The Steve Harvey Morning Show

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dave Charest.
Summary of the Dave Charest Interview
In this episode of Money Making Conversations Masterclass, Rushion McDonald interviews Dave Charest, Director of Small Business Success at Constant Contact, a leading digital marketing platform. Charest discusses the rising wave of entrepreneurship, the foundational importance of email and direct‑to‑customer channels, common mistakes new business owners make, and how AI is reshaping small‑business marketing. He provides practical guidance on marketing consistency, channel selection, building community relationships, and using technology to scale.
Throughout the conversation, Charest emphasizes that while small businesses often lack marketing expertise, they possess a valuable advantage: real, human relationships that can be strengthened through consistent communication.

Purpose of the Interview
The purpose of Rushion McDonald’s conversation with Dave Charest is to:
1. Educate new and aspiring entrepreneurs
Charest breaks down the basics of digital marketing—email, social, SMS—and how to begin building a strong marketing foundation.
2. Highlight the key trends driving the entrepreneurship boom
He explains motivations like work–life balance, independence, and financial potential that inspire people to launch businesses.
3. Provide practical, actionable marketing advice
Especially around consistency, choosing marketing channels, and building direct customer relationships.
4. Introduce how AI can simplify and amplify marketing
Charest showcases tools that help business owners quickly generate content, develop campaigns, and analyze customer behavior.
Key Takeaways 1. Direct relationships (email/SMS) outperform social media
Email offers ownership, stability, and higher ROI—unlike social platforms that can change algorithms or visibility overnight. Charest stresses that “the money is in the list.”
2. You don’t need huge numbers to be effective
Small businesses often see high open and engagement rates because followers know and trust them.
3. Consistency matters more than platform choice
Whether you choose Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, or email, the biggest driver of marketing success is showing up regularly.
4. Start small—don’t overwhelm yourself
One of the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make is trying to do everything at once. Begin with the basics and grow steadily.
5. Community is a crucial marketing asset
Local businesses thrive when they maintain strong connections with nearby businesses, customers, and community networks.
6. Entrepreneurs face challenges—but resilience wins
Charest notes that small business owners rarely have a “Plan B,” which pushes them to adapt and continue learning.
7. AI is transforming small‑business marketing
Constant Contact offers tools to:
Generate emails and content
Summarize content for social
Build full marketing campaigns
Analyze behavior from large email lists to recommend actions
Notable Quotes (from the transcript)
Here are direct paraphrases and key phrases—not copyrighted material but drawn from the transcript:
On email vs. social
“There’s a $36 return for every $1 invested in email—but what matters is that you own the relationship.”

“If a social platform goes away, so does your following. Email is a direct line.”

On audience size
“Big numbers aren’t necessary—small lists can see 50% open rates and strong engagement because those people actually care.”
On entrepreneurship motivations
“People want better work‑life balance, independence, and financial potential.”
On mistakes
“A big mistake is trying to do too much at once. Start small and stay consistent.”
On community
“Digital marketing should extend real relationships—not replace them.”
On choosing platforms
“Where your audience spends time matters, but so does where you can show up consistently.”
On AI’s role
“AI can generate emails, build campaigns, and analyze audience data—saving you time for what you’d rather be doing.”
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Teresa Edwards.
Purpose of the Interview
The interview aims to introduce Teresa Edwards’ book The Mirror Method: 12 Weeks to Stop Abandoning Yourself, a guided workbook designed to help individuals overcome people-pleasing tendencies, set boundaries, and prioritize their own needs without guilt. It focuses on personal empowerment, mental health, and rediscovering one’s authentic self.
Key Takeaways
People-Pleasing and Boundaries
People-pleasing becomes harmful when you agree to things you don’t want to do, leading to stress and resentment.
Setting boundaries is essential for self-respect and mental health.

The Mirror Method
A 12-week guided process to “unravel” harmful patterns and rediscover your true self.
Emphasizes self-reflection, journaling, and gradual transformation at your own pace.

Selfishness vs. Self-Care
Edwards reframes “selfish” as a positive concept: prioritizing your health and happiness is necessary, not negative.
You can’t be your best for others if you’re not your best for yourself.

Health as a Wake-Up Call
Stress is a silent killer; Teresa’s own health issues (high blood pressure) forced her to reevaluate her life.
Happiness and well-being should not be age-limited—“You’re never too old to return to yourself.”

Letting Go of Toxic Relationships
Users often exploit people-pleasers; recognizing and removing such relationships is crucial.
Fully committing to the Mirror Method means accepting hard truths and being okay with losing people who drain you.

Therapy and Mental Health
COVID accelerated acceptance of therapy in communities where it was previously stigmatized.
Mental health is as important as physical health—“The mind is a muscle too.”

Workbook Details
Available on Amazon and at themirrormethodworkbook.com in print and downloadable formats.
Exercises involve writing and self-reflection to confront truths and break patterns.

Notable Quotes
“Boundaries are key.”
“Selfish is not a negative word—it’s perseverance of yourself.”
“You can’t throw a party and be mad at your own party.”
“Enough is enough—look in the mirror and say it.”
“You’re never too old to return to yourself.”
“Stress is that silent killer.”
“Fully commit means accepting all those good, bad, or ugly moments—and being okay with letting go.”
“The mind is a muscle too.”
“Be okay with being okay.”
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Latrease Price-Gistard.
Purpose of the Interview
The interview aims to educate listeners on the mortgage industry, highlight the role and benefits of working with an independent mortgage broker, and provide practical advice on home financing options, credit challenges, and programs that support homeownership. It also shares Latrease’s entrepreneurial journey and lessons learned.
Key Takeaways
Background and Career Path
Latrease has a finance degree and started in investment operations in 1999.
Transitioned from auto financing and co-owning a car dealership to mortgage lending.
Became an independent mortgage broker in 2022 after being laid off during rising interest rates.

Role of an Independent Mortgage Broker
Holds her own license and partners with multiple lenders to offer tailored loan products.
Advocates for borrowers to ensure they get the right product, not just approval.
Specializes in helping first-time buyers, self-employed individuals, and those with unique challenges.

Home Financing Insights
Reverse Mortgages: Typically for seniors 62+, often used by those 75+ with equity and limited retirement funds. Provides tax-free cash without monthly payments; debt settled upon sale or refinance.
Zero Down Payment Programs: Offers up to 3% for down payment, attached to the mortgage; other programs provide up to 5% for down payment and closing costs.
FHA 203K Program: Allows buyers to finance home purchase and renovations in one loan—ideal for fixer-uppers.

Credit Challenges
Programs exist for credit scores as low as 500, but require higher down payments (10–20%) and result in higher interest rates.
Latrease consults and provides “what-if” scenarios to help clients improve credit over time.

Entrepreneurial Lessons
Mistakes: Starting without enough capital and a strong pipeline; economic timing matters.
Advice: Build capital, secure a solid client pipeline, and understand market conditions before going independent.

Notable Quotes
On independence:
“As a broker, you serve as that advocate for your borrower to make sure they’re getting the right loan product.”

On reverse mortgages:
“The beauty of it is there are no monthly payments going back to the institution. The debt is paid off when the home is sold or refinanced.”

On credit challenges:
“Programs go as low as 500 credit score, but those borrowers need 10–20% down.”

On entrepreneurial advice:
“Make sure you have strong capital and a solid pipeline before stepping out on faith.”

On perseverance:
“It’s all about follow-through. It’s all about your dream and whether you want to make it happen.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Nina Sossamon-Pogue.
A former elite gymnast, Emmy-winning news anchor, bestselling author, and resilience expert.
Here’s a summary of the key themes and insights from the episode:
🎙️ Guest Introduction: Nina Sossamon-Pogue
Former USA Gymnastics team member and Emmy-winning news anchor.
Author of This Is Not the End and host of the podcast This Seriously Sucks.
Focuses on helping people navigate life’s toughest transitions with resilience.
🧠 Mental Health & Daily Routines
Nina emphasizes the importance of gratitude, mindfulness, and limiting early phone use to start the day with clarity.
Rushion shares his own structured morning routine and how it helps him manage stress and stay productive.
💪 Resilience and Personal Growth
Nina defines resilience as the ability to adapt positively and grow stronger from adversity.
She encourages people to reflect on what’s going right, what needs attention, and how to move forward with purpose.
🧍‍♀️ Body Image, Athletics & Social Media
Nina shares her experience with body dysmorphia and bulimia during her gymnastics career in the 1980s.
She discusses the long-term impact of being judged by appearance in both sports and television.
Offers advice to parents and young athletes on navigating body image in the age of social media.
📘 Her Book: This Is Not the End
Written for people facing major life setbacks—job loss, injury, grief, or personal failure.
Nina shares five personal “this is the end” moments, including: Not making the Olympic team.
Career-ending knee injury.
Losing her job as a news anchor.
A traumatic accident at age 37.

The book provides seven strategies and a four-step framework (T.H.I.S.) to help readers move forward: Timeline: Gain perspective on your life journey.
Humans: Lean on others—don’t go it alone.
Isolate: Focus on the present moment.
Story: Reframe your internal narrative to stay empowered and hirable.

🎧 Podcast Highlight
Nina’s podcast This Seriously Sucks features guests who’ve overcome major life challenges.
She highlights Joe Delagrave, a Paralympian and coach, whose story of resilience and transformation deeply inspired her.
💬 Closing Thoughts
Rushion praises Nina’s authenticity, voice, and ability to connect.
Nina encourages listeners to embrace their “this” moment and remember: “This is not the end.”
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/
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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Charlie Shabazz.
🎯 Purpose of the Interview
The interview aims to:
Showcase Charlie Shabaaz’s journey from CPA to bakery franchise owner.
Inspire listeners to overcome fear and pursue entrepreneurial dreams.
Educate the audience on franchising, financial discipline, and community engagement.
Highlight the importance of adaptability and vision in business success.
🧠 Key Takeaways 1. From CPA to Cake Boss
Charlie is a Temple University graduate with a master’s in taxation.
She worked in corporate accounting before pivoting to entrepreneurship.
Her transition was sparked by a desire to fill a community need in Tucker, GA.
“I was committed to bringing a bakery… I was kind of on the hook.” – Charlie Shabaaz
2. Overcoming Fear and Taking Leaps
Charlie moved from Philadelphia to Atlanta with no job contract—just faith.
She offered to work for free to learn business taxes, showing initiative and humility.
Her story emphasizes that fear is natural, but planning and persistence are key.
“I took a temp job. It took a leap of faith.” – Charlie Shabaaz
“Fear drives so many people from reaching their ultimate dream.” – Rushion McDonald
3. Franchise Journey
Initially planned a pie business, but pivoted to Nothing Bundt Cakes after discovering the brand.
She researched and connected with the franchise team, ultimately choosing it over another bakery concept.
“I Googled bakery franchise… and it morphed into Nothing Bundt Cakes.” – Charlie Shabaaz
4. Financial Discipline & Real Talk
Despite being a CPA, Charlie shared her own struggles with money and credit card debt.
She used spreadsheets and strategic payments to eliminate debt.
“I had a spreadsheet… I was committed to the $200 here, $250 there.” – Charlie Shabaaz
5. Community Engagement & Leadership
Charlie is active in local business associations and chambers of commerce.
She believes in giving back to the community and building relationships.
“Businesses come to communities and take… I want to give back.” – Charlie Shabaaz
6. Franchising Explained
Franchising is about buying a proven business model.
The founders of Nothing Bundt Cakes created a replicable system that franchisees can follow.
“You buy the blueprint… once you prove the concept can be done by anyone, anywhere.” – Charlie Shabaaz
7. Empowering Black Women Entrepreneurs
Charlie attributes her drive to her mother’s encouragement and the desire to break out of North Philly.
She highlights how Black women are the fastest-growing segment in entrepreneurship.
“Our mothers are the backbone of why we’re so successful.” – Charlie Shabaaz
💬 Memorable Quotes
“I didn’t bake. I used to just cut the cookie roll and spray the pan.”
“You don’t have to be a baker. You just have to have the passion and the ability to work hard.”
“Know what you’re good at and what you’re not good at.”
🌟 Impact of the Interview
This episode resonated deeply with listeners, sparking live call-ins from aspiring entrepreneurs. It served as a masterclass in courage, adaptability, and community-driven business.
#STRAW
#BEST
#SHMS
Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.