Appearing on this episode of Money Making Conversations is Chef JJ Johnson, Host of CLEO TV's "Just Eats with Chef JJ", Founder of Fieldtrip Restaurant in Harlem, BuzzFeed Tasty Chef and Author of "Between Harlem & Heaven."
Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Appearing on this episode of Money Making Conversations is Chef JJ Johnson, Host of CLEO TV's "Just Eats with Chef JJ", Founder of Fieldtrip Restaurant in Harlem, BuzzFeed Tasty Chef and Author of "Between Harlem & Heaven." 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 JJ Johnson (2nd Appearance) Full Interview

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/b4ffb4a9-2919-4325-869b-af62015f45dc/transcript

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Ashley M. Fox.

Summary of the Interview

In this episode of Money Making Conversations Masterclass, Rushion McDonald interviews Ashley M. Fox—former Wall Street analyst, Howard University alum, financial educator, and founder/CEO of Amplify, a fintech platform focused on making wealth‑building accessible to everyday people.

Ashley shares her journey from working with ultra‑high‑net‑worth clients on Wall Street to becoming an entrepreneur determined to bring financial education and empowerment to communities traditionally excluded from wealth conversations. She discusses the creation of Amplify, her financial fall and recovery, her work in schools and prison systems, and how digital content has allowed her to scale her mission globally.

The discussion emphasizes mindset, self‑belief, access, and a practical path to wealth, even starting with as little as $20.

Purpose of the Interview

The interview aims to:

1. Inspire financial empowerment

Ashley explains how anyone—regardless of background or starting point—can begin building wealth and shift generational outcomes.

2. Demystify investing and wealth-building

She breaks down how simple investing can be, the power of small consistent contributions, and how wealth isn’t limited to entrepreneurs or high earners.

3. Highlight her fintech platform Amplify

She shares how Amplify democratizes financial education through online tools, community, and accessible investing classes. 

4. Encourage a mindset shift

Ashley stresses the importance of eliminating fear, building confidence, and using logic instead of emotion when making financial decisions.

Key Takeaways1. Wealth Begins with Belief and Mindset

Ashley learned on Wall Street that the biggest difference between wealthy and non-wealthy people is not education—it's self-belief. Many people don’t believe wealth is possible for them because they've never seen it. 

2. You Don’t Need a Lot of Money to Start Investing

She urges people to start with $20, even buying fractional shares. It’s consistency—not starting amount—that builds wealth. 

3. You Can Invest in Others’ Ideas—Not Just Your Own

Building wealth doesn’t require launching a business. Buying stock is one of the easiest ways to participate in wealth creation. 

4. Ashley’s Own Journey Included Failure

After leaving Wall Street, she was evicted, slept on her parents’ couch for two years, and maxed out credit cards. Her purpose kept her going. 

5. Financial Education Should Start Early

She developed financial education programs for schools, prison systems, and everyday families because adults often learn too late. 

6. Amplify Scales Wealth Education

Her platform offers 300+ hours of videos and tools, helping members open 3,000+ investment accounts and invest $7.4M collectively. 

7. Social Media Is Her Biggest Access Point

Ashley reaches millions by being authentic, relatable, and consistent—meeting people where they are. 

8. You Must Pay Yourself First

Most people pay bills, companies, and creditors before investing in themselves. She emphasizes reversing that pattern. 

9. Logic Over Emotion

Wealth requires logical decision‑making, especially in the market. Emotional reactions undermine long-term financial growth. 

Notable Quotes (Taken From the Transcript)On Wealth Mindset
“When you think and know and believe you have the power to create wealth and you deserve wealth, you move a different way.” 
“There is no president that can build the wealth that you can create for your family.” 

On Starting Small
“You don't have to have a lot of money to start. You just have to have the will to begin.” 
“A whole lot of $20 can get you to a million—as long as you don’t stop.” 

On Investing
“Consider the companies you give your money to and own them, because they are a lot cheaper than you think.” 
“If I’m helping you build a billion‑dollar business by using your products, I deserve a piece of the pie.” 

On Self-Reliance
“You pay everybody… the bartender, the mortgage company—and you’re the one without money. Who’s going to worry about you?” 

On Purpose and Identity
“My story never changed. The mission was always dedicated to the people I didn’t see coming into that building on Wall Street.” 
“Amplify is the movement. It just has my DNA.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Ashley M. Fox.
<hr>
Summary of the Interview
In this episode of Money Making Conversations Masterclass, Rushion McDonald interviews Ashley M. Fox&mdash;former Wall Street analyst, Howard University alum, financial educator, and founder/CEO of Amplify, a fintech platform focused on making wealth‑building accessible to everyday people.
Ashley shares her journey from working with ultra‑high‑net‑worth clients on Wall Street to becoming an entrepreneur determined to bring financial education and empowerment to communities traditionally excluded from wealth conversations. She discusses the creation of Amplify, her financial fall and recovery, her work in schools and prison systems, and how digital content has allowed her to scale her mission globally.
The discussion emphasizes mindset, self‑belief, access, and a practical path to wealth, even starting with as little as $20.
<hr>
Purpose of the Interview
The interview aims to:
1. Inspire financial empowerment
Ashley explains how anyone&mdash;regardless of background or starting point&mdash;can begin building wealth and shift generational outcomes.
2. Demystify investing and wealth-building
She breaks down how simple investing can be, the power of small consistent contributions, and how wealth isn&rsquo;t limited to entrepreneurs or high earners.
3. Highlight her fintech platform Amplify
She shares how Amplify democratizes financial education through online tools, community, and accessible investing classes.&nbsp;
4. Encourage a mindset shift
Ashley stresses the importance of eliminating fear, building confidence, and using logic instead of emotion when making financial decisions.
<hr>
Key Takeaways 1. Wealth Begins with Belief and Mindset
Ashley learned on Wall Street that the biggest difference between wealthy and non-wealthy people is not education&mdash;it's self-belief. Many people don&rsquo;t believe wealth is possible for them because they've never seen it.&nbsp;
2. You Don&rsquo;t Need a Lot of Money to Start Investing
She urges people to start with $20, even buying fractional shares. It&rsquo;s consistency&mdash;not starting amount&mdash;that builds wealth.&nbsp;
3. You Can Invest in Others&rsquo; Ideas&mdash;Not Just Your Own
Building wealth doesn&rsquo;t require launching a business. Buying stock is one of the easiest ways to participate in wealth creation.&nbsp;
4. Ashley&rsquo;s Own Journey Included Failure
After leaving Wall Street, she was evicted, slept on her parents&rsquo; couch for two years, and maxed out credit cards. Her purpose kept her going.&nbsp;
5. Financial Education Should Start Early
She developed financial education programs for schools, prison systems, and everyday families because adults often learn too late.&nbsp;
6. Amplify Scales Wealth Education
Her platform offers 300+ hours of videos and tools, helping members open 3,000+ investment accounts and invest $7.4M collectively.&nbsp;
7. Social Media Is Her Biggest Access Point
Ashley reaches millions by being authentic, relatable, and consistent&mdash;meeting people where they are.&nbsp;
8. You Must Pay Yourself First
Most people pay bills, companies, and creditors before investing in themselves. She emphasizes reversing that pattern.&nbsp;
9. Logic Over Emotion
Wealth requires logical decision‑making, especially in the market. Emotional reactions undermine long-term financial growth.&nbsp;
<hr>
Notable Quotes (Taken From the Transcript) On Wealth Mindset
<ul>
<li>&ldquo;When you think and know and believe you have the power to create wealth and you deserve wealth, you move a different way.&rdquo;&nbsp;</li>
<li>&ldquo;There is no president that can build the wealth that you can create for your family.&rdquo;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
On Starting Small
<ul>
<li>&ldquo;You don't have to have a lot of money to start. You just have to have the will to begin.&rdquo;&nbsp;</li>
<li>&ldquo;A whole lot of $20 can get you to a million&mdash;as long as you don&rsquo;t stop.&rdquo;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
On Investing
<ul>
<li>&ldquo;Consider the companies you give your money to and own them, because they are a lot cheaper than you think.&rdquo;&nbsp;</li>
<li>&ldquo;If I&rsquo;m helping you build a billion‑dollar business by using your products, I deserve a piece of the pie.&rdquo;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
On Self-Reliance
<ul>
<li>&ldquo;You pay everybody&hellip; the bartender, the mortgage company&mdash;and you&rsquo;re the one without money. Who&rsquo;s going to worry about you?&rdquo;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
On Purpose and Identity
<ul>
<li>&ldquo;My story never changed. The mission was always dedicated to the people I didn&rsquo;t see coming into that building on Wall Street.&rdquo;&nbsp;</li>
<li>&ldquo;Amplify is the movement. It just has my DNA.&rdquo;</li>
</ul>
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Financial Tip:  She explains how anyone can build wealth - regardless of background or starting point.  

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/1b2aea18-514b-48ff-96d1-b3d3015e9377/transcript

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

Purpose of the Interview

The interview introduces Cassandra Lester’s nonprofit Grow Give Prosper and its partnership with Google’s “Grow with Google” initiative. The goal is to provide free career certification scholarships to underserved and economically impacted communities, helping individuals increase earning potential and gain financial literacy.

Key Takeaways


Mission of Grow Give Prosper
Founded in 2023, focused on financial education and empowerment.
Aims to help communities grow together, give to each other, and prosper collectively.


Google Partnership
Offers free career certifications in high-demand fields:

Cybersecurity
Data Analytics
Digital Marketing & E-commerce
IT Support
Project Management
UX Design
Certifications are self-paced, online, and typically take 3–6 months.
No prior experience required; participants receive a portfolio upon completion.


Accessibility
Scholarships are free; the only requirement is commitment.
Available to anyone in the continental U.S., regardless of education level (GED, college dropout, etc.).
Registration via growgiveprosper.org (scroll to Google Career Scholarships).


Impact
Over 300 scholarships awarded; previously had 500.
Designed to level the playing field for those without Ivy League degrees.
Certifications can stack (e.g., Project Management + Data Analytics) for greater career potential.


Financial Literacy
Defined as understanding financial concepts and applying them to daily life.
Misconceptions persist—some communities avoid discussing money or undervalue credit scores.
Cassandra emphasizes breaking cycles of predatory lending and poor financial habits.


Challenges
Cultural reluctance to discuss money.
Skepticism about legitimacy of programs.
Difficulty securing grants as a small nonprofit.
Cassandra combats these through grassroots outreach and workshops.


Personal Drive
Cassandra’s passion stems from seeing financial struggles across all demographics.
She actively promotes opportunities through community centers, adult education classes, and social media.

Notable Quotes
“I want us to grow together so that we can give to each other and then prosper as a collective.”
“Google is leveling the playing field—you don’t need an Ivy League education to earn a livable wage.”
“The only fee is commitment.”
“Financial literacy means you understand the words, you hear the conversation, and it’s not Greek to you.”
“You can’t talk about managing finances if you really don’t have anything coming in.”
“You don’t want to miss this opportunity to increase your earning potential.”
“Once you’re certified, that’s yours for life—you can’t repo a degree or certification.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Cassandra Lester.
<hr>
Purpose of the Interview
The interview introduces Cassandra Lester&rsquo;s nonprofit Grow Give Prosper and its partnership with Google&rsquo;s &ldquo;Grow with Google&rdquo; initiative. The goal is to provide free career certification scholarships to underserved and economically impacted communities, helping individuals increase earning potential and gain financial literacy.
<hr>
Key Takeaways
<ol>
<li>
Mission of Grow Give Prosper
<ul>
<li>Founded in 2023, focused on financial education and empowerment.</li>
<li>Aims to help communities grow together, give to each other, and prosper collectively.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Google Partnership
<ul>
<li>Offers free career certifications in high-demand fields:
<ul>
<li>Cybersecurity</li>
<li>Data Analytics</li>
<li>Digital Marketing &amp; E-commerce</li>
<li>IT Support</li>
<li>Project Management</li>
<li>UX Design</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Certifications are self-paced, online, and typically take 3&ndash;6 months.</li>
<li>No prior experience required; participants receive a portfolio upon completion.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Accessibility
<ul>
<li>Scholarships are free; the only requirement is commitment.</li>
<li>Available to anyone in the continental U.S., regardless of education level (GED, college dropout, etc.).</li>
<li>Registration via growgiveprosper.org (scroll to Google Career Scholarships).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Impact
<ul>
<li>Over 300 scholarships awarded; previously had 500.</li>
<li>Designed to level the playing field for those without Ivy League degrees.</li>
<li>Certifications can stack (e.g., Project Management + Data Analytics) for greater career potential.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Financial Literacy
<ul>
<li>Defined as understanding financial concepts and applying them to daily life.</li>
<li>Misconceptions persist&mdash;some communities avoid discussing money or undervalue credit scores.</li>
<li>Cassandra emphasizes breaking cycles of predatory lending and poor financial habits.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Challenges
<ul>
<li>Cultural reluctance to discuss money.</li>
<li>Skepticism about legitimacy of programs.</li>
<li>Difficulty securing grants as a small nonprofit.</li>
<li>Cassandra combats these through grassroots outreach and workshops.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Personal Drive
<ul>
<li>Cassandra&rsquo;s passion stems from seeing financial struggles across all demographics.</li>
<li>She actively promotes opportunities through community centers, adult education classes, and social media.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ol>
<hr>
Notable Quotes
<ul>
<li>&ldquo;I want us to grow together so that we can give to each other and then prosper as a collective.&rdquo;</li>
<li>&ldquo;Google is leveling the playing field&mdash;you don&rsquo;t need an Ivy League education to earn a livable wage.&rdquo;</li>
<li>&ldquo;The only fee is commitment.&rdquo;</li>
<li>&ldquo;Financial literacy means you understand the words, you hear the conversation, and it&rsquo;s not Greek to you.&rdquo;</li>
<li>&ldquo;You can&rsquo;t talk about managing finances if you really don&rsquo;t have anything coming in.&rdquo;</li>
<li>&ldquo;You don&rsquo;t want to miss this opportunity to increase your earning potential.&rdquo;</li>
<li>&ldquo;Once you&rsquo;re certified, that&rsquo;s yours for life&mdash;you can&rsquo;t repo a degree or certification.&rdquo;</li>
</ul>
<hr>
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Uplift: The goal is to provide free career Google certification scholarships to underserved communities.

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/5c870a48-4cd0-43ac-a9c9-b3d10106ff43/transcript

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

Founder of Jus' Free, a parole package provider. Here are some key highlights and themes from the conversation:

🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways 1. From Incarceration to Inspiration
Dominique Leonard was sentenced to life in prison for a non-aggravated robbery.
He discovered that “life” sentences can vary, and his was eligible for parole after 5.5 to 6 years.
He was denied parole initially, which led him to take control of his own legal journey.

2. Birth of “Jus' Free”
After being denied parole, Dominique created his own parole package with the help of his family.
He realized many inmates are unaware of how they are presented to the parole board.
This inspired him to found Jus' Free, a service that helps inmates humanize themselves through custom parole packages.

3. Faith, Family, and Redemption
Dominique credits his faith and family for his transformation.
He emphasizes that making a bad decision doesn’t make someone a bad person.
His story is a testament to second chances and the power of self-advocacy.

4. Entrepreneurial Journey
After release, he started with humble jobs and gradually built Just Free into a business.
He took a paralegal course to deepen his legal knowledge.
He began by contacting inmates directly and now boasts an 82% success rate in helping clients secure parole.

5. Impact and Legacy
Dominique’s work not only helps inmates but also supports their families.
His story is a reminder of the importance of empathy, support systems, and believing in redemption.

 

#AMI

#STRAW

#BEST

#SHMS

 

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dominique Leonard.
Founder of Jus' Free, a parole package provider. Here are some key highlights and themes from the conversation:
<hr>
🔑 Key Themes &amp; Takeaways 1. From Incarceration to Inspiration
<ul>
<li>Dominique Leonard was sentenced to life in prison for a non-aggravated robbery.</li>
<li>He discovered that &ldquo;life&rdquo; sentences can vary, and his was eligible for parole after 5.5 to 6 years.</li>
<li>He was denied parole initially, which led him to take control of his own legal journey.</li>
</ul>
2. Birth of &ldquo;Jus' Free&rdquo;
<ul>
<li>After being denied parole, Dominique created his own parole package with the help of his family.</li>
<li>He realized many inmates are unaware of how they are presented to the parole board.</li>
<li>This inspired him to found Jus' Free, a service that helps inmates humanize themselves through custom parole packages.</li>
</ul>
3. Faith, Family, and Redemption
<ul>
<li>Dominique credits his faith and family for his transformation.</li>
<li>He emphasizes that making a bad decision doesn&rsquo;t make someone a bad person.</li>
<li>His story is a testament to second chances and the power of self-advocacy.</li>
</ul>
4. Entrepreneurial Journey
<ul>
<li>After release, he started with humble jobs and gradually built Just Free into a business.</li>
<li>He took a paralegal course to deepen his legal knowledge.</li>
<li>He began by contacting inmates directly and now boasts an 82% success rate in helping clients secure parole.</li>
</ul>
5. Impact and Legacy
<ul>
<li>Dominique&rsquo;s work not only helps inmates but also supports their families.</li>
<li>His story is a reminder of the importance of empathy, support systems, and believing in redemption.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
&nbsp;
#AMI
#STRAW
#BEST
#SHMS
&nbsp;

Uplift: While incarcerated, Dominique created a parole program that achieves an 82% success rate.

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/2a21e2a8-2193-4b87-a22f-b28001224660/transcript

Chef JJ Johnson (2nd Appearance) Full Interview

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