The Steve Harvey Morning Show

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 Ashley Joi Boyd.
Interview Purpose
The purpose of this interview is to explore the intersection of creativity, financial literacy, ownership, and personal resilience, using Ashley Joi Boyd’s journey as a Grammy‑nominated songwriter, music publisher, real estate developer, and author as a powerful case study.
Through honest conversation, Ashley reframes success in the entertainment industry beyond fame and hits, emphasizing business ownership, financial education, mindset, and long‑term wealth building. The interview also serves as an empowerment message—particularly for women—demonstrating that financial setbacks, including bankruptcy, can become turning points rather than permanent barriers.
Major Themes & Key Takeaways 1. Songwriting Is the Heart—and the Business—of Music
Ashley explains that songwriting is not just creativity; it is the foundation of lasting success in the music industry. While artists may earn from performances, writers and publishers earn from ownership, collecting royalties every time a song is played, streamed, or used globally.
Key takeaway: Creativity generates income, but ownership generates wealth.
2. Publishing Is Where the Real Money Lives
Ashley highlights that music publishing—not performing—is the most lucrative side of the industry. By owning her publishing company, she positioned herself to earn long‑term, recurring income rather than relying on one‑time payments or constant touring.
Key takeaway: Understanding back‑end revenue streams is critical in any industry.
3. Business Knowledge Creates Leverage
Raised in an entertainment household, Ashley learned early the importance of understanding contracts, rights, and percentages. She famously walked away from a publishing deal that demanded 75% ownership—choosing long‑term control over short‑term opportunity.
Key takeaway: Walking away from the wrong deal can be the right decision.
4. Opportunity Meets Preparation
Ashley’s collaboration on Justin Bieber’s hit “Yummy” did not happen overnight. It was the result of years of preparation, proven skill, respect for her craft, and being ready when the door opened.
Key takeaway: Access opens doors, but preparation determines what happens next.
5. Financial Collapse Can Become Financial Education
Ashley openly discusses filing for bankruptcy after the 2008 housing crash—a moment she describes as devastating but transformative. With no guidance at the time, she was forced to learn money management the hard way, reshaping her relationship with credit, debt, and planning.
Key takeaway: Bankruptcy is not the end—it can be the beginning of financial mastery.
6. Financial Literacy Is Often Untaught—but Essential
Ashley stresses that many people, especially women, are never taught how to manage money, credit, or wealth. This gap inspired her book Financially Fly: Mastering Money and Wealth for Women, written to create a safe, honest space for financial conversations.
Key takeaway: Making money is not the same as knowing how to keep or grow it.
7. Wealth Is About Structure, Not Just Cash
In defining generational wealth, Ashley emphasizes trusts, insurance policies, estate planning, and real estate—structures that protect families long after income stops.
Key takeaway: Generational wealth is built with systems, not just income.
8. Invest in Yourself First
One of Ashley’s most practical strategies is prioritizing yourself as a financial line item—saving consistently, protecting your credit, and building habits that support future freedom.
Key takeaway: If you don’t prioritize yourself financially, no one else will.
9. Mindset Drives Money Patterns
Ashley underscores that many financial struggles are rooted in scarcity mindset and emotional spending. Shifting to an abundance mindset and facing numbers honestly is the first step toward change.
Key takeaway: Your mindset controls your financial outcomes.
Notable Quotes
“Songwriting is the heart and soul of a song—it’s what makes it last.”
“The real money in music is on the back end.”
“I walked away from a deal because the business wasn’t right—and that changed everything.”
“Bankruptcy forced me to learn how to protect myself.”
“Just because you know how to make money doesn’t mean you know how to keep it.”
“Generational wealth is structure—trusts, insurance, planning.”
“Put yourself on your own balance sheet.”
“Your mindset controls everything around you.”
Overall Message
Ashley Joi Boyd’s interview is a masterclass in reclaiming control—creatively, financially, and mentally. Her story demonstrates that wealth is not defined by income alone, but by ownership, education, structure, and intention.
By openly sharing both her success and setbacks, Ashley empowers listeners to stop avoiding financial truth, build sustainable habits, and believe that long‑term wealth is possible—no matter where they are starting.
#SHMS #BEST #STRAW
Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Shica.
Interview Purpose
The purpose of this interview is to highlight entrepreneurial reinvention, faith‑driven resilience, and product‑based business building, using Dr. Shica’s journey from educator to founder of Dr. Shica’s Bakery as a powerful example of how unexpected setbacks can unlock hidden purpose.
The conversation demonstrates that entrepreneurship does not always begin as a plan—it often begins as a response to disruption. Dr. Shica’s story shows how education, discipline, creativity, and belief can transform a side passion into a scalable, nationally relevant brand.
Major Themes & Key Takeaways 1. Entrepreneurship Can Be Born From Adversity
Dr. Shica did not set out to build a baking business. After losing her job during the COVID‑19 pandemic, she was forced to reassess her future. What began as weekend baking quickly evolved into a business opportunity when encouragement from others met growing demand.
Key takeaway: Unexpected endings often reveal opportunities you didn’t know you were prepared for.
2. Education Is Transferable—Even Outside the Classroom
With three degrees in education, including a doctorate, Dr. Shica reframes her career transition not as a departure from teaching, but as an extension of it. Through her bakery, she continues to educate consumers about better‑for‑you, plant‑based foods.
Key takeaway: Education is not limited to institutions—it can live inside entrepreneurship.
3. Why Vegan Was the Strategic Choice
Dr. Shica intentionally built a vegan, plant‑based cookie brand to serve a wider audience, including those with dietary restrictions, health considerations, and evolving food preferences. The goal was inclusivity without sacrificing flavor.
Key takeaway: Building products for “everyone” means being intentional about accessibility.
4. Talent Is Sometimes Hidden Until Circumstances Force Discovery
Although she came from a family of bakers, Dr. Shica did not recognize her full talent until she had no choice but to act. Customer feedback, pop‑up success, and celebrity validation confirmed what she hadn’t previously claimed for herself.
Key takeaway: You may not discover your strongest gift until you are pushed to use it.
5. Pop‑Ups as Proof of Concept
Dr. Shica used pop‑ups and kiosks as testing grounds—refining recipes, gathering feedback, and maintaining product standards. Consistency, premium ingredients, and refusing to sell anything less than excellent became core principles.
Key takeaway: Small tests create big confidence when done intentionally.
6. Scaling Through Innovation: Cookie Mixes
The creation of her cookie dough mix solved multiple challenges: consistency, scalability, and nationwide shipping. What began as an internal solution became a product line customers could take home and recreate.
Key takeaway: Scaling often comes from solving an internal problem creatively.
7. Brand Integrity and Consistency Matter
Dr. Shica emphasizes that every product carries her heart, soul, and reputation. If something didn’t meet her standards, it was remade—no exceptions. That commitment built trust and repeat business.
Key takeaway: Quality is the quiet engine behind brand longevity.
8. Faith + Work Ethic = Sustainability
When asked about her secret to success, Dr. Shica centered her answer on faith first, hard work always. She acknowledges the added challenges faced as a minority woman founder and the need for spiritual grounding to navigate buyers, retailers, and scaling pressure.
Key takeaway: Faith can fuel consistency when entrepreneurship gets heavy.
9. Vision Beyond the Present Moment
Dr. Shica’s long‑term goal is to build a legacy brand—comparable to household names—while ensuring her face, story, and values remain part of the company’s identity for future generations.
Key takeaway: Legacy branding connects today’s hustle to tomorrow’s impact.
Notable Quotes
“I didn’t even know I had this talent until I was laid off.”
“I wanted to create something delicious that everyone could enjoy.”
“If it wasn’t perfect, I made it again.”
“I’m still educating—just through cookies.”
“Consistency is everything.”
“Jesus, take the wheel.”
“Stay prayed up, and then put in the work.”
Overall Message
Dr. Shica’s interview is a testimony of faith, adaptability, and disciplined creativity. Her journey reinforces that success is not always about following the original plan—it’s about recognizing opportunity, honoring your standards, and trusting the path as it unfolds.
Her story shows that when passion meets preparation and belief, even a kitchen dream can become a national brand with purpose and legacy.
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Mela Lovett
CEO of Family Lawn Services, a residential and commercial landscaping company.
Also a serial entrepreneur, mortgage lender, and business consultant.
Based in Georgia, with a mission to build generational wealth and educate others on business structure.
💼 Entrepreneurial Journey
Mela and her husband left retail management jobs (Walgreens & Walmart) to start their lawn care business.
Inspired by her husband’s childhood experience cutting grass and a desire to leave a legacy for their children.
Despite early setbacks—including having their truck and equipment stolen—they persevered and rebuilt.
🧘🏽‍♀️ Mental Health & Meditation
Mela emphasizes the importance of meditation to manage stress and maintain balance.
Her journey through postpartum depression led her to self-reflection, journaling, and healing.
She encourages others, especially entrepreneurs, to recognize their breaking points and prioritize mental wellness.

🌱 About Family Lawn Services
Offers lawn maintenance, hedge trimming, edging, and more.
Known for high-quality work and attention to detail.
Operates year-round—not just seasonally—thanks to strong referrals and consistent service.

🛠️ Lessons in Business
Mela stresses the importance of:
Multiple streams of income
Proper business structure
Quality over shortcuts
Resilience in the face of adversity
She also warns against hiring unverified service providers (like the infamous “mailbox note” landscaper story shared by Rushion).

📞 How to Contact Family Lawn Services
Phone: 800-460-9158
Website: familylawnservices.com

💬 Key Takeaways
Entrepreneurship is a journey of faith, flexibility, and fortitude.
Mental health is just as important as financial health.
Quality service and community trust are the foundation of long-term success.
Even when everything is taken from you, don’t quit—rebuild and keep going.
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Kimberly Kelly.
Titles: Real Estate Broker, Brokerage Owner, Entrepreneur
Host: Rushion McDonald
Podcast: Money Making Conversations Masterclass
Kimberly Kelly shares a deeply personal story of survival, resilience, and self-determination, tracing her journey from foster care and teen motherhood to becoming a real estate brokerage owner and business leader. The conversation highlights how mindset, faith, adaptability, and education can transform adversity into long-term success.
Purpose of the Interview
The interview is designed to:
Show what success really looks like, including the hardship behind it.
Inspire people facing extreme adversity—especially those from foster care, single-parent households, or teen parents.
Demonstrate nontraditional paths to success, beyond college-to-career pipelines.
Highlight entrepreneurship as a tool for control and stability, not perfection.
Encourage persistence, faith, and adaptability in business and life.
Key Themes & Takeaways 1. Resilience Formed Through Early Adversity
Kimberly was placed in foster care at a young age due to her mother’s substance abuse.
She helped raise her two younger brothers and fought to keep them together in foster care.
She became a teen mother at 15, and by 18 had two children while still caring for her siblings.
Takeaway: Responsibility and leadership can develop long before opportunity appears.
2. Faith, Positivity, and Survival Mode
Kimberly credits her positive mindset and faith—learned during foster care—as foundational.
Prayer and belief helped her endure instability, separation, and lack of support.
Survival mode gave her clarity: failure was not an option.
Key insight: Faith doesn’t remove hardship—but it provides grounding when control is limited.
3. Education as a Turning Point, Not a Straight Line
She returned to complete her high school diploma as a young mother.
She took advantage of teen workshops, government programs, and training opportunities.
Kimberly earned a technical degree in electronics engineering, entering the IT world before later pivoting.
Takeaway: Education can be layered, nonlinear, and still powerful.
4. Choosing Entrepreneurship and Real Estate
Kimberly entered real estate with a mission to educate and empower first-time homebuyers, especially those from backgrounds like hers.
She later became a licensed real estate broker and opened her own brokerage.
She currently leads a small, relationship‑driven brokerage with six agents.
Core belief: Ownership creates options—and leadership multiplies impact.
5. A Relationship-Based Business Model
Her brokerage focuses on: One-on-one agent training
Hands-on mentorship
Personalized marketing strategies

Kimberly intentionally avoids a corporate-style model to prioritize growth, trust, and accountability.
Key takeaway: Culture and connection matter more than size, especially early on.
6. Adaptability as a Business Strategy
During market changes (including COVID), Kimberly expanded into: Property preservation
Repair, inspections, and asset management services

She co-owns multiple businesses with her husband, spreading risk and stabilizing income.
Lesson: The ability to pivot often determines long-term survival in business.
7. Refusing to Accept Limiting Narratives
Kimberly rejects the idea that her background should define her ceiling.
She emphasizes self-talk, belief, and forward motion—even without a support system.
Her story challenges stereotypes about: Foster youth
Teen mothers
Single Black women in business
Nontraditional entrepreneurs

Takeaway: Your starting point does not determine your finish.
Notable Quotes
“I always lived in survival mode—failure was never an option.”
“I had to raise myself, so I had to believe in myself.”
“If I did it from where I came from, I promise you—you can do it too.”
“Always stay adaptable. The market changes, so you change with it.”
“Put one foot in front of the other, even when it feels like the world is caving in.”
“Success was never something I thought I couldn’t have—I just had to figure out my path.”
Overall Impact
Kimberly Kelly’s interview is a testament to perseverance without privilege. It reframes success as a product of:
Relentless forward motion
Learning wherever possible
Faith and internal motivation
Ownership, adaptability, and leadership
Her story resonates most powerfully with listeners who have been told—directly or indirectly—that their circumstances disqualify them from success.
Final message: There are no excuses left after hearing this story—only choices.
#SHMS #BEST #STRAW
Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Rod Griffin.
Senior Director of Public Education and Advocacy at Experian.
🎯 Purpose of the Interview
To educate listeners on fraud prevention, identity theft, credit management, and financial literacy. The conversation aims to empower individuals—especially those in underserved communities—to take control of their financial health using tools and resources provided by Experian.
🗝️ Key Takeaways 1. Fraud & Identity Theft Awareness
Identity theft is increasingly sophisticated, often driven by AI.
Quote: “The currency of today isn’t necessarily cash—it’s information.”
2. Experian’s Role
Experian is one of the three major credit bureaus.
Offers tools for fraud detection, identity verification, and credit monitoring.
Quote: “We help protect people from fraud and identity theft… and help them improve their financial lives.”
3. Understanding Credit Scores
Credit scores range from 300 to 850, with categories from “Poor” to “Excellent.”
Key factors: payment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, types of credit, and recent activity.
Quote: “Banks like people who are boring. Just pay the bills on time and keep balances low.”
4. Free Resources
Free credit reports available weekly via AnnualCreditReport.com.
Experian offers free monitoring, alerts, and FICO scores.
Quote: “There’s no real reason to pay for a credit report today.”
5. Establishing & Rebuilding Credit
Tools like Experian Go and Experian Boost help users build or rebuild credit using non-traditional data (e.g., rent, utilities, streaming services).
Quote: “You can go from no credit history to having a report and score in the 630 range—in minutes.”
6. Financial Savviness
Being financially savvy means controlling your money, not letting it control you.
Use credit cards strategically for rewards and pay balances in full.
Budgeting and goal-setting are essential.
Quote: “Start from a goal perspective… What do you want to do in life?”
7. Insurance Savings
Experian’s auto insurance marketplace helps users compare and save.
Average savings: ~$800/year.
Quote: “We’ll monitor for you… and tell you if we find a better rate.”
8. Practical Tips
Audit monthly bills for hidden charges.
Use loyalty programs and coupons to save on groceries and gas.
Quote: “I shop so much I get free food… $6, $8, $9 savings add up.”
🧠 Final Message
Rod Griffin emphasizes that financial literacy is about empowerment. By understanding your credit, using available tools, and setting clear goals, you can take control of your financial future.
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.