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

Purpose of the Interview

The discussion aimed to educate the audience about the health risks associated with hair care chemicals—including relaxers, dyes, and synthetic hair—and to advocate for safer practices. It also highlighted Dr. Maclin’s pioneering work in hair and skin supplements and her ongoing mission to raise awareness about these issues.

Key Takeaways

1. FDA Ban on Hair Chemicals

   • In 2023, the FDA considered banning certain chemicals in hair products due to health risks, but no ban has been implemented yet.
   • These chemicals are linked to breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, and hormone disruption.

2. High-Risk Chemicals Identified

   • Hair Relaxers: Sodium, calcium, guanine, and lithium hydroxide.
   • Hair Dyes: Para-phenylenediamine (especially in permanent dyes).
   • Synthetic Hair: Contains benzene, posing risks of lung cancer and leukemia.

3. Impact on African-American Women

   • African-American women face a 45% higher risk of certain cancers due to combined use of relaxers and dyes.
   • Cultural and aesthetic pressures contribute to continued use despite health risks.

4. Children at Risk

   • Applying relaxers to young girls can cause early puberty, uterine fibroids, infertility, and increased cancer risk.
   • Chemicals penetrate the scalp, enter the bloodstream, and disrupt hormones.

5. Industry Resistance

   • Pushback from salons and manufacturers due to financial interests.
   • Comparison to tobacco and alcohol industries—profit prioritized over health.

6. Solutions & Advice

   • Avoid chemical treatments when possible.
   • If used, protect the entire scalp with petroleum jelly to reduce absorption.
   • Space out relaxer applications (every 8–10 weeks, max 10 minutes for children).

7. Dr. Maclin’s Contributions

   • Launched Bella Nutri supplements (2004 for women, 2008 for men).
   • Advocates internal nutrition for hair and skin health.
   • Website: drmacklin.com and bellabeauproducts.com.

Notable Quotes

• On FDA inaction:
  “Still to this day, that ban has not occurred… We’re continuously having women going to the next generation of life as a result—next generation cancers.”

• On cultural pressures:
  “We’re so into wanting to have a certain look versus wanting to be healthy.”

• On children’s exposure:
  “We’ve got to keep chemicals off of little girls’ hair… It’s causing hormone disruption, early puberty, infertility, and increased cancer risk.”

• On industry resistance:
  “People care about the green-eyed devil called money… Look at the tobacco industry.”

• On her mission:
  “I feel like I’m caring more about someone’s health than they’re caring about their own.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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

Founder and president of the Financial Literacy Institute. Here's a summary of the key themes and highlights from the conversation:

🎙️ Interview Highlights Jasmine Young’s Background

• Born in Jackson, Alabama, and raised in a rural, close-knit community.
• Attended Alabama A&M University on a full scholarship, where she decided early on to become a CPA.
• Emphasized the value of her HBCU experience in building confidence and professional readiness.

Financial Literacy Mission

• Jasmine’s passion for numbers and financial education began early and was nurtured by her family’s practical financial habits.
• Her parents instilled financial discipline and responsibility, which she now channels into her mission to spread financial literacy “one family at a time.”

Cultural and Historical Awareness

• Jasmine discusses the legacy of Black Wall Street and the importance of economic empowerment in the Black community.
• She organizes the Black Wall Street Black Business Expo, which honors the past while promoting modern Black entrepreneurship and civic engagement.

Social Impact and Civic Engagement

• Inspired by the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder and the economic power of the Black community, Jasmine emphasizes the importance of using financial influence to drive social change.
• She’s considering law school to further her impact, though she currently focuses on financial literacy and community empowerment.

Personal Insights

• Jasmine shares her journey from feeling ashamed of her rural upbringing to embracing it as a source of strength and heritage.
• She also reveals her musical background and Cherokee ancestry, adding depth to her personal story.

#STRAW

#BEST

#SHMS

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed April Showers.

Founder of Afro Unicorn, joins Money Making Conversations Masterclass to share how she built the first Black woman-owned, fully licensed character brand in major retail. With over $20 million in sales, Afro Unicorn celebrates diversity and empowers women and children of color.

🔑 Key Themes & Highlights

1. Origins of Afro Unicorn

   • April was inspired by a friend's repeated reference to her as a "unicorn," highlighting her extraordinary ability to balance multiple businesses and raise two children.
   • Noticing existing unicorn imagery lacked representation, she created Afro Unicorn to uplift young girls of color.

2. Challenges & Early Growth

   • Despite facing personal hardships—including her son's hospitalization and several family losses—April remained committed to her mission.
   • Her persistence led to a viral moment where a young girl wearing an Afro Unicorn shirt caught Walmart’s attention, resulting in a licensing deal.

3. Licensing & Expansion

   • Instead of manufacturing herself, April strategically partnered with licensees to distribute Afro Unicorn merchandise.
   • Within a year, she secured 45+ licensing agreements, expanding into books, bedding, hair care, party supplies, and more.

4. Business Strategy & Advice

   • Trademarking Afro Unicorn early, hiring an accountant and lawyer, and writing a business plan were critical to her success.
   • She advises entrepreneurs to visualize success, stay consistent, and never quit.

5. Future Plans

   • April is developing Miss April’s Crown, an animated series teaching young entrepreneurs business skills through affirmations and mentorship.

📘 About the Brand
Afro Unicorn is available at major retailers, including Walmart, Target, and Amazon.

#STRAW

#BEST

#SHMS

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

Founder of Good Girl Chocolate:

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

The interview centers on:

• Dr. Carr’s personal health journey and transformation.
• The creation and mission behind Good Girl Chocolate.
• Empowering women through health, wellness, and entrepreneurship.
• Educating listeners on plant-based lifestyles and moderation.

🍫 Key Takeaways 1. Personal Health Transformation

• Dr. Carr was placed on blood pressure medication at age 16 and weighed nearly 300 pounds by age 30.
• She struggled with hormone issues, fibroids, and self-esteem.
• A shift to natural health and lifestyle changes helped her lose over 80 pounds and reverse her health issues.
  • Quote: “I asked my doctor, why do I have to take medicine? I’m 16. She said, so you don’t have a stroke at 30.”

2. Empowerment Through Education and Action

• Her chapter in the book Open Your Gifts is titled “Are You Ready to Free Yourself?” and focuses on triumph over health challenges.
• She emphasizes the importance of self-worth, personal power, and leading with your gifts.
  • Quote: “I felt like a hypocrite… I can’t tell anyone how to live healthy when I’m 300 pounds.”

3. Creation of Good Girl Chocolate

• Born from her need for a sweet treat during a raw diet.
• Uses clean, plant-based ingredients: coconut sugar, no dairy, soy, or gluten.
• Supports various lifestyles: vegan, paleo, Whole30, and diabetic-friendly (with sugar-free options).
  • Quote: “It’s called Good Girl Chocolate because you can eat it every day and still say you’ve been good.”

4. Moderation Is Key

• Dr. Carr stresses that even plant-based foods should be consumed in moderation.
• She advises against overindulgence and promotes balance in diet and lifestyle.
  • Quote: “Just because it’s plant-based doesn’t mean you should eat a whole wagon full of potato chips.”

5. Recognition and Growth

• Good Girl Chocolate has been featured in Grammy and Oscar gift bags.
• Received a grant from Beyoncé’s BeyGOOD Foundation.
• Opened a brick-and-mortar store in Oklahoma’s Penn Square Mall.
  • Quote: “I saw my chocolate on the list and cried. It was confirmation I’m doing something right.”

6. Support Network and Faith

• Credits her parents, sorority sisters (Alpha Kappa Alpha), and friends like Kim Coles for their support.
• Attributes her success to faith and strong relationships.
  • Quote: “Your network is your net worth… I believe in God. God is first in my life.”

🌟 Notable Moments

• Rushion McDonald’s enthusiastic endorsement of the chocolate.
• Dr. Carr’s emotional reaction to Beyoncé’s support.
• The emphasis on storytelling behind the product, not just its taste.

#STRAW

#BEST

#SHMS

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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

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

A cybersecurity expert and AI consultant. The conversation explores cybersecurity best practices, the rise of AI, and how Gregory is helping churches and nonprofits leverage technology to spread the gospel.

🔐 Cybersecurity Insights 🔹 Gregory’s Background

• Based in Dallas, Texas.
• Works full-time as an ethical hacker and cybersecurity consultant for major corporations and governments.
• Also a serial entrepreneur with ventures in real estate, consulting, and software.

🔹 Key Cybersecurity Takeaways

• Multitasking Myth: Gregory argues that humans are not wired for multitasking—focus leads to better outcomes.
• Password:
  • Avoid using simple passwords like “1234.”
  • Don’t reuse passwords across platforms.
  • Use passphrases (e.g., Bible verses) for stronger security.
  • Change passwords regularly.
• Password Vaults: Recommends using reputable services like Google or Microsoft.
• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Strongly encourages using 2FA to protect accounts.
• Phishing Scams:
  • Be wary of urgent or fear-based emails.
  • Always verify suspicious messages by contacting the company directly.
  • Scammers often mimic trusted brands (e.g., Facebook, Bank of America).

🔹 The Bigger Picture

• Cybercrime now generates more revenue than global drug trafficking.
• Criminal organizations are well-funded and recruit tech talent to build sophisticated scams.

🤖 Artificial Intelligence & Opportunity 🔹 AI as a Tool for Good

• Compares AI to the Gutenberg printing press—initially misused, but ultimately transformative.
• Believes AI’s potential far outweighs its risks.

🔹 AI in Business

• Helps businesses identify “million-dollar problems” and solve them with AI.
• Example: Built a toll-tracking app for a car rental company that became more profitable than the rental business itself.
• Encourages entrepreneurs to use AI tools to build apps without needing coding skills.

🔹 AI in Education

• Created a custom math quiz app for his daughter using her course materials and AI.

🙏 AI for Churches & Nonprofits

• Gregory focuses on helping churches and nonprofits use AI to:
  • Spread the gospel.
  • Operate more efficiently.
  • Compete with limited budgets.
• Offers consulting and resources through his website: GregoryRichardson.ai

📚 Book Mentioned

• Gregory has authored a book on using AI to solve business problems and create scalable solutions.

🎙️ Closing Notes

• Rushion praises Gregory’s passion, clarity, and practical advice.
• Plans to bring him back for a deeper dive into AI’s role in faith-based and nonprofit work.

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST #AMI

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The Steve Harvey Morning Show for Friday, December 19th, 2025: Steve Harvey's Morning Inspiration | Show Open | Nephew Tommy's Run That Prank Back - "You Sent My Wife Pictures" | Ask The CLO | "Take A Hint" Gifts | Would You Rather | Steve Harvey's Voicemail | Nephew Tommy's Prank - "Muscle Marvin" | Strawberry Letter - "Trying To Get Through The Holidays" Parts 1-2 | Sidepiece Christmas Party | Social Media Advice | TBT - Men Want Good Gifts | Would You Rather | Steve Harvey's Closing Remarks

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The Steve Harvey Morning Show for Thursday, December 18th, 2025: Steve Harvey's Morning Inspiration | Show Open | Nephew Tommy's Run That Prank Back - "Wedding In Jamaica" | Ask The CLO | JAB's Evil Things To Do At Christmas | Would You Rather | Junior's House For Christmas | Nephew Tommy's Prank - "You Sent My Wife Pictures" | Strawberry Letter - "Trapped Under The Bed" Parts 1-2 | Who On The Show | Social Media Advice | Most Wonderful Time Of The Year | Would You Rather | Show Close

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