one B.L.E.R.D at a time.”
· Website: www.theblerdacademy.com, Instagram: TheBlerdAcademy

#STRAW

#BEST

#SHMS

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Douglass Fort.  He founded The Blerd Academy (Black Nerds).  It’s a wealth building program that helps High-Achieving Black-American youth get scholarships to HBCU’s. They have secured over $8 million dollars in scholarships!  Please welcome to Money Making Conversations Master Class Douglass Fort.
<ul>
<li>Why did you start the Academy?</li>
<li>What are some outcomes of the Academy?</li>
<li>Why should the Black-American community highlight our nerds?</li>
</ul>
· Since 2016 Fort has secured $8 million in scholarships for 63 high-achieving Black American students. Full-ride and tuition-only scholarships to HBCUs through graduate school. · PJ’s sister, Marissa, also went through the program. She graduated Cum Laude from Hampton University with a degree in Accounting, earned a Master’s degree from Columbia University all debt-free, and now works for Deloitte in New York City. · Other success stories: A Tennessee State U graduate now works in the front office for the NFL’s Chicago Bears. · Two are Obama-Cheskey Voyager scholars. · Fort says: “We don’t talk enough about Black scientists, mathematicians, and doctors. Only 1% of athletes make it to the NFL. We’re hustling backward having our kids focus on sports over education.” · Criteria for the students he assists: a 3.5 GPA, a 28 ACT score, or a 1300 SAT score for a full-ride scholarship, or a minimum 3.2 GPA, a 23 ACT score, or an 1130 SAT score for tuition-only scholarships. AP and/or Honors classes, community service, and school leadership is also beneficial. · Since the 2023 U.S. Supreme Court ruling of Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College and Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. University of North Carolina struck down Affirmative Action in college admissions Fort has been busy. · Several HBCUs saw a surge in applications, including Washington D.C.’s Howard University, Clark-Atlanta University, which outpaced the University of Georgia, and Florida Agricultural Mechanical University (FAMU). · Fort says: Parents just don’t know there is money and resources at these institutions for their high-achieving students, but they should because their kids have excelled in the classroom, and they deserve it.”
MONEY MAKING CONVERSATIONS TALKING POINTS Guest: Douglass J. Fort, Founder, The BLERD Academy · Grew up in East Palo Alto, California · Liked school but got caught up in the streets · Was shot as a teen. · A childhood friend suggested he apply to Jackson State University. When he was accepted, hesitated, but did go. · Graduated from JSU. A Criminal Justice Major/Urban Affairs/Development minor. After graduation, he returned to East Palo Alto where he started the violence prevention program, For Youth By Youth. · Worked with law enforcement to help clean up Black neighborhoods. · His son received a full-ride athletic scholarship to Morehouse College but turned it down to play Division 1 Football at a PWI, and never played. · Doug was heartbroken that his son turned down Morehouse. A close friend told him he had to get over it and focus on kids who wanted the HBCU experience. · Founded The BLERD Academy, a combination of the words Black and Nerd in 2016 in Oakland; a non-profit wealth-building program that assists high-achieving Black American students graduate, debt-free from more than 100 HBCUs. · Found the first BLERD while working at a Bay Area JSU Black College Expo booth. It was 6’5 honor roll student, Phillip Patrick Jr. who had a 3.6 GPA and 28 ACT score. Fort offered him a full-ride Presidential scholarship to Jackson State on the spot. · Phillip Patrick had played baseball all his life and thought he would have to continue playing in college on scholarship. When he received the full-ride, he told his mother he no longer wanted to play baseball, he wanted to be a brain surgeon. · Patrick Jr. majored in Biology Pre-Med and graduated from JSU in 2020. He is now in the 3rd year of a five-year medical program at UC Irvine Medical School where he will receive his Master’s in Public Health and Medical Degree in Cardiac Anesthesiology. UC Irvine is fully financing his medical degree. He is engaged to a fellow Blerd who graduated from Howard University and is in Medical School at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Also debt free. · Fort advises his kids to leverage their B.L.E.R.D and secure their bag of money through graduate school. · He is especially passionate about young Black men from tough neighborhoods like he came from. · He is a big proponent of kids buying property as early as possible. · Fort says: “This is a spiritual calling. My mission is to rebuild our community, and it starts with young men because they are the ones who will be the providers for their families. We exist as an organization to build a healthy community that is Black, Educated, Resourceful, and Determined, and we are doing it one B.L.E.R.D at a time.” · Website: www.theblerdacademy.com, Instagram: TheBlerdAcademy
#STRAW
#BEST
#SHMS

Overcoming the Odds:  No student loans, secured $8 million dollars in HBCU scholarships.

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/31d1237d-708c-479f-bf72-b212016a64f9/transcript

Overcoming the Odds: Former Waffle House cook owns popular live R& B and Jazz music, dining supper clubs, called Perfect Note.

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