My next guest Chef Jernard Wells. He is an Award Winning TV Host/Celebrity Chef/Bestselling Cookbook Author best known from numerous Food Network & Cooking Channel shows. He is the host of "New Soul Kitchen" on CLEO TV and is a co-host on "The Best Things I Ever Ate" on Cooking Channel. New Soul Kitchen is preparing for it’s second season after winning 3 national awards in it’s first season. The show is geared towards the Black Millennial Women because of their unique styles of eating food compared to their parents and older siblings. Despite all of the show’s past success it is changing this year. Chef Jernard will be the sole host this season. We will talk about the show’s new direction and being more health conscious manner for today’s healthy lifestyles. Please welcome to Money Making Conversations Chef Jernard Wells.
https://www.moneymakingconversations.com
https://www.youtube.com/MoneyMakingConversations
https://www.facebook.com/MoneyMakingConversations/
https://twitter.com/moneymakingconv
https://www.instagram.com/moneymakingconversations/
Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

My next guest Chef Jernard Wells. He is an Award Winning TV Host/Celebrity Chef/Bestselling Cookbook Author best known from numerous Food Network & Cooking Channel shows. He is the host of "New Soul Kitchen" on CLEO TV and is a co-host on "The Best Things I Ever Ate" on Cooking Channel. New Soul Kitchen is preparing for it’s second season after winning 3 national awards in it’s first season. The show is geared towards the Black Millennial Women because of their unique styles of eating food compared to their parents and older siblings. Despite all of the show’s past success it is changing this year. Chef Jernard will be the sole host this season. We will talk about the show’s new direction and being more health conscious manner for today’s healthy lifestyles. Please welcome to Money Making Conversations Chef Jernard Wells. https://www.moneymakingconversations.com https://www.youtube.com/MoneyMakingConversations https://www.facebook.com/MoneyMakingConversations/ https://twitter.com/moneymakingconv https://www.instagram.com/moneymakingconversations/ Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Hi, this is Rushion McDonald. Welcome to the podcast world of Money Making Conversations Master Class. I interview profits and nonprofits to learn their "Secrets to Success."  I'm a former IBM Executive with a degree in Mathematics. I started my entrepreneurial career as a stand-up comic, then became a sitcom writer, award-winning baker, social media influencer, award-winning television Executive Producer, and brand architect for super-successful celebrities and products. Money Making Conversations Master Class interviews a diverse group of celebrities, entrepreneurs, and influencers in the financial and business community with their advice and tips so you can be successful, too. It's time to stop reading other people's success stories and start building 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. 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 podcast world of Money Making Conversations Master Class. I interview profits and nonprofits to learn their "Secrets to Success."  I'm a former IBM Executive with a degree in Mathematics. I started my entrepreneurial career as a stand-up comic, then became a sitcom writer, award-winning baker, social media influencer, award-winning television Executive Producer, and brand architect for super-successful celebrities and products. Money Making Conversations Master Class interviews a diverse group of celebrities, entrepreneurs, and influencers in the financial and business community with their advice and tips so you can be successful, too. It's time to stop reading other people's success stories and start building 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. 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

Start your day with laughs, love, and real talk from Steve Harvey and his hilarious crew Shirley Strawberry, Carla Ferrell, Nephew Tommy, and Junior on the #1 morning radio show in America. Prank calls, life advice, celebrity guests, and nonstop energy. Follow, favorite, and subscribe now so you never miss a moment!

Steve Harvey brings his unmatched charisma and wisdom to mornings across the country, mixing comedy, culture, and connection like no one else. Whether you need a laugh, a lift, or a little perspective, The Steve Harvey Morning Show delivers it all.

Join millions who tune in every day, and make Steve and the crew part of your morning routine!

Start your day with laughs, love, and real talk from Steve Harvey and his hilarious crew Shirley Strawberry, Carla Ferrell, Nephew Tommy, and Junior on the #1 morning radio show in America. Prank calls, life advice, celebrity guests, and nonstop energy.&nbsp;Follow, favorite, and subscribe now so you never miss a moment!
Steve Harvey brings his unmatched charisma and wisdom to mornings across the country, mixing comedy, culture, and connection like no one else. Whether you need a laugh, a lift, or a little perspective, The Steve Harvey Morning Show delivers it all.
Join millions who tune in every day, and make Steve and the crew part of your morning routine!

The Steve Harvey Morning Show

Chef Jernard Wells Full Interview (5th Appearance)

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/89705c9b-04a9-4157-b0f6-af620151388d/transcript

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!

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

A stroke survivor, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and founder of Slight Edge Consulting, joins Rushion McDonald to share a deeply personal and powerful story of survival, resilience, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship.

Graham recounts two life-altering experiences:
Surviving a fatal Amtrak train crash in which the person who took his place died, causing years of survivor’s remorse.
Suffering an anaphylactic shock and stroke in 2024, which temporarily robbed him of speech, memory, mobility, and independence.

Rather than allowing these moments to define him negatively, Graham reframed them as assignments—calling him to live intentionally, help others overcome “the hump,” and use his lived experience as intellectual property to serve, coach, and motivate people through adversity, business challenges, fear, and self-doubt.

The interview blends emotional storytelling with practical insights into personal growth, sales, mindset, recovery, faith, and entrepreneurship.

Purpose of the Interview

The interview aims to:
Inspire listeners to persevere through trauma, loss, and setbacks.
Demonstrate how adversity can become purpose and value, not limitation.
Show how lived experience translates into income and impact, especially for entrepreneurs.
Encourage patience during recovery, whether from health issues, career loss, or personal failure.
Promote Slight Edge Consulting as a resource for individuals stuck at the “15%” holding them back.

Key Takeaways 1. Survival Creates Responsibility

After narrowly avoiding the Amtrak crash that killed 47 people, Graham vowed not to waste his life and to live with intention.

Takeaway: Survival is not luck—it’s an assignment.

2. Trauma Is Real, but It Can Be Transformed

Graham openly discusses survivor’s remorse, PTSD, fear, discouragement, and self-doubt—especially after his stroke.

Takeaway: Healing is messy, slow, and honest—but possible.

3. Recovery Requires Patience With Yourself

Following his stroke, Graham had to relearn how to speak, walk, and think clearly. Progress came through patience, humility, and repetition.

Takeaway: Every recovery has its own timeline—don’t rush the process.

4. Money Is a Byproduct of Action and Value

Graham explains that income flows from prior action, knowledge, and intellectual property—not the other way around.

Takeaway: Focus on value first; money follows.

5. Most People Already Have 85% of What They Need

Through Slight Edge Consulting, Graham helps clients identify and fix the missing 15%—mindset, confidence, access, skills, or strategy.

Takeaway: You’re closer to success than you think.

6. Sales Is the Transfer of Feeling

Sales isn’t pressure or manipulation—it’s enthusiasm, belief, and confidence communicated clearly.

Takeaway: If you don’t believe in what you’re selling, no one else will.

7. Fear Grows When You Stand Still

Standing at the “hump” makes it feel larger. Movement shrinks fear.

Takeaway: Action reduces intimidation.

8. Give Yourself Permission to Be Great

Too many people wait for validation, approval, or perfect timing that never comes.

Takeaway: The cavalry is not coming—now is your time.

Notable Quotes


On surviving tragedy:

“I made a vow that I was not going to be irresponsible with the time that I have left.”


On the stroke and recovery:

“Physically, it was like being locked inside of your body.”


On honesty in healing:

“We tell the success story, but what about the middle?”


On patience:

“We have to be patient with ourselves in any recovery process.”


On mindset and entrepreneurship:

“Money is only the byproduct of something.”


On personal growth:

“Most people have 85% of what they need—it’s the 15% that’s holding them back.”


On sales:

“Selling is nothing more than transferring feeling.”


On fear and permission:

“Give yourself permission to be great. The cavalry is not coming.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on <a href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-money-making-conversation-28341098/" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">iHeartRadio</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/money-making-conversations-master-class/id1264705641" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="1">Apple Podcasts</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/3ABAQdTXqAnhGwxrsjFa5y" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="2">Spotify</a>, <a href="http://www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/">www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/</a> or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.&nbsp; I want to alert you, so you don&rsquo;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.&nbsp; Keep winning!
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Wendell Graham.
A stroke survivor, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and founder of Slight Edge Consulting, joins Rushion McDonald to share a deeply personal and powerful story of survival, resilience, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship.
Graham recounts two life-altering experiences:
<ol>
<li>Surviving a fatal Amtrak train crash in which the person who took his place died, causing years of survivor&rsquo;s remorse.</li>
<li>Suffering an anaphylactic shock and stroke in 2024, which temporarily robbed him of speech, memory, mobility, and independence.</li>
</ol>
Rather than allowing these moments to define him negatively, Graham reframed them as assignments&mdash;calling him to live intentionally, help others overcome &ldquo;the hump,&rdquo; and use his lived experience as intellectual property to serve, coach, and motivate people through adversity, business challenges, fear, and self-doubt.
The interview blends emotional storytelling with practical insights into personal growth, sales, mindset, recovery, faith, and entrepreneurship.
<hr>
Purpose of the Interview
The interview aims to:
<ul>
<li>Inspire listeners to persevere through trauma, loss, and setbacks.</li>
<li>Demonstrate how adversity can become purpose and value, not limitation.</li>
<li>Show how lived experience translates into income and impact, especially for entrepreneurs.</li>
<li>Encourage patience during recovery, whether from health issues, career loss, or personal failure.</li>
<li>Promote Slight Edge Consulting as a resource for individuals stuck at the &ldquo;15%&rdquo; holding them back.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
Key Takeaways 1. Survival Creates Responsibility
After narrowly avoiding the Amtrak crash that killed 47 people, Graham vowed not to waste his life and to live with intention.
Takeaway: Survival is not luck&mdash;it&rsquo;s an assignment.
<hr>
2. Trauma Is Real, but It Can Be Transformed
Graham openly discusses survivor&rsquo;s remorse, PTSD, fear, discouragement, and self-doubt&mdash;especially after his stroke.
Takeaway: Healing is messy, slow, and honest&mdash;but possible.
<hr>
3. Recovery Requires Patience With Yourself
Following his stroke, Graham had to relearn how to speak, walk, and think clearly. Progress came through patience, humility, and repetition.
Takeaway: Every recovery has its own timeline&mdash;don&rsquo;t rush the process.
<hr>
4. Money Is a Byproduct of Action and Value
Graham explains that income flows from prior action, knowledge, and intellectual property&mdash;not the other way around.
Takeaway: Focus on value first; money follows.
<hr>
5. Most People Already Have 85% of What They Need
Through Slight Edge Consulting, Graham helps clients identify and fix the missing 15%&mdash;mindset, confidence, access, skills, or strategy.
Takeaway: You&rsquo;re closer to success than you think.
<hr>
6. Sales Is the Transfer of Feeling
Sales isn&rsquo;t pressure or manipulation&mdash;it&rsquo;s enthusiasm, belief, and confidence communicated clearly.
Takeaway: If you don&rsquo;t believe in what you&rsquo;re selling, no one else will.
<hr>
7. Fear Grows When You Stand Still
Standing at the &ldquo;hump&rdquo; makes it feel larger. Movement shrinks fear.
Takeaway: Action reduces intimidation.
<hr>
8. Give Yourself Permission to Be Great
Too many people wait for validation, approval, or perfect timing that never comes.
Takeaway: The cavalry is not coming&mdash;now is your time.
<hr>
Notable Quotes
<ul>
<li>
On surviving tragedy:
<blockquote>
&ldquo;I made a vow that I was not going to be irresponsible with the time that I have left.&rdquo;
</blockquote>
</li>
<li>
On the stroke and recovery:
<blockquote>
&ldquo;Physically, it was like being locked inside of your body.&rdquo;
</blockquote>
</li>
<li>
On honesty in healing:
<blockquote>
&ldquo;We tell the success story, but what about the middle?&rdquo;
</blockquote>
</li>
<li>
On patience:
<blockquote>
&ldquo;We have to be patient with ourselves in any recovery process.&rdquo;
</blockquote>
</li>
<li>
On mindset and entrepreneurship:
<blockquote>
&ldquo;Money is only the byproduct of something.&rdquo;
</blockquote>
</li>
<li>
On personal growth:
<blockquote>
&ldquo;Most people have 85% of what they need&mdash;it&rsquo;s the 15% that&rsquo;s holding them back.&rdquo;
</blockquote>
</li>
<li>
On sales:
<blockquote>
&ldquo;Selling is nothing more than transferring feeling.&rdquo;
</blockquote>
</li>
<li>
On fear and permission:
<blockquote>
&ldquo;Give yourself permission to be great. The cavalry is not coming.&rdquo;
</blockquote>
</li>
</ul>
<hr>
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Overcoming the Odds: A stroke survivor, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and founder of Slight Edge Consulting.

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/469e0918-662a-4d47-9cc4-b432017d7d1b/transcript

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!

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Leola Anifowoshe.

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

The interview aims to:
Educate listeners on the science and solutions behind hair loss.
Introduce Dr. Leola Anifowoshe’s work in functional medicine, trichology, and holistic hair restoration.
Share her personal journey and expertise.
Promote her clinic, products, and diagnostic approach to hair and scalp health.

🧠 Key Takeaways 1. Hair Loss is Treatable and Often Misunderstood
Hair follicles may be dormant, not dead—where there’s life, there’s hope.
Hair loss is often a symptom of deeper health issues, such as stress, inflammation, or liver dysfunction.

2. Holistic and Functional Approach
Dr. Leola emphasizes testing over guessing.
Her clinic uses microscopic scalp analysis, cell inflammation tests, and custom treatment plans.
She avoids pharmaceuticals, relying on natural remedies and nutraceuticals.

3. Hair Loss as a Health Crisis
Especially prevalent among Black women, often due to scarring alopecia from early perms.
The American Hair Loss Association had not studied this demographic adequately.

4. Innovative Technology
Her clinic developed a patented machine called the ResourciStation, which:

Diagnoses scalp conditions.
Removes debris.
Stimulates follicles.
Can transform salons into restoration centers.

5. Personal Story and Motivation
Dr. Leola experienced hair loss due to sarcoidosis, a form of lupus.
Her husband’s reaction to her baldness inspired her to create effective products.
She was raised by blind family members, teaching her to rely on senses beyond sight, influencing her product development.

6. Product Highlights
Ditch the Itch Shampoo: Detoxifies scalp.
Smooth & Restore Conditioner: Nourishes hair strands.
Awakening Complex: Stimulates dormant follicles using natural DHT blockers like pumpkin seed.
Meltdown Scalp Oxygen Foam: Clears buildup and energizes follicles.

💬 Notable Quotes
“Where there’s life, there’s hope—as it relates to hair follicles.”
“Hair loss is a bully. You can’t fight it with a butter knife.”
“We don’t guess—we test.”
“Hair loss is a whistleblower—it tells you something deeper is wrong.”
“I kill men back their wives. I give women back their husbands.”
“I was born on the 4th of July. I was born for this.”
“You can’t out-give God. Create a vacuum effect—give something to get something.”

🌱 Emotional and Cultural Impact
Dr. Leola’s work is deeply rooted in community healing, especially for underserved populations.
She challenges mainstream dermatology and beauty standards, advocating for natural, culturally aware solutions.
Her clinic offers telehealth, making her services accessible nationwide.

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on <a href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-money-making-conversation-28341098/" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">iHeartRadio</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/money-making-conversations-master-class/id1264705641" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="1">Apple Podcasts</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/3ABAQdTXqAnhGwxrsjFa5y" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="2">Spotify</a>, <a href="http://www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/">www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/</a> or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.&nbsp; I want to alert you, so you don&rsquo;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.&nbsp; Keep winning!
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed&nbsp;Dr. Leola Anifowoshe.
<hr>
🎯 Purpose of the Interview
The interview aims to:
<ul>
<li>Educate listeners on the science and solutions behind hair loss.</li>
<li>Introduce Dr. Leola Anifowoshe&rsquo;s work in functional medicine, trichology, and holistic hair restoration.</li>
<li>Share her personal journey and expertise.</li>
<li>Promote her clinic, products, and diagnostic approach to hair and scalp health.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
🧠 Key Takeaways 1. Hair Loss is Treatable and Often Misunderstood
<ul>
<li>Hair follicles may be dormant, not dead&mdash;where there&rsquo;s life, there&rsquo;s hope.</li>
<li>Hair loss is often a symptom of deeper health issues, such as stress, inflammation, or liver dysfunction.</li>
</ul>
2. Holistic and Functional Approach
<ul>
<li>Dr. Leola emphasizes testing over guessing.</li>
<li>Her clinic uses microscopic scalp analysis, cell inflammation tests, and custom treatment plans.</li>
<li>She avoids pharmaceuticals, relying on natural remedies and nutraceuticals.</li>
</ul>
3. Hair Loss as a Health Crisis
<ul>
<li>Especially prevalent among Black women, often due to scarring alopecia from early perms.</li>
<li>The American Hair Loss Association had not studied this demographic adequately.</li>
</ul>
4. Innovative Technology
<ul>
<li>Her clinic developed a patented machine called the ResourciStation, which:
<ul>
<li>Diagnoses scalp conditions.</li>
<li>Removes debris.</li>
<li>Stimulates follicles.</li>
<li>Can transform salons into restoration centers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
5. Personal Story and Motivation
<ul>
<li>Dr. Leola experienced hair loss due to sarcoidosis, a form of lupus.</li>
<li>Her husband&rsquo;s reaction to her baldness inspired her to create effective products.</li>
<li>She was raised by blind family members, teaching her to rely on senses beyond sight, influencing her product development.</li>
</ul>
6. Product Highlights
<ul>
<li>Ditch the Itch Shampoo: Detoxifies scalp.</li>
<li>Smooth &amp; Restore Conditioner: Nourishes hair strands.</li>
<li>Awakening Complex: Stimulates dormant follicles using natural DHT blockers like pumpkin seed.</li>
<li>Meltdown Scalp Oxygen Foam: Clears buildup and energizes follicles.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
💬 Notable Quotes
<ul>
<li>&ldquo;Where there&rsquo;s life, there&rsquo;s hope&mdash;as it relates to hair follicles.&rdquo;</li>
<li>&ldquo;Hair loss is a bully. You can&rsquo;t fight it with a butter knife.&rdquo;</li>
<li>&ldquo;We don&rsquo;t guess&mdash;we test.&rdquo;</li>
<li>&ldquo;Hair loss is a whistleblower&mdash;it tells you something deeper is wrong.&rdquo;</li>
<li>&ldquo;I kill men back their wives. I give women back their husbands.&rdquo;</li>
<li>&ldquo;I was born on the 4th of July. I was born for this.&rdquo;</li>
<li>&ldquo;You can&rsquo;t out-give God. Create a vacuum effect&mdash;give something to get something.&rdquo;</li>
</ul>
<hr>
🌱 Emotional and Cultural Impact
<ul>
<li>Dr. Leola&rsquo;s work is deeply rooted in community healing, especially for underserved populations.</li>
<li>She challenges mainstream dermatology and beauty standards, advocating for natural, culturally aware solutions.</li>
<li>Her clinic offers telehealth, making her services accessible nationwide.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Beauty Tips: She challenges mainstream dermatology and beauty standards, advocating for natural, culturally aware solutions.

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/c027ffa6-5074-4465-8f4a-b4480173114a/transcript

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!

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Amy DuBois Barnett.

 

📝 Summary of the Interview

Amy DuBois Barnett, a trailblazing media executive and author, joined Rushion McDonald to discuss her career, her upcoming debut novel If I Ruled the World, and her insights on success, authenticity, and navigating the evolving media landscape. The conversation covered her historic role as the first Black woman to helm a major mainstream U.S. magazine, her experiences in media and publishing, the importance of Black voices, and her journey toward becoming a novelist.

🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Career Milestones & Legacy
Amy made history as the first Black woman editor-in-chief of a major mainstream U.S. magazine (Teen People).
She held leadership roles at Harper’s Bazaar, Ebony, Honey Magazine, and digital platforms like BET and The Grio.
Her editorial style focused on humanizing success, sharing personal stories and lessons rather than just promoting content.

2. New Novel: If I Ruled the World
Set in late 1990s/early 2000s New York, the novel follows Nikki, a woman navigating the fashion and music magazine world.
Themes include misogyny in hip hop, professional ambition, friendship, and self-discovery.
The title is inspired by the Nas and Lauryn Hill song, and Lauryn Hill was the first cover of Honey Magazine under Amy’s leadership.
Amy envisions the novel as a TV series, and is actively working toward that goal.

3. Importance of Preorders
Preorders are critical for debut novelists to hit bestseller lists.
All preorders count toward first-week sales, which are essential for making lists like the New York Times Bestseller.

4. Authenticity & Black Media
Amy emphasized the need for authentic Black voices in media, especially in today’s political climate.
She praised independent platforms and figures like Roland Martin, Joy Reid, and Don Lemon for maintaining integrity.

5. Success Principles
Success requires more than talent—it’s about energy, attitude, collaboration, and kindness.
She highlighted the importance of networking through genuine relationships, not just transactional exchanges.
Believing in oneself is essential: “The universe will not give you an opportunity that you don’t think you deserve.”

6. Pivoting & Resilience
Amy’s career involved multiple pivots—from finance to fashion to media.
She stressed the importance of recognizing when to pivot and manifesting goals through vision and hard work.

7. Print vs. Digital Media
Print magazines offer permanence and thoughtful journalism, while digital media provides speed and volume.
She misses the visual artistry of print, like cover shoots and fashion spreads.

8. Personal Notes
Amy’s son is a music producer and DJ, studying at Drexel University.
Rushion and Amy have a long-standing friendship dating back to 2012, when she was at Ebony and he was producing the Steve Harvey show.

💬 Notable Quotes
“You have to believe that you deserve all of the opportunity.”
“Networking is not about handing out business cards. It’s about building relationships.”
“Magazines have a permanence that made you incredibly careful.”
“I’m manifesting big things.”
“We are out here flawed and just trying to find success, love, and fulfillment like everyone else.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on <a href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-money-making-conversation-28341098/" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">iHeartRadio</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/money-making-conversations-master-class/id1264705641" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="1">Apple Podcasts</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/3ABAQdTXqAnhGwxrsjFa5y" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="2">Spotify</a>, <a href="http://www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/">www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/</a> or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.&nbsp; I want to alert you, so you don&rsquo;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.&nbsp; Keep winning!
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Amy DuBois Barnett.
&nbsp;
<hr>
📝 Summary of the Interview
Amy DuBois Barnett, a trailblazing media executive and author, joined Rushion McDonald to discuss her career, her upcoming debut novel If I Ruled the World, and her insights on success, authenticity, and navigating the evolving media landscape. The conversation covered her historic role as the first Black woman to helm a major mainstream U.S. magazine, her experiences in media and publishing, the importance of Black voices, and her journey toward becoming a novelist.
<hr>
🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Career Milestones &amp; Legacy
<ul>
<li>Amy made history as the first Black woman editor-in-chief of a major mainstream U.S. magazine (Teen People).</li>
<li>She held leadership roles at Harper&rsquo;s Bazaar, Ebony, Honey Magazine, and digital platforms like BET and The Grio.</li>
<li>Her editorial style focused on humanizing success, sharing personal stories and lessons rather than just promoting content.</li>
</ul>
2. New Novel: If I Ruled the World
<ul>
<li>Set in late 1990s/early 2000s New York, the novel follows Nikki, a woman navigating the fashion and music magazine world.</li>
<li>Themes include misogyny in hip hop, professional ambition, friendship, and self-discovery.</li>
<li>The title is inspired by the Nas and Lauryn Hill song, and Lauryn Hill was the first cover of Honey Magazine under Amy&rsquo;s leadership.</li>
<li>Amy envisions the novel as a TV series, and is actively working toward that goal.</li>
</ul>
3. Importance of Preorders
<ul>
<li>Preorders are critical for debut novelists to hit bestseller lists.</li>
<li>All preorders count toward first-week sales, which are essential for making lists like the New York Times Bestseller.</li>
</ul>
4. Authenticity &amp; Black Media
<ul>
<li>Amy emphasized the need for authentic Black voices in media, especially in today&rsquo;s political climate.</li>
<li>She praised independent platforms and figures like Roland Martin, Joy Reid, and Don Lemon for maintaining integrity.</li>
</ul>
5. Success Principles
<ul>
<li>Success requires more than talent&mdash;it&rsquo;s about energy, attitude, collaboration, and kindness.</li>
<li>She highlighted the importance of networking through genuine relationships, not just transactional exchanges.</li>
<li>Believing in oneself is essential: &ldquo;The universe will not give you an opportunity that you don&rsquo;t think you deserve.&rdquo;</li>
</ul>
6. Pivoting &amp; Resilience
<ul>
<li>Amy&rsquo;s career involved multiple pivots&mdash;from finance to fashion to media.</li>
<li>She stressed the importance of recognizing when to pivot and manifesting goals through vision and hard work.</li>
</ul>
7. Print vs. Digital Media
<ul>
<li>Print magazines offer permanence and thoughtful journalism, while digital media provides speed and volume.</li>
<li>She misses the visual artistry of print, like cover shoots and fashion spreads.</li>
</ul>
8. Personal Notes
<ul>
<li>Amy&rsquo;s son is a music producer and DJ, studying at Drexel University.</li>
<li>Rushion and Amy have a long-standing friendship dating back to 2012, when she was at Ebony and he was producing the Steve Harvey show.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
💬 Notable Quotes
<ul>
<li>&ldquo;You have to believe that you deserve all of the opportunity.&rdquo;</li>
<li>&ldquo;Networking is not about handing out business cards. It&rsquo;s about building relationships.&rdquo;</li>
<li>&ldquo;Magazines have a permanence that made you incredibly careful.&rdquo;</li>
<li>&ldquo;I&rsquo;m manifesting big things.&rdquo;</li>
<li>&ldquo;We are out here flawed and just trying to find success, love, and fulfillment like everyone else.&rdquo;</li>
</ul>
<hr>
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Brand Builder: She held leadership roles at Harper’s Bazaar, Ebony, Honey Magazine, and digital platforms like BET and The Grio.

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