The Steve Harvey Morning Show

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Heather R. Younger.
CEO, workplace culture expert, author, and founder of a major employee engagement consultancy—joins Rushion McDonald to discuss leadership, employee empowerment, navigating fear, and self‑leadership in modern workplaces.
She shares her personal experiences with layoffs, career uncertainty, anxiety, and leadership failures—and how these experiences shaped her mission to be “the voice for the voiceless” in organizational culture. They explore the emotional realities of layoffs vs. terminations, how employees can take control of their professional well‑being, and Heather’s framework for identifying and overcoming fear.
PURPOSE OF THE INTERVIEW 1. To introduce Heather’s work and mission
She champions active listening, employee empowerment, and self‑leadership after personally reading 30,000+ employee surveys and leading 100+ focus groups.
2. To teach listeners how to navigate workplace uncertainty
She provides strategies for dealing with anxiety, job insecurity, change, and inconsistent leadership climates.
3. To share an empowering message about self‑leadership
Central idea: No one is coming to save you. You must lead yourself first.
4. To explore how fear holds people back professionally
She outlines how fear affects decision‑making, action-taking, and confidence.
KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Why She Does This Work
She witnessed firsthand how mergers, layoffs, and poor communication harm employees.
After being laid off with 200+ others, she realized she needed to become the “voice of reason” who turns employee concerns into actionable insights for leaders.
2. Layoff vs. Termination — Emotional Differences
Layoffs: painful but less shame; not personal fault.
Termination: usually involves personal accountability, and often carries more shame.
Both create a feeling of powerlessness, but each requires emotional processing and reframing.
3. No One Is Coming To Save You
Employees must take responsibility for:
Their growth
Their mental health
Their career progression
Their emotional well‑being
HR cannot save you, Heather says—they play a dual role and cannot be personal rescuers.
4. Managing Workplace Anxiety
Key strategies include:
Nightly reflection → Write down what went well and what you controlled.
Reframing → Turning irrational fears into rational thoughts.
Breathing, sunlight, walking, self‑care → Especially for anxiety.
Intentional mindset‑switching → Choosing thoughts that serve you.
5. The Five Ways Fear Holds You Back Professionally
Heather identifies several fear patterns:
1. Fear of Feedback
Avoiding action because you’re afraid of what others may say.
2. Fear of Retribution / Getting in Trouble
Hesitating to take risks or initiative.
3. Fear of Speaking Up
Not challenging authority or expressing dissenting opinions due to lack of psychological safety.
4. Fear Rooted in Family / Cultural Conditioning
Inherited fear patterns from parents, grandparents, or trauma.
5. Fear of Regret / Non‑Action
She teaches a powerful question:
“What will I regret the longest—doing the thing or not doing the thing?”
This question accelerates decision‑making and breaks the paralysis of fear.
6. Take Ownership of Your Life — Self‑Leadership
Become the Chief Iterator of Your Life → Continue refining yourself like a living prototype.
Accept mistakes as part of growth.
Avoid perfectionism; aim for continuous improvement.
7. Practical Daily Habits
Prepare mentally each night.
Hydrate, sleep well, move your body.
Train yourself to take small positive actions daily.
NOTABLE QUOTES FROM THE INTERVIEW On Self‑Leadership
“Ain’t nobody coming to save me. And in the workplace, no one’s coming to save you.”
On Fear
“Feedback is a gift—even if it hurts.”
“We sit around waiting for green lights, access, invitations… It’s not coming. We need to seize it.”
“What is the thing you will regret the longest—doing it or not doing it?”
On Navigating Change
“You get to fight tooth and nail for your own mental space.”
On Personal Growth
“See yourself as a work in progress—a constant iteration.”
On Workplace Emotions
“With layoffs, you didn’t have a hand in it. With termination, there’s more shame.”
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Willie Jolley.
SUMMARY OF THE INTERVIEW
In this energetic and motivational conversation, Hall of Fame speaker Dr. Willie Jolley joins Rushion McDonald on Money Making Conversations Masterclass to discuss his new book, “Rich Is Good, Wealthy Is Better.” The interview covers the difference between being rich and being wealthy, the mindsets required for long-term financial growth, and how individuals—no matter their background—can build generational wealth. Jolley also emphasizes discipline, humility, planning, multiple streams of income, overcoming setbacks, and the importance of insurance and protection of assets.
PURPOSE OF THE INTERVIEW
The interview aims to:
1. Introduce and promote Dr. Jolley’s new book
“Rich Is Good, Wealthy Is Better” and the teachings within it.
2. Educate listeners on the distinction between rich and wealthy
Jolley wants audiences to understand wealth in generational, not short-term, terms.
3. Motivate individuals to shift their financial mindset
From “working money” to “mailbox money.”
4. Empower entrepreneurs and families
To adopt discipline, drop pride, and create multigenerational financial systems.
5. Share Jolley’s personal setback‑to‑success story
To reinforce that anyone can grow wealth with the right principles.
KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Rich vs. Wealthy
Being rich = high income, often tied to active labor (e.g., athlete contracts).
Being wealthy = passive income, ownership, generational sustainability.
A rich football player earns millions; the team owner earns billions and doesn’t have to “run up and down the field.”
2. The Five Money Mindsets
Jolley explains five financial mindsets:
One‑day mindset – living day to day.
30‑day mindset – fixed incomes/check-to-check living.
One‑year mindset – annual thinking (raises, annual income).
Decade mindset – typical for entertainers/athletes with multi‑year contracts.
Generational mindset (Wealth Mindset) – building wealth to last multiple generations.
Jolley’s goal: move people up just one level at a time.
3. Five Types of Wealth
Jolley breaks wealth into five categories:
Financial Wealth
Health Wealth (“A sick person has one dream; a healthy person has a thousand.” – Les Brown)
Relationship Wealth
Reputational Wealth (Brand)
Intellectual Capital Wealth (What you know and can charge for)
4. Discipline Is the Key
Wealth requires:
Living below your means
Investing the difference
Consistency
Avoiding arrogance and ignorance
5. Pride Is an Enemy of Wealth
Pride leads people to overspend to keep up appearances.
Jolley argues that pride “kills wealth” and must be replaced with planning and humility.
6. The Three Legs of Wealth
To build sustainable wealth, you need:
Income
Investment (letting money work for you)
Insurance (life, health, car, disability, long-term care)
7. Multiple Streams of Income
Jolley urges everyone to build at least two streams of income from:
Stocks
Bonds
Real estate
Crypto
Collectibles
Jewelry
Art
Content creation
8. Overcoming Setbacks
Jolley details his own journey from unemployed nightclub singer to globally recognized motivational speaker.
He reinforces that a setback is a setup for a comeback—the core message of his earlier bestselling book.
9. It’s Never Too Late to Start
He cites examples of:
A secretary who retired with $8M by investing small amounts over time
Invested $12,000 at age 65 and grew it to $890,000 by age 72
NOTABLE QUOTES FROM THE INTERVIEW On Time & Opportunity
“I have only just a minute… but it’s up to me to use it.”
On Mindset
“Wealth starts in your mind.”
On Rich vs. Wealthy
“Regular folks work for their money. Wealthy people make their money work for them.”
On Pride
“My pride was killing my wealth.”
On Growth & Learning
“If you’re willing to learn, no one can stop you.” [On Setbacks
“A setback is a setup for your greater comeback.”
On Starting Late
“When is the best time to plant a tree? Eighty years ago. The second-best time? Today.”
#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 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
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 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
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 Jeremy Anderson.
SUMMARY OF THE INTERVIEW
The conversation between Rushion McDonald and Jeremy Anderson on Money Making Conversations Masterclass covers Jeremy’s personal transformation, his mission-driven approach to motivational speaking, the creation of Next Level Speakers Academy, the power of environment and mindset, and his philanthropic work in South Africa. The interview highlights values such as purpose over profit, taking ownership, perseverance, and maximizing one’s potential. [
PURPOSE OF THE INTERVIEW
The purpose of the episode is to:
1. Introduce Jeremy Anderson’s Work
Showcase Jeremy’s role as a premier motivational speaker, founder of Next Level Speakers Academy, and co‑founder of Next Level Living, which feeds a thousand children weekly in South Africa. [
2. Inspire Listeners Toward Purpose‑Driven Success
Encourage viewers to move from “wasted potential” to purposeful, impactful living by believing in themselves and pursuing their gifts.
3. Demonstrate How Jeremy’s Principles Apply Broadly
Rushion emphasizes that Jeremy’s business, branding, and mindset strategies apply not just to speakers, but to entrepreneurs, executives, and everyday people.
4. Promote Actionable Personal Growth
The interview seeks to motivate listeners to take ownership, adopt non‑negotiable success habits, and maximize opportunities.
KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Wasted Potential is a Universal Struggle
Jeremy defines wasted potential as having greatness inside but failing to believe in it or pursue it. Many people don’t lack talent — they lack belief and action.
2. Purpose Over Profit
He warns new speakers not to chase “the bag.”
Impact first → income follows. If your heart is for people, success comes naturally.
3. Your Story Is Your Superpower
Every struggle someone has overcome is a testimony meant to help others. Keeping quiet keeps your gift hidden.
4. Maximize Every Opportunity
Whether you’re speaking, laying concrete, or running a small business, get every drop out of every engagement — testimonials, photos, referrals, and relationship‑building. citeturn1search1
5. Environment and Mindset Matter
True growth starts by changing your internal environment.
Jeremy’s life changed when teachers chose to see the best in him, showing that belief from others can shift self-belief.
6. Non‑Negotiables Build Discipline
Success requires habits you don’t negotiate with: early rising, prayer, meditation, cold plunges, challenging discomfort, and consistent personal development.
7. Extreme Ownership Replaces Excuses
Greatness comes from responsibility, not excuses. Jeremy demands accountability from his teams and himself.
8. Brand Is Built on Transparency
Jeremy’s brand centers on perseverance, faith, and family—not perfection. He shares both triumphs and private struggles.
9. Giving Back Is Central to His Purpose
Next Level Living feeds 1,000 children weekly and sponsors students in South Africa through college. Impact must extend beyond business.
NOTABLE QUOTES FROM THE INTERVIEW On Purpose & Potential
“Don’t come to me for profits. Come to me for purpose. Don’t come to me for income. Come to me for impact.”
“It’s only a testimony if you testify.”
“Most people don’t believe and they don’t pursue — that’s wasted potential.”
On Mindset & Environment
“I wasn’t living a life of purpose… I had to stop blaming others and go all in on me.”
“Sometimes the shackles we have are in our mind.”
On Discipline
“Success requires non‑negotiables.” (Waking early, prayer, meditation, discomfort training)
“People want comfort — but everything great comes with discomfort.”
On Value
“If you want to be valuable, you must have value.”
“They’re not paying me top dollar because I'm motivational. I solve a problem.”
On Legacy & Family
“My brand is perseverance and family.”
“These things don’t happen to me — they happen for me.”
On Accountability
“No excuses — take ownership.”
“I’ve never met anyone who became great from excuses.”
On Giving Back
“We’ve been feeding a thousand starving children every week since 2018.”
“We put 60 kids through college — and we’re just getting started.”
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.