My next guest graduated from Lehigh University with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism in 2013. That same year he was drafted 10th overall in the NBA draft as a guard for the Portland Trailblazers. On June 25, 2020, the professional athlete and longtime wine connoisseur launched his wine label. He is investing his time to learn the ins-and-outs of operating a wine business. He is on my show today to discuss his new wine venture, playing basketball during the pandemic and his community work outside of professional sports. Please welcome to Money Making Conversations CJ McCollum.
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My next guest graduated from Lehigh University with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism in 2013. That same year he was drafted 10th overall in the NBA draft as a guard for the Portland Trailblazers. On June 25, 2020, the professional athlete and longtime wine connoisseur launched his wine label. He is investing his time to learn the ins-and-outs of operating a wine business. He is on my show today to discuss his new wine venture, playing basketball during the pandemic and his community work outside of professional sports. Please welcome to Money Making Conversations CJ McCollum. 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

CJ McCollum Full Interview

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/a9c50c13-f410-46f3-89a7-af620154c016/transcript

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

A 24-year-old entrepreneur, touring artist, and hotel owner:

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

The interview showcases Dr. Isaiah Tatum’s extraordinary journey from homelessness to becoming a venture capitalist, hotel developer, and touring saxophonist. It aims to inspire young entrepreneurs by highlighting the importance of faith, planning, mentorship, and financial literacy.

🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Early Passion for Music
Began playing saxophone at age 10.
Influenced by legends like Kenny G, Curtis Mayfield, and Aretha Franklin.
Practiced obsessively, leading to proficiency and touring opportunities.
Maintains a strong connection to music despite business ventures.

“I couldn’t wait to get home and play… I practiced six hours a day.” — Isaiah Tatum

2. Entrepreneurial Drive & Financial Literacy
Overcame homelessness and used that experience to fuel ambition.
Became an equity investor in Jazz Pharmaceuticals at 18.
Invested in real estate and hotel development with a focus on recession-proof models.

“I didn’t want to be an artist who had to stay on tour to maintain. I wanted to be financially free.” — Isaiah Tatum

3. Hotel Ownership & Strategy
Owns two Candlewood Suites and an Embassy Suites in Georgia.
Focuses on extended-stay models for consistent revenue.
Emphasizes customer experience and operational efficiency.

“Even if they’re spending $160, make them feel like they’re spending $1 million.” — Isaiah Tatum

4. Mentorship & Education
Studied finance and earned credentials from Wall Street Prep.
Values mentorship from icons like Kenny G and Keith Worsham.
Now mentors others and encourages financial literacy and self-confidence.

“Don’t look for who you are to fit in with everybody else… Elevate yourself.” — Isaiah Tatum

5. Vision & Future Endeavors
Developing new properties in Tupelo, MS and Nashville, TN.
Planning a Sweat Hotel concept and returning to music with a new album and tour.
Driven by a daily mindset of growth and execution.

“Even though I’ve done really good, it’s about what I’m doing tomorrow.” — Isaiah Tatum

📌 Notable Quotes
“Faith and a plan. A lot of people jump out there on faith. You better have a plan in your back pocket.” — Rushion McDonald
“I fell in love with credentials… I wanted to maximize every opportunity.” — Isaiah Tatum
“Let your results speak for themselves.” — Isaiah Tatum

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Isaiah Tatum.
A 24-year-old entrepreneur, touring artist, and hotel owner:
<hr>
🎯 Purpose of the Interview
The interview showcases Dr. Isaiah Tatum&rsquo;s extraordinary journey from homelessness to becoming a venture capitalist, hotel developer, and touring saxophonist. It aims to inspire young entrepreneurs by highlighting the importance of faith, planning, mentorship, and financial literacy.
<hr>
🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Early Passion for Music
<ul>
<li>Began playing saxophone at age 10.</li>
<li>Influenced by legends like Kenny G, Curtis Mayfield, and Aretha Franklin.</li>
<li>Practiced obsessively, leading to proficiency and touring opportunities.</li>
<li>Maintains a strong connection to music despite business ventures.</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
&ldquo;I couldn&rsquo;t wait to get home and play&hellip; I practiced six hours a day.&rdquo; &mdash; Isaiah Tatum
</blockquote>
<hr>
2. Entrepreneurial Drive &amp; Financial Literacy
<ul>
<li>Overcame homelessness and used that experience to fuel ambition.</li>
<li>Became an equity investor in Jazz Pharmaceuticals at 18.</li>
<li>Invested in real estate and hotel development with a focus on recession-proof models.</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
&ldquo;I didn&rsquo;t want to be an artist who had to stay on tour to maintain. I wanted to be financially free.&rdquo; &mdash; Isaiah Tatum
</blockquote>
<hr>
3. Hotel Ownership &amp; Strategy
<ul>
<li>Owns two Candlewood Suites and an Embassy Suites in Georgia.</li>
<li>Focuses on extended-stay models for consistent revenue.</li>
<li>Emphasizes customer experience and operational efficiency.</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
&ldquo;Even if they&rsquo;re spending $160, make them feel like they&rsquo;re spending $1 million.&rdquo; &mdash; Isaiah Tatum
</blockquote>
<hr>
4. Mentorship &amp; Education
<ul>
<li>Studied finance and earned credentials from Wall Street Prep.</li>
<li>Values mentorship from icons like Kenny G and Keith Worsham.</li>
<li>Now mentors others and encourages financial literacy and self-confidence.</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
&ldquo;Don&rsquo;t look for who you are to fit in with everybody else&hellip; Elevate yourself.&rdquo; &mdash; Isaiah Tatum
</blockquote>
<hr>
5. Vision &amp; Future Endeavors
<ul>
<li>Developing new properties in Tupelo, MS and Nashville, TN.</li>
<li>Planning a Sweat Hotel concept and returning to music with a new album and tour.</li>
<li>Driven by a daily mindset of growth and execution.</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
&ldquo;Even though I&rsquo;ve done really good, it&rsquo;s about what I&rsquo;m doing tomorrow.&rdquo; &mdash; Isaiah Tatum
</blockquote>
<hr>
📌 Notable Quotes
<ul>
<li>&ldquo;Faith and a plan. A lot of people jump out there on faith. You better have a plan in your back pocket.&rdquo; &mdash; Rushion McDonald</li>
<li>&ldquo;I fell in love with credentials&hellip; I wanted to maximize every opportunity.&rdquo; &mdash; Isaiah Tatum</li>
<li>&ldquo;Let your results speak for themselves.&rdquo; &mdash; Isaiah Tatum</li>
</ul>
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Career Change: A 24-year-old entrepreneur tells us how he owns three Atlanta ho

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/5e13e905-15ed-4e87-9ba1-b39e012c2eca/transcript

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

She is the founder of Scholar Ready, whose mission is to help students excel in standardized testing and scholarship applications.

🔑 Key Themes & Highlights


The Inspiration Behind Scholar Ready
Ledwith founded Scholar Ready after realizing many students struggled with scholarships due to weak essay-writing skills.
She personally secured scholarships to fund her college education, graduating with minimal student debt.


The Importance of Standardized Test Preparation
Scholar Ready helps students prepare for PSAT, SAT, and ACT exams to unlock scholarship opportunities.
Ledwith emphasized that test scores are crucial for college admissions and financial aid.


Overcoming Barriers to Higher Education
Many students fear essay writing and test-taking, limiting their scholarship potential.
Ledwith’s program provides personalized tutoring to build confidence and improve scores.


Scholarship Application Strategies
Students must research scholarship providers and tailor their essays accordingly.
She advises applicants to highlight unique qualities beyond grades and test scores.


Encouraging Persistence & Resilience
Ledwith stresses that rejection is part of the scholarship process and should not discourage students.
She encourages students to apply widely and refine their applications based on feedback.

📘 About Jennifer Ledwith
Jennifer Ledwith is an education entrepreneur dedicated to helping students succeed in college admissions and scholarship applications. Through Scholar Ready, she provides tutoring and workshops to improve test scores and essay-writing skills, ensuring students have the financial resources to pursue higher education.

 #BEST

#STRAW

#SHMS

 

 

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Jennifer Ledwith.
She is the founder of Scholar Ready, whose mission is to help students excel in standardized testing and scholarship applications.
🔑 Key Themes &amp; Highlights
<ol>
<li>
The Inspiration Behind Scholar Ready
<ul>
<li>Ledwith founded Scholar Ready after realizing many students struggled with scholarships due to weak essay-writing skills.</li>
<li>She personally secured scholarships to fund her college education, graduating with minimal student debt.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
The Importance of Standardized Test Preparation
<ul>
<li>Scholar Ready helps students prepare for PSAT, SAT, and ACT exams to unlock scholarship opportunities.</li>
<li>Ledwith emphasized that test scores are crucial for college admissions and financial aid.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Overcoming Barriers to Higher Education
<ul>
<li>Many students fear essay writing and test-taking, limiting their scholarship potential.</li>
<li>Ledwith&rsquo;s program provides personalized tutoring to build confidence and improve scores.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Scholarship Application Strategies
<ul>
<li>Students must research scholarship providers and tailor their essays accordingly.</li>
<li>She advises applicants to highlight unique qualities beyond grades and test scores.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Encouraging Persistence &amp; Resilience
<ul>
<li>Ledwith stresses that rejection is part of the scholarship process and should not discourage students.</li>
<li>She encourages students to apply widely and refine their applications based on feedback.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ol>
📘 About Jennifer Ledwith Jennifer Ledwith is an education entrepreneur dedicated to helping students succeed in college admissions and scholarship applications. Through Scholar Ready, she provides tutoring and workshops to improve test scores and essay-writing skills, ensuring students have the financial resources to pursue higher education.
&nbsp;#BEST
#STRAW
#SHMS
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Uplift: Her mission is to help students excel in standardized testing and scholarship applications.

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/19270102-da4c-464e-acba-b2ec0152565f/transcript

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

Comedian, actor, and producer shares insights into his career, his journey in comedy, and his contributions to television and film.

🔑 Key Themes & Highlights


Chris Spencer’s Comedy Journey
Started as a class clown before transitioning into stand-up comedy in college.
Early performances at comedy clubs and fraternity events helped him refine his craft.
Worked alongside major comedians like Steve Harvey, Damon Wayans, and Jamie Foxx.


Transition to Writing & Producing
Spencer discusses his evolution from stand-up comedy to writing and producing.
He co-created and produced Real Husbands of Hollywood, an improvisational comedy series.
Talks about the challenges and successes of bringing the show to television.


Black Comedy in America Documentary
Spencer is involved in a ten-part docuseries exploring historical moments in Black comedy.
The series covers topics from the "Chitlin Circuit" to modern-day stand-up and sitcoms.
Features interviews with legendary comedians, including Kevin Hart, Dave Chappelle, and the Kings of Comedy.


The Kings of Comedy Reunion
Spencer helped reunite Steve Harvey, Cedric the Entertainer, and D.L. Hughley for the documentary.
The episode highlights their impact on comedy and their transition from clubs to stadium tours.


Jamie Foxx’s Special
Spencer discusses Jamie Foxx’s return to comedy following his health recovery.
The special, filmed in Atlanta, blends humor, storytelling, and personal reflection.

📘 About Chris Spencer
Chris Spencer is a comedian, actor, writer, and producer known for his work in stand-up, television, and film. He has contributed to numerous projects, including Real Husbands of Hollywood and the upcoming Black Comedy in America documentary.

 

#STRAW

#BEST

#SHMS
    

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Chris Spencer.
Comedian, actor, and producer shares insights into his career, his journey in comedy, and his contributions to television and film.
🔑 Key Themes &amp; Highlights
<ol>
<li>
Chris Spencer&rsquo;s Comedy Journey
<ul>
<li>Started as a class clown before transitioning into stand-up comedy in college.</li>
<li>Early performances at comedy clubs and fraternity events helped him refine his craft.</li>
<li>Worked alongside major comedians like Steve Harvey, Damon Wayans, and Jamie Foxx.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Transition to Writing &amp; Producing
<ul>
<li>Spencer discusses his evolution from stand-up comedy to writing and producing.</li>
<li>He co-created and produced Real Husbands of Hollywood, an improvisational comedy series.</li>
<li>Talks about the challenges and successes of bringing the show to television.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Black Comedy in America Documentary
<ul>
<li>Spencer is involved in a ten-part docuseries exploring historical moments in Black comedy.</li>
<li>The series covers topics from the "Chitlin Circuit" to modern-day stand-up and sitcoms.</li>
<li>Features interviews with legendary comedians, including Kevin Hart, Dave Chappelle, and the Kings of Comedy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
The Kings of Comedy Reunion
<ul>
<li>Spencer helped reunite Steve Harvey, Cedric the Entertainer, and D.L. Hughley for the documentary.</li>
<li>The episode highlights their impact on comedy and their transition from clubs to stadium tours.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Jamie Foxx&rsquo;s Special
<ul>
<li>Spencer discusses Jamie Foxx&rsquo;s return to comedy following his health recovery.</li>
<li>The special, filmed in Atlanta, blends humor, storytelling, and personal reflection.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ol>
📘 About Chris Spencer Chris Spencer is a comedian, actor, writer, and producer known for his work in stand-up, television, and film. He has contributed to numerous projects, including Real Husbands of Hollywood and the upcoming Black Comedy in America documentary.
&nbsp;
#STRAW
#BEST
#SHMS &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Perseverance: Hollywood rejected his ideas.  Now an award-winning Executive Producer.

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/314b3984-5b8d-4797-ae56-b218010623ab/transcript

CJ McCollum Full Interview

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