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 Chef Jernard Wells.

The discussion centers on Wells' culinary journey, his family influences, entrepreneurship, television success, and his newest TV One travel series, Savor the City. The conversation highlights how food, culture, travel, and storytelling come together to celebrate Black excellence and community impact.

Purpose of the Interview

The purpose of the interview was to:
Introduce Chef Jernard Wells' new TV One series, Savor the City.
Share his journey from a young entrepreneur in Mississippi to a nationally recognized chef and television personality.
Discuss how food can connect families, cultures, and communities.
Highlight Black-owned restaurants, businesses, and entrepreneurs across the country.
Inspire viewers to pursue their passions while embracing creativity and hard work.
Celebrate positive stories within the Black community through food and travel.

Key Takeaways

1. Family Inspired His Culinary Journey

Wells credits both of his parents for sparking his love for food.
His father was a professional chef specializing in Creole cuisine.
His mother was a nurse who later became a pastry chef.

Growing up surrounded by cooking and baking gave him a strong culinary foundation and appreciation for food as an expression of love.

Key Point: His culinary career began at home, where cooking was both a life skill and a family tradition.

2. Entrepreneurship Started Early

After his father's passing when he was 16 years old, Wells looked for ways to help support his family.

Using the cooking skills he learned from his parents, he started selling meals from his mother's kitchen.

He served:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

to members of his local community.

Key Point: His first business emerged from necessity, creativity, and a desire to help his family.

3. Cooking Is About More Than Food

Throughout the interview, Wells emphasized that food creates connections.

For him, cooking is about:
Family
Culture
Community
Storytelling
Shared experiences

His work consistently focuses on bringing people together through meals and hospitality.

4. New Soul Kitchen Was Built Around Real Life

Wells explained that his CLEO TV programs evolved from the realities of balancing:
Family
Career
Cooking
Everyday responsibilities

He recognized that many people want flavorful meals but lack hours to spend in the kitchen.

5. New Soul Kitchen Remix Solves Modern Cooking Challenges

One of Wells' most successful concepts is helping viewers prepare meals quickly.

The show focuses on:
Fast recipes
Budget-friendly meals
Practical cooking techniques
Meals that can be completed in 30 minutes or less

Key Point: Great food shouldn't require sacrificing family time.

6. Television Requires Constant Preparation

When asked about mistakes on television, Wells admitted they happen.

His strategy is simple:
Stay calm.
Keep moving.
Don't stop.
Adjust in real time.

He also revealed that he is often his own harshest critic, constantly reviewing ways he could improve after each appearance.

Key Point: Excellence comes from preparation and self-evaluation.

7. Travel Expands Creativity

Wells believes traveling helps him become a better chef.

Exploring different cities and cultures allows him to:
Discover new flavors
Learn new techniques
Meet innovative chefs
Gather inspiration for future recipes

He described travel as a form of continuous education.

8. His Favorite Food Cities

Wells named several cities that consistently impress him culinary-wise:

Chef Jernard's Top Food Cities
San Francisco
Chicago
New Orleans

He praised each city for its unique culture, culinary diversity, and authentic food experiences.

9. Savor the City Celebrates Black Excellence

The foundation of Savor the City is highlighting stories often overlooked in mainstream media.

The series showcases:
Black-owned restaurants
Hotels
Entrepreneurs
Community leaders
Cultural destinations

The goal is to celebrate success stories while giving deserving businesses visibility.

Key Point: The show is designed to "give people their flowers" while they are still building their legacy.

10. Food Is Only Part of the Story

Although restaurants are featured prominently, Savor the City goes beyond food.

The show also explores:
Music
Culture
Travel
History
Entrepreneurship

Wells wants viewers to experience entire communities, not just meals.

11. The Show Highlights Untold Stories

Rather than focusing only on famous destinations, Wells deliberately seeks stories that many travelers may not know.

Examples include:
Black-owned hotels
Historic landmarks
Emerging restaurants
Local community leaders
Pioneering entrepreneurs

The emphasis is on authenticity rather than tourist attractions.

12. Representation Matters

One of Wells' strongest messages is the importance of showing positive images and success stories within Black communities.

He wants audiences to see:
Achievement
Innovation
Leadership
Business ownership
Cultural impact

He believes these stories inspire others to pursue their own dreams.

Memorable Quotes

Chef Jernard Wells

"Hard work truly does pay off."

"I want to help you have a unique twist in the kitchen."

"We're always looking for ways to create something good and still have time to relax and spend time with family."

"I fell in love with spending time with my father in the kitchen."

"Food connects us."

"Iron sharpens iron."

"The more I travel, the more I taste, the more enriching my palate gets."

"It's about giving people their flowers."

"I want to change that narrative."

"Our stories are uniquely different, but uniquely the same."

"I'm showing you what we're doing from an unfiltered standpoint."

Rushion McDonald

"Work-life balance matters."

"A good show makes you want to experience it yourself."

"Food is one of the biggest takeaways from travel."

"You enable these restaurants to increase their business because of the visibility you provide."

Overall Message

The interview showcases Chef Jernard Wells as more than a chef. He is a storyteller, entrepreneur, cultural ambassador, and advocate for positive representation. Through Savor the City, he uses food as a gateway to explore communities, celebrate Black-owned businesses, and share inspiring stories of success. His message is that food, culture, and travel can bring people together while creating opportunities to honor the people and places that often go unrecognized.

#STRAW

#BEST

#SHMS

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

 

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Chef Jernard Wells.
The discussion centers on Wells' culinary journey, his family influences, entrepreneurship, television success, and his newest TV One travel series,&nbsp;Savor the City. The conversation highlights how food, culture, travel, and storytelling come together to celebrate Black excellence and community impact.
<hr>
Purpose of the Interview
The purpose of the interview was to:
<ul>
<li>Introduce Chef Jernard Wells' new TV One series,&nbsp;Savor the City.</li>
<li>Share his journey from a young entrepreneur in Mississippi to a nationally recognized chef and television personality.</li>
<li>Discuss how food can connect families, cultures, and communities.</li>
<li>Highlight Black-owned restaurants, businesses, and entrepreneurs across the country.</li>
<li>Inspire viewers to pursue their passions while embracing creativity and hard work.</li>
<li>Celebrate positive stories within the Black community through food and travel.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
Key Takeaways
1. Family Inspired His Culinary Journey
Wells credits both of his parents for sparking his love for food.
<ul>
<li>His father was a professional chef specializing in Creole cuisine.</li>
<li>His mother was a nurse who later became a pastry chef.</li>
</ul>
Growing up surrounded by cooking and baking gave him a strong culinary foundation and appreciation for food as an expression of love.
Key Point:&nbsp;His culinary career began at home, where cooking was both a life skill and a family tradition.
<hr>
2. Entrepreneurship Started Early
After his father's passing when he was 16 years old, Wells looked for ways to help support his family.
Using the cooking skills he learned from his parents, he started selling meals from his mother's kitchen.
He served:
<ul>
<li>Breakfast</li>
<li>Lunch</li>
<li>Dinner</li>
</ul>
to members of his local community.
Key Point:&nbsp;His first business emerged from necessity, creativity, and a desire to help his family.
<hr>
3. Cooking Is About More Than Food
Throughout the interview, Wells emphasized that food creates connections.
For him, cooking is about:
<ul>
<li>Family</li>
<li>Culture</li>
<li>Community</li>
<li>Storytelling</li>
<li>Shared experiences</li>
</ul>
His work consistently focuses on bringing people together through meals and hospitality.
<hr>
4. New Soul Kitchen Was Built Around Real Life
Wells explained that his CLEO TV programs evolved from the realities of balancing:
<ul>
<li>Family</li>
<li>Career</li>
<li>Cooking</li>
<li>Everyday responsibilities</li>
</ul>
He recognized that many people want flavorful meals but lack hours to spend in the kitchen.
<hr>
5. New Soul Kitchen Remix Solves Modern Cooking Challenges
One of Wells' most successful concepts is helping viewers prepare meals quickly.
The show focuses on:
<ul>
<li>Fast recipes</li>
<li>Budget-friendly meals</li>
<li>Practical cooking techniques</li>
<li>Meals that can be completed in 30 minutes or less</li>
</ul>
Key Point:&nbsp;Great food shouldn't require sacrificing family time.
<hr>
6. Television Requires Constant Preparation
When asked about mistakes on television, Wells admitted they happen.
His strategy is simple:
<ul>
<li>Stay calm.</li>
<li>Keep moving.</li>
<li>Don't stop.</li>
<li>Adjust in real time.</li>
</ul>
He also revealed that he is often his own harshest critic, constantly reviewing ways he could improve after each appearance.
Key Point:&nbsp;Excellence comes from preparation and self-evaluation.
<hr>
7. Travel Expands Creativity
Wells believes traveling helps him become a better chef.
Exploring different cities and cultures allows him to:
<ul>
<li>Discover new flavors</li>
<li>Learn new techniques</li>
<li>Meet innovative chefs</li>
<li>Gather inspiration for future recipes</li>
</ul>
He described travel as a form of continuous education.
<hr>
8. His Favorite Food Cities
Wells named several cities that consistently impress him culinary-wise:
Chef Jernard's Top Food Cities
<ul>
<li>San Francisco</li>
<li>Chicago</li>
<li>New Orleans</li>
</ul>
He praised each city for its unique culture, culinary diversity, and authentic food experiences.
<hr>
9. Savor the City Celebrates Black Excellence
The foundation of&nbsp;Savor the City&nbsp;is highlighting stories often overlooked in mainstream media.
The series showcases:
<ul>
<li>Black-owned restaurants</li>
<li>Hotels</li>
<li>Entrepreneurs</li>
<li>Community leaders</li>
<li>Cultural destinations</li>
</ul>
The goal is to celebrate success stories while giving deserving businesses visibility.
Key Point:&nbsp;The show is designed to "give people their flowers" while they are still building their legacy.
<hr>
10. Food Is Only Part of the Story
Although restaurants are featured prominently,&nbsp;Savor the City&nbsp;goes beyond food.
The show also explores:
<ul>
<li>Music</li>
<li>Culture</li>
<li>Travel</li>
<li>History</li>
<li>Entrepreneurship</li>
</ul>
Wells wants viewers to experience entire communities, not just meals.
<hr>
11. The Show Highlights Untold Stories
Rather than focusing only on famous destinations, Wells deliberately seeks stories that many travelers may not know.
Examples include:
<ul>
<li>Black-owned hotels</li>
<li>Historic landmarks</li>
<li>Emerging restaurants</li>
<li>Local community leaders</li>
<li>Pioneering entrepreneurs</li>
</ul>
The emphasis is on authenticity rather than tourist attractions.
<hr>
12. Representation Matters
One of Wells' strongest messages is the importance of showing positive images and success stories within Black communities.
He wants audiences to see:
<ul>
<li>Achievement</li>
<li>Innovation</li>
<li>Leadership</li>
<li>Business ownership</li>
<li>Cultural impact</li>
</ul>
He believes these stories inspire others to pursue their own dreams.
<hr>
Memorable Quotes
Chef Jernard Wells
"Hard work truly does pay off."
"I want to help you have a unique twist in the kitchen."
"We're always looking for ways to create something good and still have time to relax and spend time with family."
"I fell in love with spending time with my father in the kitchen."
"Food connects us."
"Iron sharpens iron."
"The more I travel, the more I taste, the more enriching my palate gets."
"It's about giving people their flowers."
"I want to change that narrative."
"Our stories are uniquely different, but uniquely the same."
"I'm showing you what we're doing from an unfiltered standpoint."
<hr>
Rushion McDonald
"Work-life balance matters."
"A good show makes you want to experience it yourself."
"Food is one of the biggest takeaways from travel."
"You enable these restaurants to increase their business because of the visibility you provide."
<hr>
Overall Message
The interview showcases Chef Jernard Wells as more than a chef. He is a storyteller, entrepreneur, cultural ambassador, and advocate for positive representation. Through&nbsp;Savor the City, he uses food as a gateway to explore communities, celebrate Black-owned businesses, and share inspiring stories of success. His message is that food, culture, and travel can bring people together while creating opportunities to honor the people and places that often go unrecognized.
#STRAW
#BEST
#SHMS
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
&nbsp;

Money Making Conversations Master Class is more than a podcast. It's a front-row seat to the ideas, experiences, and breakthrough moments that inspire success. Hosted by Rushion McDonald, each episode features influential entrepreneurs, business leaders, celebrities, influencers, and nonprofit changemakers sharing the lessons, strategies, and mindset shifts that helped them turn ambition into achievement. The show empowers dreamers, doers, and leaders to think bigger, move smarter, and take action on their goals. As Rushion McDonald often says, "Stop reading other people's success stories and start planning your own."

Tune in, get inspired, and start writing your own success story, one conversation at a time.

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 is more than a podcast. It's a front-row seat to the ideas, experiences, and breakthrough moments that inspire success. Hosted by Rushion McDonald, each episode features influential entrepreneurs, business leaders, celebrities, influencers, and nonprofit changemakers sharing the lessons, strategies, and mindset shifts that helped them turn ambition into achievement. The show empowers dreamers, doers, and leaders to think bigger, move smarter, and take action on their goals. As Rushion McDonald often says, "Stop reading other people's success stories and start planning your own."
Tune in, get inspired, and start writing your own success story, one conversation at a time.
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

Uplift: Chef Jernard's popular TV show travels the country spotlighting Black-Owned Food businesses.  

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/c977814b-7982-4c45-9d1a-b22d0172b04e/transcript