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

A serial entrepreneur with multiple businesses including:

• • Landscaping (Family Lawn Services)
  • Mortgage lending (commercial and residential)
  • Business consulting (especially on proper business structuring)

---

🌱 Entrepreneurial Journey

• Mela and her husband transitioned from retail management jobs (Walgreens and Walmart) to starting their own lawn care business.
• The motivation was to build generational wealth and leave a legacy for their children.
• They faced major setbacks, including the theft of their truck and equipment, but persevered and rebuilt.

---

🧘 Mental Health & Meditation

• Mila emphasizes the importance of mental health, especially for entrepreneurs.
• She shares her experience with postpartum depression and how meditation and journaling helped her heal and manage stress.
• She advocates for taking time to decompress and reset, especially when overwhelmed.

---

🌿 Lawn Care Insights

• Mila explains the difference between lawn maintenance and landscaping.
• She stresses the importance of quality work and customer trust.
• Rashawn shares a humorous but cautionary tale about hiring an unqualified landscaper who ruined his hedges.

---

💡 Business Advice

• Mela encourages:
  • Multiple streams of income
  • Proper business structure
  • Resilience in the face of adversity
• She highlights the importance of reputation and referrals in growing a service-based business.

---

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://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 Mela Lovett.

A serial entrepreneur with multiple businesses including:

• • Landscaping (Family Lawn Services)
  • Mortgage lending (commercial and residential)
  • Business consulting (especially on proper business structuring)

---

🌱 Entrepreneurial Journey

• Mela and her husband transitioned from retail management jobs (Walgreens and Walmart) to starting their own lawn care business.
• The motivation was to build generational wealth and leave a legacy for their children.
• They faced major setbacks, including the theft of their truck and equipment, but persevered and rebuilt.

---

🧘 Mental Health & Meditation

• Mila emphasizes the importance of mental health, especially for entrepreneurs.
• She shares her experience with postpartum depression and how meditation and journaling helped her heal and manage stress.
• She advocates for taking time to decompress and reset, especially when overwhelmed.

---

🌿 Lawn Care Insights

• Mila explains the difference between lawn maintenance and landscaping.
• She stresses the importance of quality work and customer trust.
• Rashawn shares a humorous but cautionary tale about hiring an unqualified landscaper who ruined his hedges.

---

💡 Business Advice

• Mela encourages:
  • Multiple streams of income
  • Proper business structure
  • Resilience in the face of adversity
• She highlights the importance of reputation and referrals in growing a service-based business.

---

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

A trailblazer in private aviation and author of Ally Leadership: How to Lead People Who Are Not Like You.

✈️ Key Topics Discussed 1. Stephanie Chung’s Career Journey

• Started as a baggage handler.
• Rose to become President of JetSuite and Chief Growth Officer at Wheels Up.
• One of the few African American women to lead in private aviation.

2. Understanding Private Aviation

• Private jets offer flexibility and convenience—you fly on your schedule.
• Access to 5,000+ airports vs. 500 for commercial airlines.
• Used not just by celebrities, but also high-net-worth individuals and for humanitarian missions.

3. Ally Leadership Philosophy

• Today’s workforce includes six generations, diverse ethnicities, genders, neurodiversity, and LGBTQ+ individuals.
• Leadership must evolve to meet people where they are.
• The book emphasizes inclusive leadership beyond race and gender.

4. Leadership Lessons

• Importance of human connection and empathy.
• Knowing your team beyond their job titles—understanding their lives and motivations.
• Listening is as important as speaking.

5. Generational Differences in the Workplace

• Millennials and Gen Z value work-life balance and flexibility.
• Older generations often driven by fear of being replaced or missing opportunities.
• Leaders must bridge these gaps with understanding and adaptability.

6. The Role of Fear

• Fear can hinder growth, especially in older generations.
• Fear of technology, being replaced, or taking time off.
• Good leadership helps alleviate fear and fosters collaboration.

---

💬 Memorable Quotes

• “You don’t have to be a celebrity to fly private. Most people who do, you’ve never heard of.”
• “Ally leadership is not just about race or gender—it’s about everyone.”
• “If it’s a problem with millennials, we raised them. Look in the mirror.”
• “The differentiator isn’t just your product—it’s the human connection.”
• “Decisions are made by people who look left, right, and forward—never behind. Stay in their line of sight.”

 

#BEST

#SHMS

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 Brad Baldridge.

A certified financial planner and college funding expert.

• Over 20 years of experience in financial planning.
• Specializes in college financial planning.
• Runs the website and podcast: TamingTheHighCostOfCollege.com

2. Understanding College Funding Options

• Need-Based Aid: Based on family income/assets (e.g., FAFSA).
• Merit-Based Aid: Based on academic, athletic, or other achievements.
• Loans: A tool—not inherently bad, but must be used wisely.
• Military Benefits: Viable for some families, but not universal.

3. Late-Stage College Planning

• Begins in sophomore or freshman year of high school.
• Parents should start early to avoid last-minute stress and poor decisions.
• Includes understanding aid formulas, school selection, and financial strategy.

4. The Real Cost of College

• The sticker price is not the actual price most families pay.
• Example: Stanford may cost \$87,000/year, but families earning under \$100K may pay nothing.
• Each school has different aid policies—research is essential.

5. Balancing College and Retirement

• Many families sacrifice retirement savings to pay for college.
• Brad emphasizes awareness of trade-offs: “Don’t delay retirement to pay for college unless you understand the consequences.”

6. Common Mistakes

• Waiting too long to plan.
• Relying on anecdotal advice from friends or relatives.
• Applying only to expensive schools without exploring affordable alternatives.

---

💬 Memorable Quotes

• “Loans aren’t good or bad—they’re just a tool. But using the wrong tool can cause damage.”
• “The sticker price is not the price you pay. It’s the starting point.”
• “Start planning in sophomore year. Don’t wait until senior year when deadlines are looming.”
• “You can’t delay retirement to pay for college and expect it to work out. That’s a dangerous trade-off.”
• “Education is affordable—you just need to know the right path.”

 

• #BEST
• #STRAW
• #SHMS

 

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 Stephanie Chung.

A trailblazer in private aviation and author of Ally Leadership: How to Lead People Who Are Not Like You.

✈️ Key Topics Discussed 1. Stephanie Chung’s Career Journey

• Started as a baggage handler.
• Rose to become President of JetSuite and Chief Growth Officer at Wheels Up.
• One of the few African American women to lead in private aviation.

2. Understanding Private Aviation

• Private jets offer flexibility and convenience—you fly on your schedule.
• Access to 5,000+ airports vs. 500 for commercial airlines.
• Used not just by celebrities, but also high-net-worth individuals and for humanitarian missions.

3. Ally Leadership Philosophy

• Today’s workforce includes six generations, diverse ethnicities, genders, neurodiversity, and LGBTQ+ individuals.
• Leadership must evolve to meet people where they are.
• The book emphasizes inclusive leadership beyond race and gender.

4. Leadership Lessons

• Importance of human connection and empathy.
• Knowing your team beyond their job titles—understanding their lives and motivations.
• Listening is as important as speaking.

5. Generational Differences in the Workplace

• Millennials and Gen Z value work-life balance and flexibility.
• Older generations often driven by fear of being replaced or missing opportunities.
• Leaders must bridge these gaps with understanding and adaptability.

6. The Role of Fear

• Fear can hinder growth, especially in older generations.
• Fear of technology, being replaced, or taking time off.
• Good leadership helps alleviate fear and fosters collaboration.

---

💬 Memorable Quotes

• “You don’t have to be a celebrity to fly private. Most people who do, you’ve never heard of.”
• “Ally leadership is not just about race or gender—it’s about everyone.”
• “If it’s a problem with millennials, we raised them. Look in the mirror.”
• “The differentiator isn’t just your product—it’s the human connection.”
• “Decisions are made by people who look left, right, and forward—never behind. Stay in their line of sight.”

 

#BEST

#SHMS

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://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 Brad Baldridge.

A certified financial planner and college funding expert.

• Over 20 years of experience in financial planning.
• Specializes in college financial planning.
• Runs the website and podcast: TamingTheHighCostOfCollege.com

2. Understanding College Funding Options

• Need-Based Aid: Based on family income/assets (e.g., FAFSA).
• Merit-Based Aid: Based on academic, athletic, or other achievements.
• Loans: A tool—not inherently bad, but must be used wisely.
• Military Benefits: Viable for some families, but not universal.

3. Late-Stage College Planning

• Begins in sophomore or freshman year of high school.
• Parents should start early to avoid last-minute stress and poor decisions.
• Includes understanding aid formulas, school selection, and financial strategy.

4. The Real Cost of College

• The sticker price is not the actual price most families pay.
• Example: Stanford may cost \$87,000/year, but families earning under \$100K may pay nothing.
• Each school has different aid policies—research is essential.

5. Balancing College and Retirement

• Many families sacrifice retirement savings to pay for college.
• Brad emphasizes awareness of trade-offs: “Don’t delay retirement to pay for college unless you understand the consequences.”

6. Common Mistakes

• Waiting too long to plan.
• Relying on anecdotal advice from friends or relatives.
• Applying only to expensive schools without exploring affordable alternatives.

---

💬 Memorable Quotes

• “Loans aren’t good or bad—they’re just a tool. But using the wrong tool can cause damage.”
• “The sticker price is not the price you pay. It’s the starting point.”
• “Start planning in sophomore year. Don’t wait until senior year when deadlines are looming.”
• “You can’t delay retirement to pay for college and expect it to work out. That’s a dangerous trade-off.”
• “Education is affordable—you just need to know the right path.”

 

• #BEST
• #STRAW
• #SHMS

 

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://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 Stephanie Chung.

A trailblazer in private aviation and author of Ally Leadership: How to Lead People Who Are Not Like You.

✈️ Key Topics Discussed 1. Stephanie Chung’s Career Journey

• Started as a baggage handler.
• Rose to become President of JetSuite and Chief Growth Officer at Wheels Up.
• One of the few African American women to lead in private aviation.

2. Understanding Private Aviation

• Private jets offer flexibility and convenience—you fly on your schedule.
• Access to 5,000+ airports vs. 500 for commercial airlines.
• Used not just by celebrities, but also high-net-worth individuals and for humanitarian missions.

3. Ally Leadership Philosophy

• Today’s workforce includes six generations, diverse ethnicities, genders, neurodiversity, and LGBTQ+ individuals.
• Leadership must evolve to meet people where they are.
• The book emphasizes inclusive leadership beyond race and gender.

4. Leadership Lessons

• Importance of human connection and empathy.
• Knowing your team beyond their job titles—understanding their lives and motivations.
• Listening is as important as speaking.

5. Generational Differences in the Workplace

• Millennials and Gen Z value work-life balance and flexibility.
• Older generations often driven by fear of being replaced or missing opportunities.
• Leaders must bridge these gaps with understanding and adaptability.

6. The Role of Fear

• Fear can hinder growth, especially in older generations.
• Fear of technology, being replaced, or taking time off.
• Good leadership helps alleviate fear and fosters collaboration.

---

💬 Memorable Quotes

• “You don’t have to be a celebrity to fly private. Most people who do, you’ve never heard of.”
• “Ally leadership is not just about race or gender—it’s about everyone.”
• “If it’s a problem with millennials, we raised them. Look in the mirror.”
• “The differentiator isn’t just your product—it’s the human connection.”
• “Decisions are made by people who look left, right, and forward—never behind. Stay in their line of sight.”

 

#BEST

#SHMS

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

A certified financial planner and college funding expert.

• Over 20 years of experience in financial planning.
• Specializes in college financial planning.
• Runs the website and podcast: TamingTheHighCostOfCollege.com

2. Understanding College Funding Options

• Need-Based Aid: Based on family income/assets (e.g., FAFSA).
• Merit-Based Aid: Based on academic, athletic, or other achievements.
• Loans: A tool—not inherently bad, but must be used wisely.
• Military Benefits: Viable for some families, but not universal.

3. Late-Stage College Planning

• Begins in sophomore or freshman year of high school.
• Parents should start early to avoid last-minute stress and poor decisions.
• Includes understanding aid formulas, school selection, and financial strategy.

4. The Real Cost of College

• The sticker price is not the actual price most families pay.
• Example: Stanford may cost \$87,000/year, but families earning under \$100K may pay nothing.
• Each school has different aid policies—research is essential.

5. Balancing College and Retirement

• Many families sacrifice retirement savings to pay for college.
• Brad emphasizes awareness of trade-offs: “Don’t delay retirement to pay for college unless you understand the consequences.”

6. Common Mistakes

• Waiting too long to plan.
• Relying on anecdotal advice from friends or relatives.
• Applying only to expensive schools without exploring affordable alternatives.

---

💬 Memorable Quotes

• “Loans aren’t good or bad—they’re just a tool. But using the wrong tool can cause damage.”
• “The sticker price is not the price you pay. It’s the starting point.”
• “Start planning in sophomore year. Don’t wait until senior year when deadlines are looming.”
• “You can’t delay retirement to pay for college and expect it to work out. That’s a dangerous trade-off.”
• “Education is affordable—you just need to know the right path.”

 

• #BEST
• #STRAW
• #SHMS

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

💼 Business Overview

• Henry’s Soul Café: A family legacy restaurant founded in 1968 by Jermaine’s father. Jermaine expanded the brand while honoring its roots.
• Culinary Institute: Created to train and mentor youth in the culinary arts.
• Film & Talent: Produces films (Strange Love, Trophy Wife, Legendary with Earthquake) and manages comedians and entertainers.
• Real Estate: Active developer and investor in the DMV area.

 

💡 Key Insights

• Legacy & Mentorship: Inspired by his father’s generosity and work ethic, Jermaine emphasizes giving back and mentoring youth.
• Multiple Streams of Income: Jermaine diversified his career across food, entertainment, and real estate.
• Community Impact: Employs and mentors local youth, often becoming a father figure and role model.
• Soul Food Philosophy: Describes soul food as “cooked from the heart,” rooted in African American history and Southern traditions.
• Mumbo Sauce Origin: Shared the cultural history of D.C.’s iconic mumbo sauce and consulted McDonald’s on its rollout.

 

🧠 Business Wisdom

• “It’s not about what you acquire, it’s about what you help others acquire.”
• “Kids emulate what they see. Be the example.”
• “You don’t have to be the star to be the one who delivers the value.”

 

📦 Bonus Highlights

• TV Appearance: Featured on OWN’s Great Soul Food Cook-Off as one of the top 8 soul food chefs in the U.S.
• McDonald’s Collaboration: Consulted on the cultural authenticity of mumbo sauce for a national campaign.
• Faith & Focus: Attributes his success to staying grounded, being trustworthy, and having a heart for service.

 

#BEST

#STRAW

#SHMS

Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.