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 Robert Fitzpatrick, a Navy veteran, business consultant, fraternity brother (ΩΨΦ), and now the owner reviving his family’s historic Texas barbecue legacy. The conversation dives deeply into Fitzpatrick’s upbringing, his father’s groundbreaking barbecue business in 1950s Texas, his educational and military journey, his corporate career, and his decision to launch Dewey’s Barbecue Market in Skokie, Illinois—honoring his father’s original recipes and values.
The interview blends entrepreneurship, legacy, cultural history, and personal transformation, while highlighting the courage of Fitzpatrick’s father and the humility and faith-driven foundation of his family.
Purpose of the Interview
The interview aims to:
1. Inspire entrepreneurship and legacy-building
Fitzpatrick’s story showcases how family heritage and values can shape a business vision across generations.
2. Highlight resilience, faith, and leadership
His upbringing in a household rooted in Christian humility, strong expectations, and boundary-breaking courage provides a blueprint for character-driven success.
3. Educate listeners on transitioning careers
Fitzpatrick exemplifies pivoting from engineering and corporate consulting to pursuing passion-driven entrepreneurship.
4. Promote Dewey’s Barbecue Market
The interview introduces the Chicago-area community—especially the Skokie region—to his upcoming restaurant built on a 70-year-old Texas barbecue tradition.
Key Takeaways 1. A powerful family legacy rooted in courage
Fitzpatrick’s father, Dewey, opened a barbecue restaurant in 1951—before desegregation—and insisted that Blacks and whites could eat together.
He enforced respect and safety in his establishment, even confronting racist patrons.
2. Education was non-negotiable in the Fitzpatrick household
Robert is the youngest of seven siblings, all college graduates; five hold master’s degrees.
He himself holds an MBA and an MS in Management Information Systems.
3. A bridge between technology and business
Fitzpatrick spent decades in consulting with major firms (EDS, Dell, Arthur Andersen, KPMG) focusing on business process improvement.
His dual MS/MBA made him a translator between tech and finance.
4. Military discipline shaped his personal and professional life
Served in the U.S. Navy from 1986–1990, plus reserve duty (including deployment to Iraq).
Balanced military service with graduate studies and advancing his corporate career.
5. A calling to revive his father’s barbecue
His wife recognized his talent early, telling him for years he should be barbecuing.
A shortage of good Texas barbecue in Virginia pushed him to recreate his father’s recipes.
6. Skokie, Illinois: the ideal launchpad
After moving to the Great Lakes Naval Base area for a federal role, Fitzpatrick began scouting locations.
Skokie offered: active support from city leadership
grants
an ideal building
community enthusiasm

7. Dewey’s Barbecue Market offerings
Meats: brisket, sausage, hot links, smoked boudin (monthly special)
Sides: potato salad (egg/mayo base), pineapple vinegar coleslaw, fried okra, smoked pinto beans
Desserts: apple cobbler, blueberry cobbler, sweet potato pie, possibly fried pies
Bread: sliced “light bread” for dipping—traditional Texas style
Experience: dine-in with 60s–80s “feel-good” music
8. A commitment to doing things the right way
Fitzpatrick refuses to launch unless he can deliver “the best product on the planet.”
Focuses on simplicity, authenticity, and quality.
Notable Quotes About his father and legacy
“He said anybody who wants to eat here can eat here.”
(His father defying segregation laws in the 1950s.)

“I can call an undertaker or an ambulance. Which one do you prefer?”
(Dewey enforcing respect from a belligerent white customer.)

“That was my barbecue.”
(On being raised around his father’s legendary pit.)

About family and humility
“We are firmly rooted in Christ. If you try to get too big, He has a way of humbling you.”

“Seven kids, all with degrees… that’s normal to you. But we know that’s not normal.”
(McDonald highlighting the family’s extraordinary achievement.)

About his calling
“If I didn’t think I was bringing the best product on the planet, I wouldn’t even do it.”

“My wife tasted the barbecue and said, ‘This is what you need to be doing.’”

About launching in Skokie
“They really want me to be there… the economic development team didn’t treat it like just another restaurant.”
Short 3–5 Sentence Summary (For Quick Use)
In his interview with Rushion McDonald, Robert Fitzpatrick shares his journey from Navy veteran and Fortune 500 consultant to entrepreneur reviving his family’s historic Texas barbecue. He describes growing up with a courageous father who defied segregation in 1951 by serving Black and white customers together, and a family culture steeped in education, discipline, and humility. Fitzpatrick’s passion for barbecue and encouragement from his wife led him to bring his father’s 70-year-old recipes to Skokie, Illinois through Dewey’s Barbecue Market. The interview emphasizes legacy, faith, courage, and the pursuit of purpose.
#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 Sahra S. Halpern.
Interview Purpose
The purpose of this interview is to educate small business owners—especially entrepreneurs of color—about equitable access to capital, alternative lending pathways, and how to become “capital ready.” Sahra Halpern, President and CEO of the Business Consortium Fund (BCF), explains how mission‑driven lending fills the gap left by traditional banks and helps small businesses survive, grow, and ultimately graduate into mainstream financing.
The conversation also aims to demystify lending, reduce fear around capital, and encourage entrepreneurs to build trusted financial relationships before entering moments of crisis.
Core Themes Discussed 1. Why Small Businesses Are Turned Down by Banks
Halpern explains that many small businesses are rejected by banks not because they lack potential, but because banks operate under strict underwriting and regulatory requirements. These systems often fail to account for resilience, experience, contracts, and future growth.
BCF exists to serve as a bridge—supporting businesses where banks cannot and preparing them to eventually return as qualified borrowers.
2. Capital Curious vs. Capital Ready
A key distinction introduced in the interview is the difference between businesses that are “capital curious” and those that are “capital ready.”
Many entrepreneurs know they need funding but lack:
Financial organization
Clear projections
Proper documentation
A capital strategy
BCF provides technical assistance to help businesses prepare for financing instead of setting them up to fail.
3. Mission‑Driven Lending and Community Impact
Halpern frames lending as an ecosystem, not a transaction. When small businesses succeed:
Business owners gain stability
Employees gain jobs
Communities grow stronger
Large corporations benefit from more diverse and capable supply chains
BCF focuses on long‑term economic impact, not short‑term profit.
4. CDFIs vs. SBA Loans
The interview draws a clear distinction between Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) like BCF and government entities such as the SBA.
Key differences highlighted:
SBA programs shift based on political administrations
SBA underwriting has tightened in recent years
CDFIs are nonprofit, mission‑aligned, and relationship‑driven
CDFIs look at the whole entrepreneur, not just credit scores
5. The Danger of Merchant Cash Advance Loans
Halpern strongly warns against Merchant Cash Advance (MCA) loans, which are often marketed as fast solutions but carry extremely high interest rates and long‑term consequences.
She explains that:
MCAs disqualify borrowers from future SBA refinancing
They often trap business owners in cycles of expensive debt
CDFIs like BCF can help refinance and escape these loans
A real‑world case study (The Cut Buddy / Shark Tank entrepreneur) illustrates how BCF helped refinance over $1M in predatory debt and save a growing business.
6. Relationships Matter More Than Transactions
Both Halpern and McDonald emphasize the importance of building lender relationships early, not only when cash flow is tight. BCF underwrites the entire business and the entrepreneur, rather than seizing control of a contract or revenue stream, as some factoring companies do.
Power comes from having options—and informed decision‑making.
Key Takeaways
Banking rejection is not the end of the road
Small businesses must prepare themselves to be capital ready
CDFIs serve as critical bridges between entrepreneurs and traditional banks
Fast money often leads to expensive, dangerous debt
Merchant cash advances should be avoided whenever possible
Mission‑driven lenders look at the whole entrepreneur, not just numbers
Strong lender relationships protect businesses during uncertainty
Capital should empower growth—not take control of your company
Notable Quotes
“Just because a bank says no doesn’t mean that’s the end of your road.”
“We’re not just looking at your credit score—we’re looking at you as a whole entrepreneur.”
“Capital readiness is not about desperation; it’s about preparation.”
“If you’re sitting on a merchant cash advance loan right now, you are not stuck.”
“Nothing makes me happier than seeing clients realize their dreams and grow into multimillion‑dollar businesses.”
“You should talk to multiple lenders—but you should always understand the real cost of the money.”
Conclusion
Sahra Halpern’s interview serves as a practical roadmap and a cautionary lesson for small business owners navigating today’s uncertain economic landscape. It reinforces that access to capital is about strategy, education, and relationships, not just approval or rejection.
The conversation encourages entrepreneurs to reclaim power, avoid predatory financing, and partner with institutions that are committed to their long‑term success and community impact.
#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. George C. Fraser.
Interview Purpose
The purpose of this interview is to educate, challenge, and mobilize listeners—particularly within the Black community—toward financial literacy, economic empowerment, and generational wealth creation. Dr. Fraser uses his platform to stress that financial freedom is not accidental; it is the result of disciplined habits, strategic thinking, and collective economic action. He also emphasizes the critical role of networking, education, and ownership in shifting long‑standing economic disparities.
Core Themes Discussed 1. Financial Literacy as a Survival Skill
Dr. Fraser repeatedly emphasizes that financial illiteracy is dangerous and self‑defeating. He notes that many people are never formally taught how money works, leading to avoidable financial hardship. He argues that talking openly about money—in families, churches, and communities—is essential for progress.
2. The Three Rules of Financial Freedom
Dr. Fraser outlines three foundational rules that, if consistently followed, lead to financial stability and independence:
Housing costs should not exceed one week’s income
Only borrow money to make money
As income increases, cost of living should stay the same or decrease
These rules are positioned as practical guardrails that protect individuals from overextension and debt traps.
3. Habits That Keep People Broke
The interview details six destructive financial habits, including impulse buying, misuse of credit cards, paying minimum balances, and failing to build an emergency fund. Dr. Fraser stresses that these habits compound over time and prevent long‑term wealth accumulation.txt).
4. Generational Wealth Requires Structure
Dr. Fraser introduces four pillars necessary for intergenerational wealth transfer:
Proper management of accumulated wealth
Real estate ownership
Business ownership
Intentional investing
He explains that income alone does not create wealth; systems and ownership do.txt).
5. From Consumption to Ownership
A recurring message is the need to shift from being a consumer class to becoming a producer and merchant class. Dr. Fraser encourages entrepreneurship at every level—no matter how small—to build ownership and control economic outcomes.txt).
6. Networking and Collective Economics
Dr. Fraser highlights the importance of strategic networking and introduces concepts behind FraserNet and virtual economic ecosystems designed to connect Black professionals, businesses, and intellectual capital globally. He frames networking as an economic strategy, not a social activity.
Key Takeaways
Financial freedom follows rules, discipline, and education, not luck
Talking openly about money is essential to breaking cycles of poverty
Debt should only be used as a tool to produce returns
Living below one’s means creates capital for investing
Generational wealth requires planning, ownership, and systems
Multiple income streams are no longer optional—they are necessary
Networking is a vehicle for wealth creation and scale

Notable Quotes
“Your rent or mortgage should be no more than what you make in a week.”
“Only borrow money to make money.”.
“As your income increases, your cost of living should decrease or stay the same.”.
“Stop living above your means. Stop living within your means. Live below your means—and invest the rest.”.
“We are at the bottom of every economic statistic that matters. Education is the answer.”.
“There should not be a Black person in America with a single stream of income.”
“In America, somebody is always buying and somebody is always selling. Stop doing all the buying—sell something.”.
Conclusion
Dr. George C. Fraser’s interview serves as a call to action. It challenges listeners to confront unhealthy financial habits, embrace education, prioritize ownership, and build networks that support long‑term economic empowerment. The conversation underscores that true wealth is not about income alone, but about control, discipline, 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 Dr. Cherry Collier.
Master Certified Executive Coach
Organizational Psychologist
Founder of Personality Matters, a multimillion-dollar consulting firm
🌟 Key Themes 1. What Is a Master Certified Executive Coach?
Dr. Collier is credentialed by the International Coach Federation and trained in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP).
She helps individuals and organizations reach their goals through structured, science-based coaching.
2. Organizational Psychology
Focuses on aligning people, processes, and technology for optimal performance.
Uses diagnostics and gap analysis to tailor strategies for individuals and companies.
3. The Science of Connection
Emphasizes the importance of relationships and emotional intelligence.
Promotes the idea of “never walk alone” — building a supportive network is key to success.
4. Rise Framework
Relational
Interpersonal
Social
Emotional
Used to help individuals and teams grow holistically.
5. Challenges in the Workplace
Dr. Collier addresses modern workplace stress, technology overload, and the need for intentionality.
Encourages people to take control of their mindset and routines (e.g., ditch the snooze button!).
6. Black Women in the Workplace
Acknowledges systemic barriers but focuses on solutions and building strong support systems.
Advocates for certification and professional development to access higher-level opportunities.
💬 Notable Quotes
“Success is less about speed and more about direction.”
“If someone knocks you down, it’s their fault. If you stay down, it’s yours.”
“Your personality will take you into any room.”
🏢 About Her Company: Personality Matters
Specializes in helping organizations and individuals improve performance through behavioral science.
Ranked #9 on the University of Georgia’s Bulldog 100 list of fastest-growing businesses.
#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 Holly Cotton.
Titles: Wellness Expert, Registered Nurse (MSN), Bestselling Author, Breast Cancer Survivor, Life Coach, Speaker
Host: Rushion McDonald
Podcast: Money Making Conversations Masterclass
Holly Cotton shares her journey from nursing to authorship and wellness advocacy, shaped profoundly by surviving breast cancer. The conversation centers on holistic health, purpose after pain, mental health—especially in the Black community—and empowering women and youth to live authentically and intentionally.
Purpose of the Interview
The interview aims to:
Humanize success by showing how trauma and diagnosis can redirect life toward purpose and impact.
Redefine holistic wellness to include financial, mental, physical, and spiritual health.
Destigmatize mental health conversations, particularly in Black families and communities.
Inspire women and survivors to pursue authenticity, confidence, entrepreneurship, and joy after adversity.
Highlight youth empowerment, especially adolescent mental health, through Holly’s books and advocacy.
Key Themes & Takeaways 1. Nursing as a Foundation, Not an Identity
Holly entered nursing for stability and financial security but later recognized it as a platform, not her full identity.
She breaks the stereotype that nurses must work bedside or in hospitals.
Her career evolved into management, teaching, wellness, and entrepreneurship.
Takeaway: A degree can fund your life without defining your final destination.
2. A Holistic Lifestyle Goes Beyond Spirituality
Holly reframes “holistic” living as a three‑part alignment:
Mental Health
Physical Health
Financial Health
She argues finances are critical because financial stress disrupts mental and physical well‑being.
Key insight: You can’t fully heal or grow if one area—especially finances—is constantly in crisis.
3. Mental Health Is No Longer a Silent Topic
Holly explains how social media and generational shifts have helped destigmatize therapy and emotional vulnerability.
She contrasts the old “suck it up” mentality with today’s openness.
Community, language, and exposure help people recognize anxiety, depression, and stress earlier.
Takeaway: Awareness + access = healing.
4. Breast Cancer as a Turning Point, Not an Ending
Diagnosed in 2012, Holly discovered her cancer at her physical peak, which made the diagnosis more shocking.
She went through cycles of shock, anger, and resentment before finding clarity.
Her perspective shifted from “Why me?” to “Why am I still here?”
That question led her to:
Become a peer support resource for newly diagnosed patients
Write her autobiography, Strong More Than Muscles
Step into public storytelling and advocacy
Key message: Pain can push you into purpose.
5. Turning Survival Into Service
Holly’s book has reached readers worldwide, including cancer patients internationally.
She emphasizes visibility—showing strength, femininity, confidence, and joy after trauma.
Her presence challenges stereotypes about survivors, mothers, and professional women.
Takeaway: Representation heals people you may never meet personally.
6. Empowering Youth Through Mental Toughness
Holly’s Freeze Your Mind, Your Magic book series focuses on adolescent mental health:
Covers topics like self‑worth, pressure, body image, toxic relationships, stress, and chronic illness
Includes affirmations and conversation starters
Designed to create safe dialogue between parents and children
Versions for: Girls
Young men
Special needs youth
Children with chronic illness

Available in English and Spanish
Core belief: We invest heavily in kids’ physical strength—but neglect mental resilience.
7. Living Authentically Attracts Success
Holly stresses that alignment brings fulfillment:
When you live authentically, the money follows
The impact, relationships, and purpose are invaluable
Success isn’t just financial—it’s how many lives you uplift
Notable Quotes
“Holistic health is when your mental, physical, and financial health are all in sync.”
“If your money isn’t right, everything else starts falling apart.”
“I stopped asking ‘Why me?’ and started asking ‘Why am I still here?’”
“Pain will push you to your purpose if you let it.”
“We’re worried about kids being physically strong, but we need them mentally tough too.”
“When you live your life authentically, everything aligns—and the money comes.”
Overall Impact
This interview serves as a motivational and healing masterclass, especially for:
Women balancing career, motherhood, and personal dreams
Cancer survivors or anyone facing health trauma
Advocates for youth mental health
Professionals transitioning into entrepreneurship or purpose-driven work
Holly Cotton’s story reframes adversity as a doorway into alignment, leadership, and service, reminding listeners that survival is not the finish line—impact is.
#STRAW #BEST #SHMS
Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.