Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Sauda Johnson McNeal.
To highlight Sauda Johnson McNeal’s journey from a successful law career to filmmaking.
To discuss her new film “Love the Skin You’re In”, its themes, production process, and personal significance.
To inspire entrepreneurs and creatives to pursue their passions while balancing purpose and practicality.

Key Takeaways


Career Transition & Dual Roles
Sauda started as an actor, realized the instability, and pursued law for financial security.
Maintains dual careers: education attorney and filmmaker, blending purpose (helping youth) and passion (storytelling).


Film Details
Title: Love the Skin You’re In.
Themes: Self-love, family healing, caretaking, and African-American experiences.
Cast includes Wendy Raquel Robinson, Marla Gibbs, and Oba Babatundé.
Release: Limited theatrical run (Dec 17–23 in North Hollywood), streaming planned for February 2026 (Black History Month).


Production Challenges
Unexpected permit issues caused shutdowns.
Tight 4-week shooting schedule due to budget constraints.
Importance of leveraging relationships and calling in favors for casting and resources.


Personal Connection
Story inspired by Sauda’s own struggles with self-worth during college.
Emphasizes therapy, faith, and support systems in overcoming self-doubt.


Entrepreneurial Insight
First project was self-financed; future plans include raising private equity for films.
Goal: Maintain creative control while expanding opportunities for others.


Impact & Audience Takeaway
Encourages self-acceptance and repairing family relationships.
Resonates with men on fatherhood and emotional presence.
Highlights the underappreciated role of caretakers.

Notable Quotes


On purpose and passion:
“My purpose is to help young people. My passion is this filmmaking business.”


On self-love:
“Love the skin you’re in is about total self-acceptance regardless of where you are on your journey.”


On overcoming fear:
“Film is unpredictable… I said, okay, the other fears—do it anyway.”


On family relationships:
“We are not promised tomorrow… Fix these family relationships if they’re possible to be fixed.”


On entrepreneurial mindset:
“I absolutely would like to use other people’s money… but keep creative control.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Sauda Johnson McNeal.
<ul>
<li>To highlight Sauda Johnson McNeal&rsquo;s journey from a successful law career to filmmaking.</li>
<li>To discuss her new film &ldquo;Love the Skin You&rsquo;re In&rdquo;, its themes, production process, and personal significance.</li>
<li>To inspire entrepreneurs and creatives to pursue their passions while balancing purpose and practicality.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
Key Takeaways
<ol>
<li>
Career Transition &amp; Dual Roles
<ul>
<li>Sauda started as an actor, realized the instability, and pursued law for financial security.</li>
<li>Maintains dual careers: education attorney and filmmaker, blending purpose (helping youth) and passion (storytelling).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Film Details
<ul>
<li>Title: Love the Skin You&rsquo;re In.</li>
<li>Themes: Self-love, family healing, caretaking, and African-American experiences.</li>
<li>Cast includes Wendy Raquel Robinson, Marla Gibbs, and Oba Babatund&eacute;.</li>
<li>Release: Limited theatrical run (Dec 17&ndash;23 in North Hollywood), streaming planned for February 2026 (Black History Month).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Production Challenges
<ul>
<li>Unexpected permit issues caused shutdowns.</li>
<li>Tight 4-week shooting schedule due to budget constraints.</li>
<li>Importance of leveraging relationships and calling in favors for casting and resources.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Personal Connection
<ul>
<li>Story inspired by Sauda&rsquo;s own struggles with self-worth during college.</li>
<li>Emphasizes therapy, faith, and support systems in overcoming self-doubt.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Entrepreneurial Insight
<ul>
<li>First project was self-financed; future plans include raising private equity for films.</li>
<li>Goal: Maintain creative control while expanding opportunities for others.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Impact &amp; Audience Takeaway
<ul>
<li>Encourages self-acceptance and repairing family relationships.</li>
<li>Resonates with men on fatherhood and emotional presence.</li>
<li>Highlights the underappreciated role of caretakers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ol>
<hr>
Notable Quotes
<ul>
<li>
On purpose and passion: &ldquo;My purpose is to help young people. My passion is this filmmaking business.&rdquo;
</li>
<li>
On self-love: &ldquo;Love the skin you&rsquo;re in is about total self-acceptance regardless of where you are on your journey.&rdquo;
</li>
<li>
On overcoming fear: &ldquo;Film is unpredictable&hellip; I said, okay, the other fears&mdash;do it anyway.&rdquo;
</li>
<li>
On family relationships: &ldquo;We are not promised tomorrow&hellip; Fix these family relationships if they&rsquo;re possible to be fixed.&rdquo;
</li>
<li>
On entrepreneurial mindset: &ldquo;I absolutely would like to use other people&rsquo;s money&hellip; but keep creative control.&rdquo;
</li>
</ul>
<hr>
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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

Follow Your Passion: Former USC track star, turned education attorney and now filmmaker, discusses new “Love the Skin You’re In”

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/5a511bbb-47f3-4a4a-8ea1-b3b0018afdd1/transcript

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