Podcasts about increased

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 Dave Charest. Director of Small Business Success at Constant Contact, shared practical advice for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and startup founders on marketing, customer engagement, business growth, and the future of AI in marketing. Drawing from his experience helping small businesses worldwide, Charest explained why entrepreneurship is booming, how businesses can effectively market themselves with limited budgets, and why building direct customer relationships through email marketing remains one of the most valuable assets a company can own. Purpose of the Interview The interview was designed to: Explain why more people are starting businesses and pursuing entrepreneurship. Educate business owners on effective marketing strategies. Highlight the advantages of email marketing over relying solely on social media. Discuss common mistakes made by new entrepreneurs. Help small businesses understand how to build customer relationships. Explore how AI is transforming marketing and business operations. Provide actionable guidance for growing a brand through consistency and community engagement. Key Takeaways 1. Entrepreneurship Continues to Grow According to Charest, people are increasingly motivated to start businesses because they want: Greater independence Better control over their schedules Increased financial potential Many entrepreneurs are turning side hustles into full-time businesses and pursuing ownership rather than traditional employment. 2. Email Marketing Is More Valuable Than Most Entrepreneurs Realize One of the strongest themes of the interview is the importance of owning your audience. While social media platforms can help businesses attract attention, email marketing provides direct access to customers without relying on platform algorithms. Charest encourages entrepreneurs to use social media as a discovery tool but move customers into channels they control, such as email and text messaging. 3. The Real Asset Is the Relationship Businesses that own customer contact information have a direct connection that cannot be disrupted by changes in social media platforms. Unlike followers on a social network, email subscribers have chosen to hear from a business directly. The stronger the relationship, the greater the opportunity for future sales and engagement. 4. Small Lists Can Produce Big Results Charest challenges the belief that businesses need massive audiences to succeed. A small, engaged audience often produces better results than a large, passive following. For many local businesses, quality relationships matter more than audience size. 5. Consistency Beats Perfection When marketing a business, consistency is more important than trying every available platform. Business owners should: Choose channels they can maintain consistently. Show up regularly. Stay visible to customers. Build trust through repetition and reliability. His message is simple: people can't buy from businesses they forget about. 6. New Entrepreneurs Often Try to Do Too Much One of the most common mistakes startups make is attempting to launch every marketing tactic simultaneously. Charest recommends: Starting small. Building a solid foundation. Creating manageable marketing habits. Avoiding unrealistic expectations. Businesses grow more effectively when they focus on a few activities and execute them well. 7. Community Matters Successful local businesses build relationships beyond customers. Charest emphasized the importance of connecting with: Other local businesses Community organizations Referral partners Customers in person Strong community connections often become a business's most reliable growth engine. 8. Choose Marketing Channels That Fit Your Strengths Different social platforms serve different purposes. Rather than chasing every trend, entrepreneurs should focus on: Where their audience spends time What content they naturally enjoy creating Which platforms they can use consistently A sustainable strategy beats an ambitious one that is quickly abandoned. 9. Marketing Is About Staying Top of Mind Charest defines marketing in a straightforward way: Businesses need to remain visible so customers think of them first when they need a product or service. The more consistently a company appears in front of its audience, the stronger its brand becomes. 10. AI Is Becoming a Powerful Marketing Tool Charest views AI as a major opportunity for small businesses. He discussed how AI can help: Generate marketing content Create email campaigns Build marketing plans Repurpose content across multiple channels Analyze customer behavior Identify new opportunities Rather than replacing entrepreneurs, AI allows them to save time and make smarter decisions. 11. Business Owners Must Continue Learning Technology and marketing are evolving rapidly. Charest advises entrepreneurs to stay informed and remain open to new tools and trends, even if they do not adopt every new technology immediately. The key is to remain adaptable and avoid being left behind. Memorable Quotes "People are determined to become their own bosses." "Our mission is to help the small stand tall." "The money is in the list." "Your goal should always be trying to move those people to channels that you own." "The relationships you build with customers are always going to be your most valuable asset." "You don't really need the big numbers." "Start small." "Consistency is the big thing that makes marketing work." "Marketing at its simplest level is about keeping your business top of mind." "Small business owners are resilient." "There isn't a Plan B. Plan A is to own this business." "AI can save time so you can get back to the things you'd rather be doing." Bottom Line Dave Charest's interview is a practical playbook for entrepreneurs looking to grow a business in a crowded digital marketplace. His core message is that successful marketing is not about chasing every trend or building massive social media followings. Instead, businesses win by building genuine relationships, creating direct connections with customers through email and text marketing, staying consistent, embracing new technology like AI, and becoming a trusted part of their community. For entrepreneurs seeking sustainable growth, Charest advocates focusing on ownership, relationships, and long-term customer engagement. Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success. Business Podcast Entrepreneurship Small Business Business Growth Financial Literacy Wealth Building Black Entrepreneurs Minority Business Leadership Executive Leadership Business Funding Marketing Strategies Personal Development Startup Advice Sales Training CEO Interviews Founder Stories Professional Development Economic Empowerment Business Success Networking Brand Building Innovation How to start a business Small business funding Entrepreneur success stories Business leadership podcast Wealth building strategies Black entrepreneur podcast Minority business development Marketing for small businesses Business growth strategies Startup funding opportunities Executive leadership training Financial literacy education Success mindset podcast #SHMS #BEST #STRAWSupport 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. Sonia Lewis. Founder and CEO of The Student Loan Doctor, LLC, an award-winning company that helps individuals navigate student loan repayment and debt management. The conversation explores America's student loan crisis, the long-term impact of educational debt, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and Dr. Lewis's journey from higher education professional to nationally recognized business owner. At its core, the interview is both a discussion about the realities of student loan debt and an entrepreneurial success story about identifying a major problem and building a business around solving it. Purpose of the Interview The interview was designed to: Educate listeners about the student loan debt crisis. Explain how student debt affects long-term financial success. Highlight the unique challenges facing African American borrowers, particularly women. Introduce solutions and resources for student loan repayment. Share Dr. Lewis's entrepreneurial journey and business-building strategies. Encourage financial literacy and informed borrowing decisions. Key Takeaways 1. Student Loan Debt Is a Systemic Problem Dr. Lewis argues that the student loan crisis begins with the cost of higher education itself. Key points include: Student loans are one of the few major financial products available without traditional underwriting standards. New borrowers continuously enter the system, making loan forgiveness alone an incomplete solution. The problem is tied directly to the growing cost of college education. Higher education and student lending have become interconnected industries with few structural solutions. Bottom Line: The challenge is not just repayment. It is the broader system that continues producing new debt every semester. 2. Student Debt Impacts Major Life Decisions One of the strongest themes throughout the interview is how student debt affects adulthood. Dr. Lewis explains that borrowers often don't fully understand the consequences until they begin trying to: Buy a home Build credit Get married Start a family Launch a business Create long-term wealth Many borrowers discover that large student loan balances significantly limit financial flexibility and delay major life milestones. 3. African American Women Carry a Disproportionate Burden Dr. Lewis has dedicated much of her career to studying how student loan debt impacts African American women. She notes that: African American women earn more college degrees than many demographic groups. They often carry some of the highest student loan balances. Educational attainment does not always translate into proportional wealth building. Student debt often delays homeownership, entrepreneurship, and family financial growth. This issue became a central motivation behind her work and the creation of her company. 4. The Student Loan Doctor Was Built by Solving a Real Problem Dr. Lewis launched her business after recognizing that borrowers were not receiving adequate guidance from loan servicers. She initially: Worked a full-time job in higher education. Met clients in cafes and community spaces after work. Charged modest consultation fees. Studied federal student loan regulations extensively. Built expertise through years of financial aid and higher education experience. Eventually demand exceeded her full-time salary, allowing her to transition into entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurial Lesson: Find a major problem, become an expert in solving it, and deliver consistent value. 5. Solving Problems Creates Business Opportunities A powerful business lesson from the interview is Dr. Lewis's belief that successful entrepreneurs place themselves in the middle of a significant problem. After publicly sharing that she was the first African American woman-owned student loan repayment company, her story went viral. This exposure led to: National media attention Increased public awareness Thousands of inquiries Significant business growth Her success demonstrates the value of owning a niche and becoming the go-to expert in that space. 6. Financial Literacy Starts at Home While colleges play a role in educating students about finances, Dr. Lewis believes financial literacy begins much earlier. She emphasizes: Parents should teach money management. Young adults often receive loan refunds without understanding budgeting. Many borrowers arrive at college without financial education. Borrowing decisions should be tied to future earning potential. Her View: Financial decision-making skills must be developed before students begin managing significant amounts of money. 7. Education Must Connect to Career Outcomes Another important takeaway is the need to think strategically about degrees and career paths. Dr. Lewis encourages students and families to consider: Return on investment. Career demand. Income potential. Employment opportunities. Degree marketability. She notes that many borrowers accumulate debt for degrees without fully understanding how those degrees translate into sustainable careers. 8. Teaching Builds Trust A major factor in Dr. Lewis's success has been education-based marketing. She regularly provides: Free workshops Online classes Community education events Financial literacy sessions By teaching first and selling second, she establishes credibility and trust with potential clients. Notable Quotes On the Student Loan Crisis "Unless we make it free, free 99, in the United States of America, this is a trillion-dollar problem that really doesn't have a solution." On Life After College "When you go to buy a home, they'll say, well, you already have a mortgage. We can't give you another one." On Entrepreneurship "When you are an entrepreneur, you want to put yourself in the middle of a big problem." On Her Business Growth "There was no me before. People were shying away from this conversation." On Supporting Borrowers "We get right into the solution." On Student Loan Shame "It's the thing that plays in the back of your mind when no one else is around." On Building a Business "I only want to talk about having student loans. That's my lane." On Success "God be showing up in places that I haven't made it to yet." On Leadership "You cannot be an entrepreneur, a good business owner, a good leader if you don't have discernment about people." On Personal Growth "I believe in mentorship. I believe in investing in myself." Executive Summary Dr. Sonia Lewis's interview is both a financial education discussion and an entrepreneurial masterclass. She highlights how student loan debt has become a long-term barrier to wealth creation, particularly for African American women, while providing practical insight into why borrowers struggle and how they can move forward. Equally important, she demonstrates how identifying a widespread problem, developing deep expertise, and consistently educating others can create a highly successful business. Her overarching message is that informed financial decisions, strong mentorship, continuous learning, and strategic problem-solving are essential for both personal and professional success. #STRAW #BEST #SHMS Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success. Business Podcast Entrepreneurship Small Business Business Growth Financial Literacy Wealth Building Black Entrepreneurs Minority Business Leadership Executive Leadership Business Funding Marketing Strategies Personal Development Startup Advice Sales Training CEO Interviews Founder Stories Professional Development Economic Empowerment Business Success Networking Brand Building Innovation How to start a business Small business funding Entrepreneur success stories Business leadership podcast Wealth building strategies Black entrepreneur podcast Minority business development Marketing for small businesses Business growth strategies Startup funding opportunities Executive leadership training Financial literacy education Success mindset podcastSupport 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. Sonia Lewis. Founder and CEO of The Student Loan Doctor, LLC, an award-winning company that helps individuals navigate student loan repayment and debt management. The conversation explores America's student loan crisis, the long-term impact of educational debt, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and Dr. Lewis's journey from higher education professional to nationally recognized business owner. At its core, the interview is both a discussion about the realities of student loan debt and an entrepreneurial success story about identifying a major problem and building a business around solving it. Purpose of the Interview The interview was designed to: Educate listeners about the student loan debt crisis. Explain how student debt affects long-term financial success. Highlight the unique challenges facing African American borrowers, particularly women. Introduce solutions and resources for student loan repayment. Share Dr. Lewis's entrepreneurial journey and business-building strategies. Encourage financial literacy and informed borrowing decisions. Key Takeaways 1. Student Loan Debt Is a Systemic Problem Dr. Lewis argues that the student loan crisis begins with the cost of higher education itself. Key points include: Student loans are one of the few major financial products available without traditional underwriting standards. New borrowers continuously enter the system, making loan forgiveness alone an incomplete solution. The problem is tied directly to the growing cost of college education. Higher education and student lending have become interconnected industries with few structural solutions. Bottom Line: The challenge is not just repayment. It is the broader system that continues producing new debt every semester. 2. Student Debt Impacts Major Life Decisions One of the strongest themes throughout the interview is how student debt affects adulthood. Dr. Lewis explains that borrowers often don't fully understand the consequences until they begin trying to: Buy a home Build credit Get married Start a family Launch a business Create long-term wealth Many borrowers discover that large student loan balances significantly limit financial flexibility and delay major life milestones. 3. African American Women Carry a Disproportionate Burden Dr. Lewis has dedicated much of her career to studying how student loan debt impacts African American women. She notes that: African American women earn more college degrees than many demographic groups. They often carry some of the highest student loan balances. Educational attainment does not always translate into proportional wealth building. Student debt often delays homeownership, entrepreneurship, and family financial growth. This issue became a central motivation behind her work and the creation of her company. 4. The Student Loan Doctor Was Built by Solving a Real Problem Dr. Lewis launched her business after recognizing that borrowers were not receiving adequate guidance from loan servicers. She initially: Worked a full-time job in higher education. Met clients in cafes and community spaces after work. Charged modest consultation fees. Studied federal student loan regulations extensively. Built expertise through years of financial aid and higher education experience. Eventually demand exceeded her full-time salary, allowing her to transition into entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurial Lesson: Find a major problem, become an expert in solving it, and deliver consistent value. 5. Solving Problems Creates Business Opportunities A powerful business lesson from the interview is Dr. Lewis's belief that successful entrepreneurs place themselves in the middle of a significant problem. After publicly sharing that she was the first African American woman-owned student loan repayment company, her story went viral. This exposure led to: National media attention Increased public awareness Thousands of inquiries Significant business growth Her success demonstrates the value of owning a niche and becoming the go-to expert in that space. 6. Financial Literacy Starts at Home While colleges play a role in educating students about finances, Dr. Lewis believes financial literacy begins much earlier. She emphasizes: Parents should teach money management. Young adults often receive loan refunds without understanding budgeting. Many borrowers arrive at college without financial education. Borrowing decisions should be tied to future earning potential. Her View: Financial decision-making skills must be developed before students begin managing significant amounts of money. 7. Education Must Connect to Career Outcomes Another important takeaway is the need to think strategically about degrees and career paths. Dr. Lewis encourages students and families to consider: Return on investment. Career demand. Income potential. Employment opportunities. Degree marketability. She notes that many borrowers accumulate debt for degrees without fully understanding how those degrees translate into sustainable careers. 8. Teaching Builds Trust A major factor in Dr. Lewis's success has been education-based marketing. She regularly provides: Free workshops Online classes Community education events Financial literacy sessions By teaching first and selling second, she establishes credibility and trust with potential clients. Notable Quotes On the Student Loan Crisis "Unless we make it free, free 99, in the United States of America, this is a trillion-dollar problem that really doesn't have a solution." On Life After College "When you go to buy a home, they'll say, well, you already have a mortgage. We can't give you another one." On Entrepreneurship "When you are an entrepreneur, you want to put yourself in the middle of a big problem." On Her Business Growth "There was no me before. People were shying away from this conversation." On Supporting Borrowers "We get right into the solution." On Student Loan Shame "It's the thing that plays in the back of your mind when no one else is around." On Building a Business "I only want to talk about having student loans. That's my lane." On Success "God be showing up in places that I haven't made it to yet." On Leadership "You cannot be an entrepreneur, a good business owner, a good leader if you don't have discernment about people." On Personal Growth "I believe in mentorship. I believe in investing in myself." Executive Summary Dr. Sonia Lewis's interview is both a financial education discussion and an entrepreneurial masterclass. She highlights how student loan debt has become a long-term barrier to wealth creation, particularly for African American women, while providing practical insight into why borrowers struggle and how they can move forward. Equally important, she demonstrates how identifying a widespread problem, developing deep expertise, and consistently educating others can create a highly successful business. Her overarching message is that informed financial decisions, strong mentorship, continuous learning, and strategic problem-solving are essential for both personal and professional success. #STRAW #BEST #SHMS Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success. Business Podcast Entrepreneurship Small Business Business Growth Financial Literacy Wealth Building Black Entrepreneurs Minority Business Leadership Executive Leadership Business Funding Marketing Strategies Personal Development Startup Advice Sales Training CEO Interviews Founder Stories Professional Development Economic Empowerment Business Success Networking Brand Building Innovation How to start a business Small business funding Entrepreneur success stories Business leadership podcast Wealth building strategies Black entrepreneur podcast Minority business development Marketing for small businesses Business growth strategies Startup funding opportunities Executive leadership training Financial literacy education Success mindset podcastSee 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 Dave Charest. Director of Small Business Success at Constant Contact, shared practical advice for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and startup founders on marketing, customer engagement, business growth, and the future of AI in marketing. Drawing from his experience helping small businesses worldwide, Charest explained why entrepreneurship is booming, how businesses can effectively market themselves with limited budgets, and why building direct customer relationships through email marketing remains one of the most valuable assets a company can own. Purpose of the Interview The interview was designed to: Explain why more people are starting businesses and pursuing entrepreneurship. Educate business owners on effective marketing strategies. Highlight the advantages of email marketing over relying solely on social media. Discuss common mistakes made by new entrepreneurs. Help small businesses understand how to build customer relationships. Explore how AI is transforming marketing and business operations. Provide actionable guidance for growing a brand through consistency and community engagement. Key Takeaways 1. Entrepreneurship Continues to Grow According to Charest, people are increasingly motivated to start businesses because they want: Greater independence Better control over their schedules Increased financial potential Many entrepreneurs are turning side hustles into full-time businesses and pursuing ownership rather than traditional employment. 2. Email Marketing Is More Valuable Than Most Entrepreneurs Realize One of the strongest themes of the interview is the importance of owning your audience. While social media platforms can help businesses attract attention, email marketing provides direct access to customers without relying on platform algorithms. Charest encourages entrepreneurs to use social media as a discovery tool but move customers into channels they control, such as email and text messaging. 3. The Real Asset Is the Relationship Businesses that own customer contact information have a direct connection that cannot be disrupted by changes in social media platforms. Unlike followers on a social network, email subscribers have chosen to hear from a business directly. The stronger the relationship, the greater the opportunity for future sales and engagement. 4. Small Lists Can Produce Big Results Charest challenges the belief that businesses need massive audiences to succeed. A small, engaged audience often produces better results than a large, passive following. For many local businesses, quality relationships matter more than audience size. 5. Consistency Beats Perfection When marketing a business, consistency is more important than trying every available platform. Business owners should: Choose channels they can maintain consistently. Show up regularly. Stay visible to customers. Build trust through repetition and reliability. His message is simple: people can't buy from businesses they forget about. 6. New Entrepreneurs Often Try to Do Too Much One of the most common mistakes startups make is attempting to launch every marketing tactic simultaneously. Charest recommends: Starting small. Building a solid foundation. Creating manageable marketing habits. Avoiding unrealistic expectations. Businesses grow more effectively when they focus on a few activities and execute them well. 7. Community Matters Successful local businesses build relationships beyond customers. Charest emphasized the importance of connecting with: Other local businesses Community organizations Referral partners Customers in person Strong community connections often become a business's most reliable growth engine. 8. Choose Marketing Channels That Fit Your Strengths Different social platforms serve different purposes. Rather than chasing every trend, entrepreneurs should focus on: Where their audience spends time What content they naturally enjoy creating Which platforms they can use consistently A sustainable strategy beats an ambitious one that is quickly abandoned. 9. Marketing Is About Staying Top of Mind Charest defines marketing in a straightforward way: Businesses need to remain visible so customers think of them first when they need a product or service. The more consistently a company appears in front of its audience, the stronger its brand becomes. 10. AI Is Becoming a Powerful Marketing Tool Charest views AI as a major opportunity for small businesses. He discussed how AI can help: Generate marketing content Create email campaigns Build marketing plans Repurpose content across multiple channels Analyze customer behavior Identify new opportunities Rather than replacing entrepreneurs, AI allows them to save time and make smarter decisions. 11. Business Owners Must Continue Learning Technology and marketing are evolving rapidly. Charest advises entrepreneurs to stay informed and remain open to new tools and trends, even if they do not adopt every new technology immediately. The key is to remain adaptable and avoid being left behind. Memorable Quotes "People are determined to become their own bosses." "Our mission is to help the small stand tall." "The money is in the list." "Your goal should always be trying to move those people to channels that you own." "The relationships you build with customers are always going to be your most valuable asset." "You don't really need the big numbers." "Start small." "Consistency is the big thing that makes marketing work." "Marketing at its simplest level is about keeping your business top of mind." "Small business owners are resilient." "There isn't a Plan B. Plan A is to own this business." "AI can save time so you can get back to the things you'd rather be doing." Bottom Line Dave Charest's interview is a practical playbook for entrepreneurs looking to grow a business in a crowded digital marketplace. His core message is that successful marketing is not about chasing every trend or building massive social media followings. Instead, businesses win by building genuine relationships, creating direct connections with customers through email and text marketing, staying consistent, embracing new technology like AI, and becoming a trusted part of their community. For entrepreneurs seeking sustainable growth, Charest advocates focusing on ownership, relationships, and long-term customer engagement. Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success. Business Podcast Entrepreneurship Small Business Business Growth Financial Literacy Wealth Building Black Entrepreneurs Minority Business Leadership Executive Leadership Business Funding Marketing Strategies Personal Development Startup Advice Sales Training CEO Interviews Founder Stories Professional Development Economic Empowerment Business Success Networking Brand Building Innovation How to start a business Small business funding Entrepreneur success stories Business leadership podcast Wealth building strategies Black entrepreneur podcast Minority business development Marketing for small businesses Business growth strategies Startup funding opportunities Executive leadership training Financial literacy education Success mindset podcast #SHMS #BEST #STRAWSee 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. Sonia Lewis. Founder and CEO of The Student Loan Doctor, LLC, an award-winning company that helps individuals navigate student loan repayment and debt management. The conversation explores America's student loan crisis, the long-term impact of educational debt, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and Dr. Lewis's journey from higher education professional to nationally recognized business owner. At its core, the interview is both a discussion about the realities of student loan debt and an entrepreneurial success story about identifying a major problem and building a business around solving it. Purpose of the Interview The interview was designed to: Educate listeners about the student loan debt crisis. Explain how student debt affects long-term financial success. Highlight the unique challenges facing African American borrowers, particularly women. Introduce solutions and resources for student loan repayment. Share Dr. Lewis's entrepreneurial journey and business-building strategies. Encourage financial literacy and informed borrowing decisions. Key Takeaways 1. Student Loan Debt Is a Systemic Problem Dr. Lewis argues that the student loan crisis begins with the cost of higher education itself. Key points include: Student loans are one of the few major financial products available without traditional underwriting standards. New borrowers continuously enter the system, making loan forgiveness alone an incomplete solution. The problem is tied directly to the growing cost of college education. Higher education and student lending have become interconnected industries with few structural solutions. Bottom Line: The challenge is not just repayment. It is the broader system that continues producing new debt every semester. 2. Student Debt Impacts Major Life Decisions One of the strongest themes throughout the interview is how student debt affects adulthood. Dr. Lewis explains that borrowers often don't fully understand the consequences until they begin trying to: Buy a home Build credit Get married Start a family Launch a business Create long-term wealth Many borrowers discover that large student loan balances significantly limit financial flexibility and delay major life milestones. 3. African American Women Carry a Disproportionate Burden Dr. Lewis has dedicated much of her career to studying how student loan debt impacts African American women. She notes that: African American women earn more college degrees than many demographic groups. They often carry some of the highest student loan balances. Educational attainment does not always translate into proportional wealth building. Student debt often delays homeownership, entrepreneurship, and family financial growth. This issue became a central motivation behind her work and the creation of her company. 4. The Student Loan Doctor Was Built by Solving a Real Problem Dr. Lewis launched her business after recognizing that borrowers were not receiving adequate guidance from loan servicers. She initially: Worked a full-time job in higher education. Met clients in cafes and community spaces after work. Charged modest consultation fees. Studied federal student loan regulations extensively. Built expertise through years of financial aid and higher education experience. Eventually demand exceeded her full-time salary, allowing her to transition into entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurial Lesson: Find a major problem, become an expert in solving it, and deliver consistent value. 5. Solving Problems Creates Business Opportunities A powerful business lesson from the interview is Dr. Lewis's belief that successful entrepreneurs place themselves in the middle of a significant problem. After publicly sharing that she was the first African American woman-owned student loan repayment company, her story went viral. This exposure led to: National media attention Increased public awareness Thousands of inquiries Significant business growth Her success demonstrates the value of owning a niche and becoming the go-to expert in that space. 6. Financial Literacy Starts at Home While colleges play a role in educating students about finances, Dr. Lewis believes financial literacy begins much earlier. She emphasizes: Parents should teach money management. Young adults often receive loan refunds without understanding budgeting. Many borrowers arrive at college without financial education. Borrowing decisions should be tied to future earning potential. Her View: Financial decision-making skills must be developed before students begin managing significant amounts of money. 7. Education Must Connect to Career Outcomes Another important takeaway is the need to think strategically about degrees and career paths. Dr. Lewis encourages students and families to consider: Return on investment. Career demand. Income potential. Employment opportunities. Degree marketability. She notes that many borrowers accumulate debt for degrees without fully understanding how those degrees translate into sustainable careers. 8. Teaching Builds Trust A major factor in Dr. Lewis's success has been education-based marketing. She regularly provides: Free workshops Online classes Community education events Financial literacy sessions By teaching first and selling second, she establishes credibility and trust with potential clients. Notable Quotes On the Student Loan Crisis "Unless we make it free, free 99, in the United States of America, this is a trillion-dollar problem that really doesn't have a solution." On Life After College "When you go to buy a home, they'll say, well, you already have a mortgage. We can't give you another one." On Entrepreneurship "When you are an entrepreneur, you want to put yourself in the middle of a big problem." On Her Business Growth "There was no me before. People were shying away from this conversation." On Supporting Borrowers "We get right into the solution." On Student Loan Shame "It's the thing that plays in the back of your mind when no one else is around." On Building a Business "I only want to talk about having student loans. That's my lane." On Success "God be showing up in places that I haven't made it to yet." On Leadership "You cannot be an entrepreneur, a good business owner, a good leader if you don't have discernment about people." On Personal Growth "I believe in mentorship. I believe in investing in myself." Executive Summary Dr. Sonia Lewis's interview is both a financial education discussion and an entrepreneurial masterclass. She highlights how student loan debt has become a long-term barrier to wealth creation, particularly for African American women, while providing practical insight into why borrowers struggle and how they can move forward. Equally important, she demonstrates how identifying a widespread problem, developing deep expertise, and consistently educating others can create a highly successful business. Her overarching message is that informed financial decisions, strong mentorship, continuous learning, and strategic problem-solving are essential for both personal and professional success. #STRAW #BEST #SHMS Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success. Business Podcast Entrepreneurship Small Business Business Growth Financial Literacy Wealth Building Black Entrepreneurs Minority Business Leadership Executive Leadership Business Funding Marketing Strategies Personal Development Startup Advice Sales Training CEO Interviews Founder Stories Professional Development Economic Empowerment Business Success Networking Brand Building Innovation How to start a business Small business funding Entrepreneur success stories Business leadership podcast Wealth building strategies Black entrepreneur podcast Minority business development Marketing for small businesses Business growth strategies Startup funding opportunities Executive leadership training Financial literacy education Success mindset podcastSteve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's gross domestic product figures released yesterday show one industry is bucking the trend. Construction was up 2.7 percent in the last quarter and is the largest contributor to the overall increase in GDP. It's also the largest increase in construction activity since the June 2023 quarter. Chief Executive of New Zealand Certified Builders Malcolm Fleming spoke to Guyon Espiner.

There is a 90% chance for a rate hike... Today we cover growing economic and market risks, as we hone in on AI, inflation, interest rates, housing, and government spending. There is increasingly negative messaging from major AI companies, arguing that calls for regulation may reflect slowing AI growth and a desire to limit competition rather than purely concern for public safety, while warning that a slowdown in AI investment could expose an already stagnant economy and increase recession risks. We also talk the rising expectations for Fed rate hikes, higher Treasury yields, and weakening housing affordability. We review seasonal market weakness in September and October, stock issuance as a potential warning sign of corporate stress, and why investors should remain cautious and reduce risk amid increasing volatility and uncertainty.  We discuss...  College planning and how scholarships can dramatically reduce the actual cost of expensive liberal arts colleges. The changing narrative around AI and whether growing calls for AI regulation are partly driven by major companies trying to limit competition. Whether AI development is beginning to plateau after several years of rapid growth and what that could mean for the economy and markets. Slowing AI investment could expose underlying economic weakness and potentially contribute to stagnation or recession. Rising expectations for Federal Reserve rate hikes as inflation and employment data point toward a more challenging economic environment. Higher interest rates and Treasury yields could put additional pressure on an already stretched housing market. How housing affordability has deteriorated dramatically for younger Americans and why falling home prices could ultimately be beneficial for buyers. Why mortgage rates are influenced more directly by Treasury yields and the broader yield curve than by the Fed's policy rate alone. How the traditional 60/40 portfolio has become less effective as stocks and bonds have increasingly moved together. Why rising interest rates can make short-term fixed income more attractive while creating risks for investors holding longer-term bonds. How everyday necessities such as groceries, shelter, insurance, fuel, and coffee have risen sharply in price despite headline inflation appearing much lower. Rising gas prices and their potential political consequences heading into the midterm elections. Increased corporate stock issuance as a potential warning sign that companies may be relying on equity financing rather than debt to raise capital. For more information, visit the full show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/chance-for-a-rate-hike-851 

Patrick Tuohey, Show-Me Institute, On Increased Parking Rates at KCI | 9-16-26See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Interest rates increased

Matt Davison, CEO of NAMI Chicago, joins Lisa Dent to talk about how kids’ suicide ER visits have spiked. Matt talks about the importance of youth mental health education and the engagement of parents and students in recognizing signs and symptoms. For more information on NAMI Chicago, visit namichicago.org.

On this segment of "Real Talk" check out our recap of the Ruiz vs Knyba card

Get a $230 gift card after your first payment of $500 with Melio (affiliate) - https://milestomemories.com/go/melio/ Capital One Venture more info on our site (affiliate) - https://milestomemories.com/capital-one-venture-rewards-credit-card/ Airlines are quietly punishing one-way bookings again, with Kyle Potter documenting examples across countless airports, and it comes with a mystery: Delta calendars showing the exact same "lowest" price every single day for months. We get into what booking a round trip cost Mark on his Singapore trip, whether shared pricing software deserves a closer look, and why Frontier is suddenly the only airline behaving. Then a genuinely useful how-to: adding your American number to an Alaska Atmos booking so your status perks follow you, including the one mistake that locks the wrong number in and the earning trade-off to consider first. Mark maps out his Summit card companion cert rotation, we break down the increased Capital One Venture offer and the FU points philosophy behind it, and Emirates unveils the first premium economy seat that looks designed on purpose: motorized recline, a motorized privacy divider, wireless charging, and one big retrofit catch. Would you book premium economy over saving the miles? Let us know in the comments. Episode Guide: 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 1:03 Airlines Are Punishing One-Way Bookings 2:33 When a Round Trip Burned Mark in Bangkok 4:07 Delta's Suspiciously Flat Calendar Prices 7:10 In Defense of Delta (Sort Of) 8:12 The Redheaded Safety Video Celebrity 10:16 Add Your AA Number to an Atmos Booking 14:30 Replenishing Atmos: Cards & Companion Certs 18:39 Capital One Venture: 75K + a $300 Hotel Credit 22:52 Emirates Reinvents Premium Economy 27:32 Final Thoughts Links One-way penalty - https://thriftytraveler.com/news/travel/one-way-vs-round-trip-analysis/ Adding AA to Alaska booking - https://milestomemories.com/add-alaska-atmos-booking-to-american-airlines/ AA to Atmos - https://milestomemories.com/atmos-rewards-loyalty-program/ Emirates premium economy - https://onemileatatime.com/news/emirates-new-premium-economy-seat/

14 year old killed in e-bike crash in Pacific Beach, Increased push to prohibit WAYMO near San Diego International Airport, Cooler weather across San Diego County

Some Americans are frustrated that affordability has not improved quicker. The US has not built a major oil refinery since 1977. Oil prices have remained high primarily due to limited refining capacity. The Trump administration recently announced the first major oil refinery since 1977. Allowing too many people into our country has created increased prices for food, housing, medical expenses, and nearly every item we purchase. If the immigration crackdown continues, an estimated 15 million foreign-born people will leave the US by the end of president Trump's term. The affordability issues have been created over decades. Fixing these problems takes time. Structural changes this significant typically are a result of bloody revolutions. So far, we have gotten off easy. It is naive to think that enemies of America, the Legacy Media, Globalists, the Uni-Party, Bureaucrats, and Democrats would give up easily. Ferenc shares an extreme client example that had suffered extremely poor performance due to poor indexes, high fees, and low participation rates.  Ferenc explains in detail how he was able to find a product that will increase their potential increased returns 10X based on the past decade historical returns.

Increased Traffic

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Business Edition Podcast, co-hosts Gary McCreadie and Furman Haynes from WorkHero speak with Bill Spohn, Founder & CEO of TruTech Tools, LTD, who brings 38 years of experience in the HVAC industry. They discuss the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), including meeting structure, decision-making, core values, accountability, and culture. Bill shares how TruTech Tools introduced EOS practices, used a Vision Traction Organizer, defined roles through the GWC framework, tracked leading indicators, and approached leadership succession.   Expect To Learn: How EOS uses a two-page Vision Traction Organizer to guide business planning. Why regular meetings with clear agendas improve leadership communication. How to define core values through a keep, kill, and combine process. What the GWC framework means for assigning people to the right roles. Why quarterly conversations can support accountability and feedback. How leading indicators can help teams anticipate future performance. How structured meetings can help leaders identify, discuss, and solve issues.   Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 01:14 – Discovering the Vision Traction Organizer 03:10 – Early EOS practices at TruTech Tools 04:29 – Implementing EOS and defining core values 07:32 – EOS impact on roles and accountability 10:57 – Quarterly conversations and giving people grace 13:27 – Defining culture through actions and process 16:57 – Succession planning and reducing Bill's day-to-day role 20:00 – Why Billy Spohn would not take over without EOS 20:22 – Visionary and integrator roles 22:55 – Identify, discuss, and solve meeting issues 23:51 – Using 90.io for EOS meeting preparation   Follow our Guest Bill Spohn and his companies: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billspohn/  Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/trutech-tools-ltd/  Company Website: https://trutechtools.com/   Follow Gary McCreadie: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/  Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/    Follow Furman Haynes:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/furmanhaynes/  WorkHero: https://www.linkedin.com/company/workherohvac/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workhero__/  

Is Calgary Still a Good Place to Invest in Real Estate? Calgary real estate investors have had an incredible run. Properties that once sold for under $300,000 are now worth significantly more. Rents increased. Investors who bought several years ago benefited from cash flow, mortgage paydown and substantial appreciation. But that creates a different question in 2026: Does Calgary still make sense for someone buying today? In today's episode of the Canadian Real Estate Investing Morning Show, Wayne and Gabby answer a listener who already owns Calgary rental properties and wants to know whether they should buy more, continue holding what they own, or sell. Wayne's answer comes down to one important relationship: The rent-to-price ratio. Property values can continue increasing, but if rents are no longer high enough to support the cost of owning the property, the investment stops functioning as a profitable rental business. Don't Fall in Love With a Market Wayne starts with an important reminder. Being from Calgary is not a reason to invest in Calgary. Loving Calgary is not a reason to invest in Calgary. Having made money there previously is not automatically a reason to buy there again. Real estate investing decisions should be based on the numbers and fundamentals available today. Markets change. Strategies need to change with them. The Difference Between Holding and Buying Today This is one of the most important distinctions in the episode. Someone who bought a Calgary property five years ago may be in an excellent position today. They may have: A much smaller original mortgage Years of mortgage principal paydown Increased rents A large amount of equity Positive cash flow A substantial reserve fund That does not mean someone purchasing the exact same property today will get the same result. The existing owner and the new buyer are working with completely different numbers. The Calgary Investor Who Bought at $280,000 Wayne walks through a simplified example. Several years ago, an investor might have purchased a Calgary house for approximately: $280,000 At 20% down, that investor would have contributed approximately: $56,000 Their mortgage would have been around: $224,000 At the time, similar properties could potentially rent for approximately $1,700 to $1,900 per month depending on the property and neighbourhood. Interest rates were also dramatically lower. The property could cash flow. Then rents increased. And property values increased significantly. That investor may now be sitting on an asset worth well over $500,000 while still carrying a relatively small mortgage. That is an excellent position. Now Buy the Same Property in 2026 The problem is the next investor is not buying it for $280,000. They may be buying it for: $550,000 At 20% down: $110,000 Mortgage: $440,000 Now add today's mortgage rate, property taxes, insurance, maintenance, vacancy and other operating expenses. The same rental income that produces great cash flow for the person who bought five years ago may produce negative cash flow for the buyer purchasing today. That is the problem. The Rent-to-Price Ratio Is Out of Balance Wayne describes the rent-to-price ratio as the relationship between: What the property costs and What the market will pay to rent it. Calgary property prices increased extremely quickly. Rents increased too. But eventually prices outpaced rents. And rents cannot simply keep increasing indefinitely because tenants still need to be able to afford them. Once purchase prices increase faster than rental income, cash flow begins disappearing. That is where Wayne believes Calgary is today for many residential rental properties. Appreciation Does Not Fix Bad Cash Flow Wayne believes Calgary property values can continue to increase over the long term. Residential real estate generally trends upward over long holding periods. But it does not move upward in a straight line. Interest rates change. Oil prices change. Inflation changes. Employment changes. Government policy changes. Immigration changes. Economic conditions change. Investors cannot reliably predict every short-term movement. That is why Wayne does not want to purchase a negative-cash-flow property simply because he believes it may appreciate. The business still needs to work. The $550,000 Example Wayne runs another simple example. Purchase price: $550,000 20% down: $110,000 Mortgage: $440,000 At approximately 4% over 30 years, the mortgage payment alone is around $2,100 per month. Then add approximately: $300+ per month in property taxes $150 or more in insurance Repairs Maintenance Vacancy Other expenses If the market rent is approximately $2,200 to $2,300, the numbers do not work. You are negative before even accounting for several real operating expenses. That is not the type of rental business Wayne wants to buy. Don't Follow the Headlines This is where investors can get confused. They see headlines saying: Calgary prices are increasing. Calgary is appreciating. Calgary is growing. Calgary remains desirable. Those things may all be true. But the important question for a rental-property investor is: Can I buy this property today and operate it profitably at today's price, today's rent and today's financing costs? If the answer is no, rising property values do not automatically make it a good investment. Wayne Is Still Holding His Calgary Properties Wayne makes an important distinction between buying more and selling what he already owns. He is not currently looking to buy more Calgary residential rental properties. But he is also not rushing to sell the Calgary properties he already owns. One example from his portfolio was purchased for approximately: $350,000 Today, Wayne estimates that property is worth around: $575,000 That represents roughly 65% appreciation over approximately five years. Even more interestingly, Wayne estimates the property increased from around $530,000 to $575,000 in the last year alone. That is approximately an 8.5% increase. The property still cash flows because Wayne's mortgage is based on the original purchase price, not today's value. Why Wayne Isn't Refinancing All That Equity That property now contains a significant amount of equity. So why not refinance it and pull the money out? Because increasing the mortgage could destroy the cash flow. Wayne's existing mortgage started at approximately $280,000 and has been paid down over time. Refinancing against today's $575,000 value would dramatically increase the debt and potentially eliminate the profitability of the rental business. So Wayne is comfortable allowing the equity to sit there. The property cash flows. It continues paying down debt. It has a healthy reserve. And it may continue appreciating. That is enough. Calgary Was an Incredible Opportunity Wayne is not saying Calgary was a bad investment. Quite the opposite. For investors who purchased the right properties before prices accelerated, Calgary created exceptional returns. Some properties appreciated 50%, 60% or more over several years. At the same time: Rents increased. Mortgages were paid down. Cash flow accumulated. That combination produced tremendous returns. The problem is that once everybody recognizes the opportunity, capital rushes in. Prices rise. Eventually the original opportunity disappears. The Opportunity Moves Wayne explains this as a pattern. A market has a strong rent-to-price ratio. Investors recognize it. Capital enters. Homebuyers enter. Prices increase. Eventually the rent-to-price ratio gets squeezed. Investors then start looking for the next market where rents still support the purchase prices. Wayne believes this is part of what happened as attention shifted from Calgary toward Edmonton. Edmonton then experienced substantial appreciation as more capital entered that market. Eventually another market may become the next opportunity. The investor's job is to recognize it before everybody else does. Wayne's Answer: Hold Calgary, But Be Careful Buying More For the listener who already owns successful Calgary rentals, Wayne's approach would generally be: Keep the profitable properties. Continue collecting cash flow. Continue paying down the mortgages. Let the equity grow. Be cautious about refinancing if it destroys the cash flow. And wait for the right time to eventually sell. But for someone looking to purchase a typical Calgary residential rental today, Wayne believes it is difficult to find properties that meet the investment fundamentals he teaches. There may still be specific opportunities. But they are much harder to find. The Main Lesson Do not ask: "Are Calgary prices going up?" Ask: "Does this rental property make sense at today's price?" Understand: Purchase price Market rent Financing Property taxes Insurance Repairs Maintenance Vacancy Cash flow Then determine whether the property meets your investment criteria. The goal is not to predict which city will increase the most next year. The goal is to buy a rental business capable of surviving for the next 20 years. Coming Tomorrow A listener asked another important question during today's live show: What do you look for when deciding whether to invest in a new city? Wayne and Gabby plan to tackle that question on tomorrow's Morning Show. REIcon – The Summit Series REIcon takes place in Edmonton this weekend: September 11–13, 2026 Wayne and Gabby will be there Friday and Saturday. The Canadian Real Estate Investing Morning Show will broadcast live on stage Saturday morning. Wayne will also be teaching due diligence and pre-purchase analysis. Get your tickets at: www.reiconference.ca Use discount code: REIMASTERS15 for 15% off. REI Masters Mentorship Work directly with Wayne and Gabby on acquisitions, market selection, financing, deal analysis, joint ventures, property management and building a profitable Canadian real estate portfolio. www.reimasters.ca The 5% Rule™ Learn Wayne Hillier's framework for evaluating rental-property cash flow and determining whether a property produces sufficient return relative to your investment. Search The 5% Rule by Wayne Hillier on Amazon. Watch the Morning Show Join Wayne and Gabby every weekday morning at 7:00 AM Mountain Time on YouTube. Follow Wayne Hillier – Real Estate Investing Coach on YouTube. Questions for the show: info@reimorningshow.com Upcoming Events REIcon – The Summit Series Edmonton, Alberta September 11–13, 2026 www.reiconference.ca Discount code: REIMASTERS15 REI Masters Annual Retreat Edmonton, Alberta October 17–18, 2026 www.reimasters.ca Sponsors Calvin Realty – Edmonton Investor-Focused Realtor Team www.calvinrealty.ca Finngo Bookkeeping & Tax Specialized bookkeeping and tax services for Canadian real estate investors. www.finngo.com/rei Kirkwood & Brennan Mortgage Group Investor-focused mortgage planning for Canadian real estate investors. www.kbmortgages.ca keaton@kbmortgages.ca

French police are hunting two thieves who escaped with two Renoir paintings worth nine million euro from a museum on the French Riviera. This is the latest in an increased string of heists in Europe over the last year. Speaking to Anton this morning was Eamonn McEnaney, Former Director of Waterford Museum of Treasures.

Deuce and Steve interviewed Tulane head football coach Will Hall for WWL's weekly "Tulane Tuesday." Coach Hall recapped the Green Wave's "embarrassing" 17-3 Week 1 loss to Duke. Hall evaluated Tulane's defense and new-look offense after making a quarterback change. Steve and Deuce reviewed the different strategies for the LA Rams and San Francisco 49ers for their Week 1 matchup in Australia.

Calories: Stop Guessing. Start Knowing. (Why You're Stuck… and How to Fix It)Calories are not confusing.You've just been taught them wrong.And because of that, you're stuck…Eating less and not losingEating more and gainingDoing everything “right” and still spinning your wheelsThis episode fixes that.No fluff. No gimmicks.Just the truth about how calories actually work inside your body.What a calorie actually is (and why you've overcomplicated it)Where calories go once you eat themWhat REALLY happens when you overeatWhat REALLY happens when you undereatWhy all calories are not equal metabolicallyHow to determine YOUR calorie needs without guessingThe biggest mistake keeping you stuckA calorie is not good.A calorie is not bad.A calorie is energy.Your body uses that energy to:MoveThinkRecoverSurviveBut here's where most people screw it up:

Canterbury is preparing for a spring and summer of strong winds and dry conditions because of the El Niño. That means an elevated wildfire risk. Karen Elliott, who leads the regional parks team at Environment Canterbury spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

SO WHAT’S ON YOUR BALLOT? Barb Kirkmeyer (who should be running for Governor right now, just saying) is on at 1 to begin a series of talks on the ballot initiatives. She is chairing the NO on Prop NN so we will definitely start there, but we will eventually talk about all of them. We’ve got 14 on this year’s ballot! Here they are: Amendment 81 — Law-enforcement communication with federal immigration authorities Amendment 82 — Constitutional right to purchase/sell natural gas Amendment 83 — Constitutional right to hunt and fish Amendment 84 — Voter ID requirements for mail ballots Amendment 85 — Plain-language ballot titles Amendment 86 — Restrictions/requirements on off-cycle congressional redistricting Amendment 87 — Graduated state income tax Proposition 132 — Increased penalties for fentanyl crimes Proposition 133 — Increased penalties for human trafficking of minors Proposition 134 — Male/female participation rules for school and collegiate sports Proposition 135 — Prohibit certain surgeries on minors related to sex/gender Proposition 136 — Limit the state income-tax rate Proposition 137 — Direct sporting-goods sales-tax revenue to conservation Proposition NN — Allow the state to retain/spend additional revenue for education and other purposes. We’re talking about the money grab that is Prop NN at 1. I am already working on my voter guide for this year. I hope people pay attention to it THIS TIME.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The U.S. is seeing a drastic shift in milk composition as consumer demand for protein rises dramatically. Cory Geiger, a Dairy Economist with CoBank, sits down with Larry Lee. They discuss the "double-edged sword" producers face in the quest for more protein. Stu Muck brings our Compeer Financial Ag Weather Update and says that the Labor Day weekend will be highlighted by some high September temperatures. Let's talk technology on a Friday! Tyler Walker of Walker Cranberry Company is a 6th generation cranberry grower and in the 5th year of his transition of using drones on his operation. From precision application to inspecting irrigation and monitoring frost protection, he has seen increased efficiency and yield! Teri Barr gives us a 60 second recap of the questions consumers and farmers are asking about imported beef. 150 years of a family farm is certainly something to celebrate! Jason Baroun tells us the story of his family's Manitowoc County Sesquicentennial Farm. What began as a beef & swine operation has converted to a 130-cow dairy. They utilize robotic milking technology. While the expansion and success of the farm is critical to Jason, his pride and hopes for the next generation take an even greater importance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Life has changed recently in the Ukrainian capital city of Kyiv. Residents there had gotten used to periodic Russian airstrikes happening maybe once or twice a week. But now the attacks are more constant using drones, ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, even hypersonic missiles - not only during the night, but now during the day. We hear from the mayor of Kyiv.And while Russian President Vladimir Putin is keeping up his assault on Ukraine, he's also professing support for Iran amid its conflict with the U.S. and Israel. But as NPR's reporter in Moscow tells us, it's unclear just how far that partnership goes.Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show's perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Your Tenant Is Running a Business From Your Rental. Now What? Your tenant starts operating a business from your rental property. Do you care? Maybe not. But your condo corporation, municipality, lease agreement and insurance company might. In today's episode of the Canadian Real Estate Investing Morning Show, Wayne and Gabby break down a real situation happening inside their own rental portfolio after a condo corporation discovered that one of their tenants was advertising childcare services from the property. The tenant may simply have been trying to earn some additional income. From Wayne's perspective, that alone is not the problem. The problem is what that business could potentially do to the risk and liability attached to the property. Customers entering the rental. Children being cared for inside. Additional traffic and parking. Increased wear and tear. Business equipment or inventory. Potential injuries. And most importantly: What happens to your landlord insurance policy if the property is being used for something your insurer never agreed to cover? This is the kind of boring property-management system that becomes extremely important the day something goes wrong. What You'll Learn What happened when Wayne and Gabby discovered a tenant advertising childcare from their rental Why the condo corporation became involved Whether landlords should automatically prohibit every home-based business The difference between working from home and operating a customer-facing business Why customer traffic may dramatically change the risk How a business can create parking issues in a condominium Why certain businesses may increase wear and tear Why condo bylaws matter even if the landlord personally approves of the business Why municipal permission does not necessarily override condo bylaws Why Wayne recommends prohibiting businesses by default in the lease How landlords can later approve specific activities individually Why landlord insurance is based partly on the property's intended use How business activity could change coverage, exclusions, deductibles or premiums Why the tenant may need separate business liability insurance Whether the landlord may need to be added as an additional insured Why you should get insurance approval in writing Why landlords should confirm the facts before confronting a tenant How Wayne and Gabby communicated with their tenant Why simply sending an email is not the end of the process How landlords can verify compliance Why a property manager does not eliminate the owner's responsibility Why regular inspections and systems still matter even with professional management Why Wayne Doesn't Obsess Over Daily Real Estate News Wayne starts today's episode responding to a listener who complained that the Morning Show does not spend enough time discussing inflation, trade negotiations, interest-rate predictions and daily real estate-market news. His response is that most of that information has very little impact on how he operates a properly structured long-term rental portfolio. Wayne's strategy is not built around predicting what property values will do next month. It is built around buying properties capable of surviving 20 years or more. That means strong cash flow, strong returns without relying on appreciation, strong tenant demand, the right landlord environment, promising long-term market fundamentals and systems capable of protecting the investment when something inevitably goes wrong. Wayne does pay attention to market information when it could influence an actual decision. Should he buy? Sell? Refinance? Take equity out? Change financing strategy? Those forecasts matter because they affect the operation of the business. But endlessly predicting whether values will move slightly up or down is not the foundation of his investing strategy. Long-Term Investors Need Systems This leads directly into today's primary topic. If you are planning to own a property for 20 years, you need systems for situations that may only happen once or twice during that ownership period. A tenant operating a business from the property is one of those situations. The probability may be relatively low. The consequences could still be significant. And Wayne's philosophy is that the investor should have the system before the problem appears. The Real Situation: A Tenant Advertising Childcare Wayne and Gabby recently received an email from the manager of one of their condominium corporations. Someone had discovered a social-media advertisement from their tenant offering childcare or day-home services from the rental property. The condo corporation provided Wayne and Gabby with a screenshot of the advertisement, the applicable condominium bylaw and a request that the activity stop. The condo bylaws prohibited this type of commercial activity from the townhouse. Wayne's personal reaction was not: "How dare our tenant make money?" Quite the opposite. If the tenant can earn additional income, that may improve their financial situation and ability to pay rent. The problem is that Wayne's personal opinion does not override the condo bylaws. And even without the condo restriction, there would still be several other issues to investigate. Working From Home Is Not Necessarily the Same Thing A home-based business can mean many different things. Someone working remotely on a laptop is obviously different from operating a daycare. Someone selling T-shirts online and shipping them through the mail is different from running a salon with customers coming through the door every hour. Gabby says one of the most important dividing lines is often: Are customers attending the property? Once customers begin arriving, the potential liability changes. That can also affect parking, neighbours and common-property usage in a condominium. A childcare business creates another level of concern because multiple children may be on the property for extended periods. Increased Wear and Tear Insurance is not the only concern. Different businesses can also affect the physical property. Consider customer traffic, equipment, furniture, inventory, frequent use of entrances, additional plumbing or electrical usage and changes made to rooms to accommodate the business. The question becomes: How is this business changing the way my rental property is being used? That matters to both the landlord and insurer. Check the Condo Bylaws For condominium properties, this is one of the first checks. A tenant must comply with the condominium corporation's bylaws. A landlord cannot simply tell the tenant: "I'm okay with it." If the activity violates the condo bylaws, the landlord's permission does not solve the problem. That is exactly what happened in Wayne and Gabby's situation. The activity was prohibited under the condo bylaws, so it could not continue. Check Municipal Requirements If the property is not governed by restrictive condo bylaws, or if the bylaws permit the activity, the next question is whether the municipality allows it. Some businesses may require licensing, permits, specific zoning, parking requirements, occupancy restrictions or other approvals. However, municipal approval does not automatically mean the landlord or condo corporation must allow it. There can be multiple layers of requirements. Put It in the Lease Wayne recommends that landlords address home-based businesses directly in the lease. His preferred default is: No business activity without landlord approval. That does not mean the landlord can never approve one. It means the tenant must first ask. The landlord can then investigate: What exactly is the business? Will customers attend? Is it permitted by the municipality? Is it permitted by the condo corporation? Does it affect insurance? Is additional coverage required? Once those questions are answered, the landlord can make an informed decision. Leaving the lease silent creates unnecessary ambiguity. The Biggest Issue: Insurance This is where today's episode becomes especially important. A landlord insurance policy is written based on the expected use of the property. The insurer believes it is insuring a residential rental. If that rental begins functioning partly as a commercial operation, the risk may change. That could affect policy eligibility, liability coverage, premiums, deductibles, exclusions or required coverage. Wayne uses the example of someone operating a hair business. Imagine a customer gets injured. Or a hot styling tool causes a fire. The insurer investigates the loss and discovers that a commercial hair operation was being run from a property insured simply as a residential rental. That is not something Wayne wants to discover after the claim. Questions to Ask Your Insurance Broker If you are considering allowing a tenant to run a business from your rental, Wayne and Gabby recommend speaking directly with your insurance broker. Ask: Does my landlord policy permit this specific activity? Does customer traffic change my coverage? Does childcare change the coverage? Does business equipment or inventory change anything? Does the tenant require separate commercial liability insurance? Should the landlord be added as an additional insured? Are there new limits, exclusions or deductibles? Can the insurer confirm its approval in writing? That last question matters. A phone conversation with a broker is useful. Written confirmation is much better. Don't Accuse the Tenant Before Confirming the Facts Gabby emphasizes another important part of the process. Just because somebody tells you that your tenant is running a business does not automatically make it true. Verify first. Ask for evidence. Review the advertisement. Review the condo bylaws. Confirm what the tenant is actually doing. Check municipal requirements. Speak with your insurer. Then communicate with the tenant. In Wayne and Gabby's situation, they already had screenshots of the advertisement and the applicable condominium rule. That gave them enough information to address it properly. How Wayne and Gabby Addressed the Tenant Their assistant sent the tenant a professional written message. The tone was not aggressive. They acknowledged that the tenant may not have realized the activity would create an issue. They explained that the childcare services were contrary to the condominium bylaws and their lease agreement. They asked the tenant to discontinue providing the services from the property. And they invited the tenant to respond if there had been a misunderstanding. That is a much better approach than immediately sending an angry threat. Get the facts. Explain the issue. Put it in writing. Don't Stop at the Email Sending the email does not finish the process. The landlord still needs to verify compliance. That may mean a follow-up. It may mean an inspection with proper notice. It may mean monitoring whether the activity continues to be advertised. The important part is having a documented process rather than simply assuming: "I told them to stop, so I'm sure they stopped." Property Managers Don't Remove Your Responsibility Wayne finishes with an important warning for investors using property managers. Hiring a property manager does not mean you should completely stop paying attention. A tenant could pay rent on time, have excellent credit, never complain, remain in the property for five years and still be operating an activity that creates significant liability. If nobody ever checks the property, how would you know? Wayne is not criticizing property managers. His point is that the risk ultimately belongs to the property owner. If something goes wrong, ignorance does not automatically protect you. You need systems that ensure these issues are actually being checked. The Main Lesson Home-based businesses are not automatically bad. Some may create almost no meaningful additional risk. Others can fundamentally change how the property is being used. The landlord's job is not to make assumptions. The landlord's job is to investigate. Check the lease. Check the condo bylaws. Check municipal requirements. Check the insurance. Confirm the facts. Communicate in writing. Verify compliance. That may not be as exciting as predicting next month's interest-rate decision. But these are the systems that help you keep a rental property profitable and protected for 20 years. And that is where long-term real estate wealth is actually built. About Your Hosts Wayne and Gabby Hillier are Canadian real estate investors, entrepreneurs and founders of REI Masters. Through the Canadian Real Estate Investing Morning Show, they provide practical education, free coaching and lessons from operating their own Canadian rental-property portfolio. Resources & Contact Send Your Questions to the Show Have a question about tenants, insurance, property management, buying rental properties or building your portfolio? Wayne and Gabby answer investor questions on the Morning Show.

The 2025 National Pollution monitoring system has found some improvement after fines on littering were increased, but are fees really the answer to solve the problem entirely?Joining Shane to discuss is Hazel Chu, Green Party Councilor with Dublin City Council and Colin O'Bryne, Programme Coordinator at VOICE Ireland.

In this episode, hosts Corey Janoff and Rachelle Vanderzanden walk through the hidden expenses that can derail your financial plan. While meticulous budgeting is not necessary for most high-income individuals, it can be helpful to “expect the unexpected”. Hidden or Unexpected Expenses Can Include: Large inflation-related adjustments to things like property taxes and insurance. Deferred home maintenance that hits all at once. Sometimes it's challenging to be prepared for large costs that only hit once a decade. Supporting children as they get older. Sometimes this is by choice, but sometimes it feels necessary! Could range from continued education, helping with grandkids, to paying for the entire family to go on vacation. Divorce… Not something you plan for, but certainly has a huge financial impact for all parties. Lifestyle creep in early retirement. Increased healthcare expenses with age. Especially as you plan for retirement, make sure to build some buffer into your expected income needs!  If you think you may need $15,000 per month for regular expenses, be prepared to need more periodically for the big things that only happen occasionally.  Listen to the full episode to hear more. For more financial planning tips from Corey and Rachelle, find them on social media! LinkedIn: @CoreyJanoff; Instagram: @CoreyJanoff and @VanderzandenRachelle; and Twitter: @CoreyJanoffCFP Discussions in this show should not be construed as specific recommendations or investment advice. Always consult with your investment professional before making important investment decisions. Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC.  Finity Group, LLC is a separate entity from LPL Financial.  Finity Group and LPL Financial do not provide legal advice or tax services.  Please consult your legal advisor or tax advisor regarding your specific situation. This material is for general information and educational purposes only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. Finity Group and LPL Financial do not provide legal advice or tax services. Please consult your legal advisor or tax advisor regarding your specific situation.   Citations: Employee Benefits Security Administration.  “Top 10 Ways to Prepare for Retirement.” U.S. Department of Labor.  https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ebsa/about-ebsa/our-activities/resource-center/publications/top-10-ways-to-prepare-for-retirement   Hughes, Carol R., Ph.D. LMFT, and Bruce R. Fredenburg, M.S., LMFT.  “Why the Divorce Rate for Older Couples Continues to Rise.”  Psychology Today. January 21, 2026.  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/home-will-never-be-the-same-again/202108/why-the-divorce-rate-for-older-couples-continues-to   Ochieng, Nancy, Juliette Cubanski, Tricia Neuman, and Anthony Damico.  “Health Costs Consume a Large Portion of Income for Millions of People with Medicare.” KFF.  August 21, 2025. https://www.kff.org/medicare/health-costs-consume-a-large-portion-of-income-for-millions-of-people-with-medicare/   Palasciano, Adam.  “How Much to Budget for Home Maintenance”.  Investopedia.  May 22, 2025.  https://www.investopedia.com/home-maintenance-budget-8608913   Strange, William.  “How much should high earners save for retirement each year?”  Milliman.  November 13, 2025.  https://www.milliman.com/en/insight/how-much-should-high-earners-save-retirement

The time to reduce global emissions is decreasing rapidly. What does that mean for Ohio?In 2015, the United Nations Climate Change Conference brought world leaders together to discuss a treaty called the Paris Agreement, that would set global environmental standards in an effort to reduce the impact of climate change. The Paris Agreement established a goal of maintaining global temperatures below 2°C, or 3.6°F, above pre-industrial levels. As emissions continue to increase, world leaders and scientists have emphasized the need to stay within 1.5°C, or 2.4°C, to prevent irreversible environmental consequences. President Donald Trump officially withdrew the United States from the deal for the second time in January of this year. He first withdrew the U.S. in 2020, with former President Joe Biden reversing that decision during his presidency. The climate clock hit its three-year mark earlier this year, indicating the time left to reduce global emissions before our planet reaches the critical temperature is dwindling. It can seem like Ohioans aren't feeling the impact of climate change, but experts say that's far from the case. Guests:- Jeff Opperman, Ph.D, Global Freshwater Lead Scientist, World Wildlife Fund- Aaron Wilson, Ph.D, State Climatologist of Ohio; Assistant Professor & Ag Weather and Climate Field Specialist, The Ohio State University Climate change and environmental advocacy in Northeast OhioAs global temperatures close in on the 1.5-degree Celsius threshold, the impact is being felt throughout Northeast Ohio. Increased rainfall, higher temperatures and harsher winters threaten Ohio wildlife, its agriculture industry and its residents. As farmers grapple with the effect these changes are having on their crops and food production, local climate activists are working with policymakers and community members to create a sustainable region built on climate resilience. Guests:- Brian Siggers, Cleveland Metro Advocacy Director, Ohio Environmental Council- Anurag Rakesh, Neuroscience and Psychology student, Case Western Reserve University; Undergraduate Climate Leader, Climate Action Network- Ame West, Co-Owner, West Orchards

Have you been feeling lost, uncertain, or unfulfilled in this season of your life? Are you wondering, “What is my purpose now?” or “What am I supposed to do with the rest of my life?”If you're a Christian woman navigating midlife, major life changes, or a season of transition, you may be experiencing what is commonly called an existential crisis or midlife crisis.In this episode of The BraveHearted Woman Podcast, I'm talking openly about what an existential crisis really means, why it can happen even when you have a strong faith, and how a season of questioning can become an opportunity for growth, clarity, and transformation.An existential crisis often brings deep questions about purpose, meaning, identity, direction, and your place in the world. For women in midlife, it can happen when the roles and routines that once gave life structure begin to change. Your children may leave home, relationships may shift, your career may look different, or you may simply realize that you're no longer sure what comes next.But here's the good news: you are not done.A midlife crisis doesn't have to be the end of your story. It can become a fresh canvas—a chance to reconnect with what you love, rediscover your gifts and passions, evaluate what truly matters, and reconnect with the purpose God has placed inside you.In this episode, I share 5 signs you may be experiencing an existential or midlife crisis, including feeling lost, increased stress, loss of productivity, low energy, and loss of social support.I'll also share practical ways to begin moving forward, including reconnecting with your purpose, finding meaningful community and accountability, and shifting your focus toward the possibilities that are still ahead.If you've been asking “What is my life about?”, wondering whether it's too late to start again, or searching for clarity and purpose in midlife, this episode is for you.Your next chapter can still be meaningful, purposeful, and brave.Chapters:0:00 - Intro1:08 - What is an existential crisis?12:30 - Sign #1: You feel lost.13:34 - Sign #2: Increased stress or mental distress.15:48 - Sign #3: You've lost your productivity.17:25 - Sign #4: You have low energy levels.19:16 - Sign #5: You've lost some of your support.20:02 - How to take action todayQuotations:“We don't do a good service to each other when we choose not to talk about it or put it out there in the open.”“Don't be afraid of a crisis. It's not negative. It can have massive, powerful effects, and really good positive outcomes for you.”“You are not done. It is time for you to rediscover your passion project and get going again in that.”Resources:

From today, the threshold for the Income-Assessed subsidies through the National Childcare Scheme has expanded to include families on higher incomes. The Department of Children has said this will benefit a further 47,000 children in Ireland access childcare. Elaine Dunne, Chair of the Federation of Early Childhood Providers spoke to Anton this morning.

San Diego police will be back in full force in the Gaslamp Quarter today to stop people from getting into brawls like we saw last weekend. A 26-year-old man has died after he crashed his e-bike into oncoming traffic. Today and tomorrow, adoption fees are half off at all San Diego Humane Society's campuses across San Diego County as part of NBC 7 and Telemundo 20's annual Clear The Shelters campaign. What You Need To Know To Start Your Sunday.

In this week's episode of This Week in AML, John Byrne and Elliot Berman break down Treasury's renewed sanctions campaign against Iran and discuss what it could mean for global trade, enforcement efforts, and China's role in the sanctions landscape. They also examine the U.S. decision to remove Syria from its State Sponsors of Terrorism list, a move that could pave the way for reintegration into the global financial system and future engagement with FATF standards. Additional topics include Singapore's new Social Media Code of Practice aimed at reducing financial scams on major platforms, Europol's warning about increasingly violent museum heists, updates from OCCRP on corruption and money laundering investigations, and the FDIC's efforts to streamline the deposit insurance application process for new banks. Plus, a look at recent anti-corruption research from the Basel Institute on Governance and upcoming AML-focused educational events.

Pennsylvania's top prosecutor is touting Pennsylvania's share of a nationwide legal settlement with the owner of Facebook and Instagram.Central Pennsylvania's food banks are seeing increased demand. Eligibility changes to SNAP are kicking people off the program and causing confusion.Meet WITF reporter and Weekend Edition host Katie Knol, in conversation with the Morning Agenda's Karen Hendricks.The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is recognizing two rangers and a civilian for saving a mountain biker's life at Swatara State Park this spring.And now it's time for our weekly segment called The Bright Spot. Every Friday, I'll share a positive news story that may have gotten lost amid this week's news cycle.  Today's bright spot is this:A new Hershey area nonprofit is creating opportunities for new mothers to learn a skill, do something for themselves and connect with other moms. The initiative promotes the benefits of dance and removes barriers mothers face.It's been one year since public media's federal funding was revoked. Thanks to our community, we're still here for you and looking toward the future. Join the thousands of members who are building a stronger WITF. Go to  www.witf.org/givenow. And thank you.

Agreements for Sale Explained: Real Seller Financing Deals With Zero Money Down Seller financing sounds almost too good to be true. An investor buys a property with little or none of their own money. The seller leaves financing in place. The investor operates the property, collects rent, benefits from cash flow and mortgage paydown, and eventually pays the seller out according to the terms of the agreement. In Canada, one strategy Wayne used extensively to accomplish this is an Agreement for Sale. In today's episode of the Canadian Real Estate Investing Morning Show, Wayne and Gabby continue yesterday's seller-financing discussion by breaking down two real Agreements for Sale Wayne negotiated himself. These are not hypothetical examples. They show how Agreements for Sale can work in the real world, why a seller might agree to one, how Wayne found these opportunities, what he listened for during conversations with sellers, and why the best Agreement for Sale deals create a legitimate win for both sides. As Wayne says: "If you understand the strategies, you'll recognize the opportunities."

The Office of Management and Budget is circulating a new draft policy that would enforce the use of Login-dot-gov, the federal government's single sign-on service, “for most public facing services,” including websites and digital platforms that require authentication. According to a draft version of a memo sent Monday to agencies for review, agencies would have 60 days to provide OMB with an inventory of existing public-facing websites with authentication, and six months to develop a broader digital identity risk management review as part of the mandatory shift to Login. In the draft memo viewed by FedScoop, OMB Director Russell Vought cited the lack of a governmentwide strategy for managing digital identity and President Donald Trump's executive order on improving digital design in government as justifications for the new policy. It argues the current patchwork of digital-identity solutions used by federal agencies results in increased costs and is a hassle to Americans seeking to get government information. “As the use of Login.gov for identity verification increases, the government realizes cost efficiencies from economies of scale and a reduction in duplicative verification costs,” the draft memo said. “Increased use…also supports the government's security posture, enabling deployment at scale of leading technologies and security practices to prevent and respond to emerging threats.” The Department of Homeland Security's top technology leader is set to depart the agency, per two sources familiar with the matter. Antoine McCord joined DHS as chief information officer in March 2025. McCord also oversaw the Office of Biometrics and Identity Management and served as the acting CISO. The official kept a low profile while overseeing the law enforcement agency's multibillion-dollar budget, forgoing media interviews and events. He was in the initial wave of CIO hires under the second Trump administration following the reclassification of the chief information officer position. The Office of Personnel Management moved the role from “career reserved” to “general,” easing restrictions on who could get tapped —though the DHS CIO role has historically been political. Prior to DHS, McCord held positions at defense technology company Anduril and within the U.S. Marine Corps and intelligence community. The Daily Scoop Podcast is available every Monday-Friday afternoon. If you want to hear more of the latest from Washington, subscribe to The Daily Scoop Podcast  on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Spotify and YouTube.

Host: Lalo Solorzano & Andy Shiles Guest(s): Kathleen August Published: August 27, 2026 Length: ~30 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center Summary How ready would your company be if U.S. Customs and Border Protection came knocking tomorrow? In this episode of Simply Trade, hosts Lalo Solorzano and Andy Shiles sit down with former CBP auditor Kathleen August to discuss why being “audit ready” is no longer enough. With more than 33 years of experience on the CBP side of the desk, Kathleen offers an insider's perspective on today's enforcement environment and explains why importers need to become truly “Customs Ready.” The conversation covers the growing importance of CF28 responses, ACE data, internal controls, record retention, post-entry reviews, supply-chain visibility, and cross-functional communication. Kathleen also explains why having a trade compliance manual sitting on a shelf doesn't equal an effective compliance program. Companies need procedures tailored to their operations—and executable tools that employees actually use. From unexpected changes in entered value to country-of-origin questions, forced labor concerns, USMCA documentation, and shifting sourcing strategies, CBP has more data and analytical capability than ever before. The message for importers is clear: know your data, know your supply chain, document your processes, and be prepared to respond before Customs asks the question. Main Topic / Discussion Being audit ready is important—but Kathleen argues that today's importers need to go further and become Customs Ready. With CBP operating in an enforcement-focused environment, companies may encounter CF28s, questions about their supply chains, entry reviews, or other inquiries even if they are never selected for a full audit. Kathleen explains that a strong compliance foundation starts with documented internal controls tailored specifically to the company. But documentation alone isn't enough. Companies need “executable documents”—checklists, logs, databases, classification records, broker procedures, and other tools that turn a compliance manual into everyday action. The discussion also highlights the importance of reviewing ACE data from CBP's perspective. Changes in entered value, country of origin, classification, sourcing, or other entry information can create patterns that draw attention. As Kathleen puts it, Customs is like a highly capable chess opponent—and they may already be “two steps ahead.” Importers also need visibility beyond the trade compliance department. Sales, purchasing, engineering, finance, sourcing, and leadership can all make decisions that affect customs compliance. Tooling assists, supplier changes, certificates of origin, USMCA qualification, and sourcing shifts are just a few examples. Ultimately, becoming Customs Ready means building a system that allows the organization to identify problems, maintain records, respond to questions, and pivot quickly as tariffs and enforcement priorities change. Key Takeaways • Be Customs Ready, not just audit ready. A full CBP audit is only one potential compliance event. Importers also need to be prepared for CF28s, investigations, and questions about individual entries or their broader supply chain. • Document internal controls—and actually use them. Compliance procedures should be customized to the company rather than copied from a generic manual. Pair written procedures with executable tools such as checklists, CF28 logs, databases, classification records, and broker instructions. • Know what your ACE data says about you. CBP can identify changes and patterns across entries. Importers should review their own data for unusual shifts in value, classification, country of origin, sourcing, and other areas before those patterns generate questions. • Understand your entire supply chain. Know who you are buying from, where products and components originate, where transformation or assembly occurs, and when suppliers or production locations change. • Conduct post-entry reviews. Don't assume the broker entered everything correctly. Monitoring entries can help identify errors early and, in some cases, allow companies to correct problems in real time. • Make compliance cross-functional. Sales, purchasing, engineering, finance, sourcing, and trade compliance all affect customs outcomes. Compliance cannot operate effectively in a silo. • Maintain accessible records. A record retention policy is only useful if the organization can quickly retrieve the documentation needed to respond to CBP. • Be ready to pivot. Tariffs and trade requirements can change quickly. Companies need processes, expertise, and resources that allow them to adapt without sacrificing compliance. Resources & Mentions • Global Training Center • Kathleen August - LinkedIn • U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) • Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) • CBP Form 28 (CF28) • USMCA • Section 232 tariffs • Foreign Trade Zones and bonded warehouses • Enforce and Protect Act (EAPA) / antidumping enforcement Credits Host: Lalo Solorzano Andy Shiles Guest(s): Kathleen August - LinkedIn Producer: Lalo Solorzano

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In this episode, JoDee and Susan talk to labor law attorney (and frequent guest) Gina Carrillo about U.S. employers' immigration responsibilities. Topics include: Immigration responsibilities that apply to every U.S. employer, even if they never sponsor a foreign worker The biggest immigration compliance mistakes organizations are making right now How the current administration's increased enforcement efforts have changed the risk landscape for employers What an HR team should do if they discover errors during an internal I-9 audit Advice for organizations using E-Verify What employers should have in place so they can respond confidently if ICE shows up in their workplace In this episode's listener question, we're asked how to handle "earn and burn" employees who take their PTO immediately after earning it. In the news, the Office of Personnel Management has awarded a major HR IT modernization contract to Oracle. Full show notes and links are available here: https://getjoypowered.com/show-notes-episode-254-immigration-compliance/ A transcript of the episode can be found here: https://getjoypowered.com/transcript-episode-254-immigration-compliance/ To get 0.5 hour of SHRM recertification credit, fill out the evaluation here: https://getjoypowered.com/shrm/ (the SHRM credit code for this episode will expire on August 24, 2027) Become a member to get early and ad-free access to episodes, video, and more perks! Learn more at patreon.com/joypowered Connect with us: @JoyPowered on Instagram: https://instagram.com/joypowered @JoyPowered on Facebook: https://facebook.com/joypowered @JoyPowered on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/joypowered Sign up for our email newsletter: https://getjoypowered.com/newsletter/ 

What happens to Canadian real estate investors when trade uncertainty, tariffs and job losses start working their way through the economy? The answer may show up in the rental market before it shows up in property values. In today's episode of the Canadian Real Estate Investing Morning Show, Wayne and Gabby recap the sold-out Edmonton Real Estate Investing Bus Tour, share details from Wayne's latest property-hunting trip, break down a newly accepted Edmonton rental-property offer, and answer a listener question about how tariffs could affect Canadian real estate. The bigger lesson is about risk. You cannot control tariffs, unemployment, interest rates or the economy. But you can control what properties you buy, how much they cash flow, the tenants they attract and the systems you build around them.

Destructive Prayers: Prayer for Increased Fruitfulness 8.23.26 by Launchpoint Church

Are You Experiencing THE SHIFT? Signs of Spiritual and 5D Consciousness include ascension symptoms, energy upgrades, synchronicities, heightened intuition, and the transition from 3D to 5D awareness. Lear practical ways to ground, integrate, and navigate these powerful energies as humanity enters a new chapter of consciousness. Maybe your sleep patterns have changed. Your intuition is stronger. Time seems to be speeding up. You're experiencing unusual energy sensations, vivid dreams, synchronicities, or emotional releases. Perhaps you're questioning old ways of living and finding yourself naturally drawn toward people who seem to resonate with your new frequency. If so, you may be experiencing what many spiritual traditions describe as The Shift—a profound transformation in individual and collective consciousness. #free #podcast #astrology #SpiritualAwakening #TheShift #Ascension #5DConsciousness #EnergyUpgrade #SpiritualAwakening2026 #ConsciousnessShift #AscensionSymptoms #HigherConsciousness #Synchronicity #Intuition #5D #NewEarth #2026Astrology #JillJardine #CosmicScene In this episode of Cosmic Scene with Jill Jardine, Jill explores the signs of spiritual awakening, ascension, energy upgrades, and the movement toward 5D consciousness, along with practical tools to help you navigate the process. Jill brings more than three decades of experience as an astrologer, hypnotherapist, psychic healer, and spiritual teacher to this fascinating exploration of what may be happening energetically on Earth right now. Across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and major podcast outlets such as Apple and Spotify, the buzz is on the Shift. An extraordinary astrological configuration unfolded during July 2026, when Neptune, Pluto, Uranus, and Jupiter formed a powerful pattern at approximately 4 degrees of Aries, Aquarius, Gemini, and Leo. Rather than simply calling this a "portal," Jill describes it as a portal of possibility and potentiality—an energetic opening that may accelerate personal and collective evolution. Jill explains why you may have been feeling these energies months or even years before the July 2026 activation. Subscribe to YouTube channel:  @jilljardine2186 to hear more astrological updates! https://bleav.com/shows/cosmic-scene-with-jill-jardine/ for video versions. 12 Signs You May be Experiencing the Shift: Changes in sleep patterns Waking around 3–4 AM Waves of fatigue followed by bursts of inspiration Tingling, vibrations, warmth, pressure, or energy surges Heightened sensitivity to people, environments, sounds, or foods Vivid dreams and intuitive downloads Stronger intuition and knowing things before they happen A feeling that time is speeding up—or slowing down Increased synchronicities and meaningful coincidences Major changes in friendships and relationships Feeling drawn toward your "tribe" or soul connections A growing sense that something larger is happening within you Jill emphasizes that physical or emotional symptoms can have ordinary medical or lifestyle causes as well, and persistent or concerning symptoms should always be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional. One of the central themes of this episode is the movement from third-dimensional consciousness toward fifth-dimensional awareness. Jill explores the contrast between: 3D consciousness Separation Fear Competition Scarcity External validation Material achievement and 5D consciousness Love Unity Compassion Collaboration Intuition Creativity Trust Inner peace Purpose and service The Shift isn't about leaving Earth or escaping ordinary life but a change in consciousness and the way we experience reality. Feeling overwhelmed by energetic changes? Jill shares practical ways to ground and integrate the experience: 1. Ground yourself in nature Walk barefoot on the Earth, sit against a tree, garden, or spend time near the ocean, rivers, lakes, or waterfalls. 2. Practice conscious breathing: Jill shares several breathing approaches, including a 4-count inhale, 4-count hold, and 8-count exhale. 3. Embrace stillness Turn down the external and internal noise and allow yourself simply to be. 4. Pay attention to your emotional state If you desire peace, consciously cultivate peaceful feelings. If you desire abundance, practice embodying the feeling of prosperity. 5. Practice forgiveness and gratitude Jill discusses the Hawaiian Ho'oponopono forgiveness prayer and the powerful connection between forgiveness, gratitude, and energetic release. 6. Trust your unique path Your perspective, gifts, and experiences may be part of what you are here to contribute during this period of transformation. 7. Love yourself deeply Jill shares the Sanskrit mantra Aham Prema — "I am Divine Love" and explores why she considers love one of the highest frequencies for navigating the Shift One of the most exciting aspects of the Shift is the increase in synchronicities. Thinking about someone just before they call? Finding exactly what you need at exactly the right moment? Repeatedly encountering meaningful symbols, numbers, people, or opportunities? Jill explores how these experiences may become more noticeable as your awareness expands. She also discusses relationship shifts, including releasing connections that no longer resonate and discovering people who feel like your true soul tribe. If this episode resonates with you, share it with someone who has been wondering, "Why do I feel so different lately?"  Featured Book: Order it now at:  www.jilljardine.com or Amazon Sacred Sound Formulas to Awaken the Modern Mind: Sanskrit Mantras to Raise Your Vibration by Parashakti Jill Jardine ️ Subscribe to Jill's YouTube channel: @jilljardine2186  for monthly astrology forecasts, spiritual teachings, Sanskrit mantras, and intuitive guidance to help you navigate these extraordinary times. You can listen to the complete update for free on our website Cosmic Scene – Jill Jardine Astrology, also on Apple Podcasts Cosmic Scene with Jill Jardine Podcast, Spotify, YouTube and most major podcast platforms. You can find the Cosmic Scene Podcast on Facebook, Follow Cosmic Scene on Instagram and LinkedIn, YouTube and even IMDB- mdb.com/title/tt26653684/. Be sure to follow us on and other social media platforms for the latest episodes and news. Thanks for listening and don't forget to hit subscribe, leave a 5-star rating and write a review. You can find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, IMDB, YouTube #free #podcast #astrology Book an astrology reading with Professional Astrologer Jill Jardine: www.jilljardineastrology.com Buy Jill's Book: https://jilljardine.com/ #astrologypodcast #astrologyforecast 2026 #zodiacsigns If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with friends who love astrology and spiritual growth. Connect with Jill Jardine: www.jilljardine.com Professional Astrologer • Psychic • Healer • Hypnotherapist • Author Thank you for listening to Cosmic Scene with Jill Jardine, where astrology meets consciousness and the stars illuminate your path to personal and spiritual transformation Subscribe to @jilljardine2186 on YOUTUBE to get Cosmic Scene with Jill Jardine and follow the podcast for astrology updates, spiritual teachings, energy activations, Sanskrit mantra wisdom, and conversations exploring the evolution of human consciousness. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

I break down Etsy Plus, including its $10 monthly cost, listing and Etsy Ads credits, shop customization features, and Marketplace Insights. Learn how to decide whether Etsy Plus is worth it for your Etsy shop by comparing its first-party keyword data with eRank and Alura estimates.  

What happens when business slows down, clients leave, and you have to figure out how to become visible again? In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames shares the real story behind her recent business rebuild, her return to content creation, and the visibility strategy that helped create more than 2.1 million video views in roughly 90 days. Michelle breaks down how going back to being a creator changed everything—from local viral content and increased brand visibility to paid partnerships, sponsorship conversations, brand deals, travel opportunities, and new business opportunities. This is not an episode about chasing virality. It is about learning how to become known. Michelle shares what she learned from losing clients, rebuilding her business, creating content without constantly selling, and using social media visibility to create real-world opportunities. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why disappearing during a slow business season can hurt your growth How Michelle generated 2.1M+ video views through organic content Why shares and saves can matter more than vanity metrics How local content helped create brand deals and paid opportunities Why every piece of content does not need to sell an offer The difference between going viral and becoming known How strong positioning turns visibility into business opportunities Why your existing skills may be the key to your next business chapter How to use social media content to create leverage when pitching brands What to do when you are rebuilding your business and questioning your next move Key Takeaway The strategy is not going viral. The strategy is becoming known. When people understand who you are, what you do, and what you should be known for, visibility can lead to referrals, brand partnerships, clients, speaking opportunities, collaborations, and revenue. Mentioned in This Episode Michelle shares recent social media results including: 2.1M+ video views 28K+ shares 17K+ saves Multiple videos reaching more than 100K views Paid brand and business collaborations Sponsorship opportunities Travel and hospitality partnerships Increased local visibility and recognition Your Visibility Homework Ask yourself: What do I want people to know me for? Then look at your content and ask whether your current social media presence reinforces that message. If not, that may be the visibility gap holding your brand back. Work With Michelle If you are posting consistently but your social media presence is not creating opportunities, Michelle's Visibility Audit can help you identify what is unclear, what is hurting your positioning, and where you should focus next. Find the Visibility Audit and additional resources in the links associated with this episode. Connect With Michelle Follow Michelle Thames for more on: Social media marketing Content creation Personal branding Visibility strategy Brand partnerships Entrepreneurship Local marketing Creator strategy Building a recognizable brand Subscribe to Social Media Decoded on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so you never miss an episode. If this episode resonated with you, leave a review and share it with an entrepreneur who is rebuilding, pivoting, or ready to become more visible.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode is about helping dads replace fear and shame with clarity, courage, and leadership.In this conversation, Jey Young and Chris Rogers discuss the pervasive issue of pornography exposure among children and adolescents. They explore the neurological and developmental impacts of early exposure to porn, emphasizing the importance of open communication between parents and children. Chris shares insights on compulsive behaviors related to pornography, the significance of understanding unmet needs in children, and the role of technology in shaping relationships. The discussion highlights the necessity for authenticity in parenting and the importance of fostering a culture of curiosity rather than shame. Practical tools and strategies for parents are provided to help navigate these challenging conversations and support their children's healthy development. takeawaysMost kids don't go looking for porn; it finds them.Increased secrecy around devices is a warning sign.Porn exposure is primarily a developmental issue, not a moral one.Compulsive behaviors are driven by a need for novelty.Dopamine plays a significant role in compulsive behaviors.Parents should lead with curiosity, not shame.Children need to learn about sex and relationships from their parents.Filters and blockers are not enough to prevent exposure.Authenticity in parenting fosters trust and openness.Recovery from compulsive behaviors requires connection, not just restriction.Chapters00:00 The Impact of Pornography on Children02:29 Understanding Compulsive Behaviors and Pornography05:12 The Science Behind Porn Addiction08:14 Navigating Conversations About Porn with Kids11:04 The Neurological Effects of Early Exposure14:01 Compulsive Behaviors and Unmet Needs16:51 The Role of AI and Technology in Relationships24:26 Hypersexualization in Society27:11 The Role of Curiosity in Recovery28:51 Filters vs. Self-Regulation34:30 Authenticity in Parenting44:12 The Dad Zone: Keeping It Real

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. Sonia Lewis. Founder and CEO of The Student Loan Doctor, LLC, an award-winning company that helps individuals navigate student loan repayment and debt management. The conversation explores America's student loan crisis, the long-term impact of educational debt, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and Dr. Lewis's journey from higher education professional to nationally recognized business owner. At its core, the interview is both a discussion about the realities of student loan debt and an entrepreneurial success story about identifying a major problem and building a business around solving it. Purpose of the Interview The interview was designed to: Educate listeners about the student loan debt crisis. Explain how student debt affects long-term financial success. Highlight the unique challenges facing African American borrowers, particularly women. Introduce solutions and resources for student loan repayment. Share Dr. Lewis's entrepreneurial journey and business-building strategies. Encourage financial literacy and informed borrowing decisions. Key Takeaways 1. Student Loan Debt Is a Systemic Problem Dr. Lewis argues that the student loan crisis begins with the cost of higher education itself. Key points include: Student loans are one of the few major financial products available without traditional underwriting standards. New borrowers continuously enter the system, making loan forgiveness alone an incomplete solution. The problem is tied directly to the growing cost of college education. Higher education and student lending have become interconnected industries with few structural solutions. Bottom Line: The challenge is not just repayment. It is the broader system that continues producing new debt every semester. 2. Student Debt Impacts Major Life Decisions One of the strongest themes throughout the interview is how student debt affects adulthood. Dr. Lewis explains that borrowers often don't fully understand the consequences until they begin trying to: Buy a home Build credit Get married Start a family Launch a business Create long-term wealth Many borrowers discover that large student loan balances significantly limit financial flexibility and delay major life milestones. 3. African American Women Carry a Disproportionate Burden Dr. Lewis has dedicated much of her career to studying how student loan debt impacts African American women. She notes that: African American women earn more college degrees than many demographic groups. They often carry some of the highest student loan balances. Educational attainment does not always translate into proportional wealth building. Student debt often delays homeownership, entrepreneurship, and family financial growth. This issue became a central motivation behind her work and the creation of her company. 4. The Student Loan Doctor Was Built by Solving a Real Problem Dr. Lewis launched her business after recognizing that borrowers were not receiving adequate guidance from loan servicers. She initially: Worked a full-time job in higher education. Met clients in cafes and community spaces after work. Charged modest consultation fees. Studied federal student loan regulations extensively. Built expertise through years of financial aid and higher education experience. Eventually demand exceeded her full-time salary, allowing her to transition into entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurial Lesson: Find a major problem, become an expert in solving it, and deliver consistent value. 5. Solving Problems Creates Business Opportunities A powerful business lesson from the interview is Dr. Lewis's belief that successful entrepreneurs place themselves in the middle of a significant problem. After publicly sharing that she was the first African American woman-owned student loan repayment company, her story went viral. This exposure led to: National media attention Increased public awareness Thousands of inquiries Significant business growth Her success demonstrates the value of owning a niche and becoming the go-to expert in that space. 6. Financial Literacy Starts at Home While colleges play a role in educating students about finances, Dr. Lewis believes financial literacy begins much earlier. She emphasizes: Parents should teach money management. Young adults often receive loan refunds without understanding budgeting. Many borrowers arrive at college without financial education. Borrowing decisions should be tied to future earning potential. Her View: Financial decision-making skills must be developed before students begin managing significant amounts of money. 7. Education Must Connect to Career Outcomes Another important takeaway is the need to think strategically about degrees and career paths. Dr. Lewis encourages students and families to consider: Return on investment. Career demand. Income potential. Employment opportunities. Degree marketability. She notes that many borrowers accumulate debt for degrees without fully understanding how those degrees translate into sustainable careers. 8. Teaching Builds Trust A major factor in Dr. Lewis's success has been education-based marketing. She regularly provides: Free workshops Online classes Community education events Financial literacy sessions By teaching first and selling second, she establishes credibility and trust with potential clients. Notable Quotes On the Student Loan Crisis "Unless we make it free, free 99, in the United States of America, this is a trillion-dollar problem that really doesn't have a solution." On Life After College "When you go to buy a home, they'll say, well, you already have a mortgage. We can't give you another one." On Entrepreneurship "When you are an entrepreneur, you want to put yourself in the middle of a big problem." On Her Business Growth "There was no me before. People were shying away from this conversation." On Supporting Borrowers "We get right into the solution." On Student Loan Shame "It's the thing that plays in the back of your mind when no one else is around." On Building a Business "I only want to talk about having student loans. That's my lane." On Success "God be showing up in places that I haven't made it to yet." On Leadership "You cannot be an entrepreneur, a good business owner, a good leader if you don't have discernment about people." On Personal Growth "I believe in mentorship. I believe in investing in myself." Executive Summary Dr. Sonia Lewis's interview is both a financial education discussion and an entrepreneurial masterclass. She highlights how student loan debt has become a long-term barrier to wealth creation, particularly for African American women, while providing practical insight into why borrowers struggle and how they can move forward. Equally important, she demonstrates how identifying a widespread problem, developing deep expertise, and consistently educating others can create a highly successful business. Her overarching message is that informed financial decisions, strong mentorship, continuous learning, and strategic problem-solving are essential for both personal and professional success. #STRAW #BEST #SHMS Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success. Business Podcast Entrepreneurship Small Business Business Growth Financial Literacy Wealth Building Black Entrepreneurs Minority Business Leadership Executive Leadership Business Funding Marketing Strategies Personal Development Startup Advice Sales Training CEO Interviews Founder Stories Professional Development Economic Empowerment Business Success Networking Brand Building Innovation How to start a business Small business funding Entrepreneur success stories Business leadership podcast Wealth building strategies Black entrepreneur podcast Minority business development Marketing for small businesses Business growth strategies Startup funding opportunities Executive leadership training Financial literacy education Success mindset podcastSupport 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. Sonia Lewis. Founder and CEO of The Student Loan Doctor, LLC, an award-winning company that helps individuals navigate student loan repayment and debt management. The conversation explores America's student loan crisis, the long-term impact of educational debt, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and Dr. Lewis's journey from higher education professional to nationally recognized business owner. At its core, the interview is both a discussion about the realities of student loan debt and an entrepreneurial success story about identifying a major problem and building a business around solving it. Purpose of the Interview The interview was designed to: Educate listeners about the student loan debt crisis. Explain how student debt affects long-term financial success. Highlight the unique challenges facing African American borrowers, particularly women. Introduce solutions and resources for student loan repayment. Share Dr. Lewis's entrepreneurial journey and business-building strategies. Encourage financial literacy and informed borrowing decisions. Key Takeaways 1. Student Loan Debt Is a Systemic Problem Dr. Lewis argues that the student loan crisis begins with the cost of higher education itself. Key points include: Student loans are one of the few major financial products available without traditional underwriting standards. New borrowers continuously enter the system, making loan forgiveness alone an incomplete solution. The problem is tied directly to the growing cost of college education. Higher education and student lending have become interconnected industries with few structural solutions. Bottom Line: The challenge is not just repayment. It is the broader system that continues producing new debt every semester. 2. Student Debt Impacts Major Life Decisions One of the strongest themes throughout the interview is how student debt affects adulthood. Dr. Lewis explains that borrowers often don't fully understand the consequences until they begin trying to: Buy a home Build credit Get married Start a family Launch a business Create long-term wealth Many borrowers discover that large student loan balances significantly limit financial flexibility and delay major life milestones. 3. African American Women Carry a Disproportionate Burden Dr. Lewis has dedicated much of her career to studying how student loan debt impacts African American women. She notes that: African American women earn more college degrees than many demographic groups. They often carry some of the highest student loan balances. Educational attainment does not always translate into proportional wealth building. Student debt often delays homeownership, entrepreneurship, and family financial growth. This issue became a central motivation behind her work and the creation of her company. 4. The Student Loan Doctor Was Built by Solving a Real Problem Dr. Lewis launched her business after recognizing that borrowers were not receiving adequate guidance from loan servicers. She initially: Worked a full-time job in higher education. Met clients in cafes and community spaces after work. Charged modest consultation fees. Studied federal student loan regulations extensively. Built expertise through years of financial aid and higher education experience. Eventually demand exceeded her full-time salary, allowing her to transition into entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurial Lesson: Find a major problem, become an expert in solving it, and deliver consistent value. 5. Solving Problems Creates Business Opportunities A powerful business lesson from the interview is Dr. Lewis's belief that successful entrepreneurs place themselves in the middle of a significant problem. After publicly sharing that she was the first African American woman-owned student loan repayment company, her story went viral. This exposure led to: National media attention Increased public awareness Thousands of inquiries Significant business growth Her success demonstrates the value of owning a niche and becoming the go-to expert in that space. 6. Financial Literacy Starts at Home While colleges play a role in educating students about finances, Dr. Lewis believes financial literacy begins much earlier. She emphasizes: Parents should teach money management. Young adults often receive loan refunds without understanding budgeting. Many borrowers arrive at college without financial education. Borrowing decisions should be tied to future earning potential. Her View: Financial decision-making skills must be developed before students begin managing significant amounts of money. 7. Education Must Connect to Career Outcomes Another important takeaway is the need to think strategically about degrees and career paths. Dr. Lewis encourages students and families to consider: Return on investment. Career demand. Income potential. Employment opportunities. Degree marketability. She notes that many borrowers accumulate debt for degrees without fully understanding how those degrees translate into sustainable careers. 8. Teaching Builds Trust A major factor in Dr. Lewis's success has been education-based marketing. She regularly provides: Free workshops Online classes Community education events Financial literacy sessions By teaching first and selling second, she establishes credibility and trust with potential clients. Notable Quotes On the Student Loan Crisis "Unless we make it free, free 99, in the United States of America, this is a trillion-dollar problem that really doesn't have a solution." On Life After College "When you go to buy a home, they'll say, well, you already have a mortgage. We can't give you another one." On Entrepreneurship "When you are an entrepreneur, you want to put yourself in the middle of a big problem." On Her Business Growth "There was no me before. People were shying away from this conversation." On Supporting Borrowers "We get right into the solution." On Student Loan Shame "It's the thing that plays in the back of your mind when no one else is around." On Building a Business "I only want to talk about having student loans. That's my lane." On Success "God be showing up in places that I haven't made it to yet." On Leadership "You cannot be an entrepreneur, a good business owner, a good leader if you don't have discernment about people." On Personal Growth "I believe in mentorship. I believe in investing in myself." Executive Summary Dr. Sonia Lewis's interview is both a financial education discussion and an entrepreneurial masterclass. She highlights how student loan debt has become a long-term barrier to wealth creation, particularly for African American women, while providing practical insight into why borrowers struggle and how they can move forward. Equally important, she demonstrates how identifying a widespread problem, developing deep expertise, and consistently educating others can create a highly successful business. Her overarching message is that informed financial decisions, strong mentorship, continuous learning, and strategic problem-solving are essential for both personal and professional success. #STRAW #BEST #SHMS Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success. Business Podcast Entrepreneurship Small Business Business Growth Financial Literacy Wealth Building Black Entrepreneurs Minority Business Leadership Executive Leadership Business Funding Marketing Strategies Personal Development Startup Advice Sales Training CEO Interviews Founder Stories Professional Development Economic Empowerment Business Success Networking Brand Building Innovation How to start a business Small business funding Entrepreneur success stories Business leadership podcast Wealth building strategies Black entrepreneur podcast Minority business development Marketing for small businesses Business growth strategies Startup funding opportunities Executive leadership training Financial literacy education Success mindset podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mary Anastasia O'Grady, Wall Street Journal editorial board: Venezuela is grappling with the aftermath of severe earthquakes while navigating a complex political transition under the Trump administration's influence. Despite increased oil production, major oil companies are hesitant to invest because of a lack of contractual assurances, bureaucratic overreach, and the absence of a legitimate rule of law. Mary Anastasia O'Grady explains that the current provisional government, led by Delcy Rodríguez, is associated with the previous narco-terror regime, creating a transparency crisis regarding oil profits held in US escrow accounts. While the administration pursues a three-phase plan of stabilization, recovery, and a return to democracy, O'Grady argues the regime is simply buying time to stay in power. As long as oil prices remain high and the US is preoccupied with conflicts in the Middle East, the illegitimate regime has little incentive to hold the free and fair elections demanded by popular opposition leader María Corina Machado. (2)

On Wednesday's Mark Levin Show, the difference between the Democratic Party and the Democratic Socialists of America is not significant—the DSA is the logical extension of the Democrat Party, which has birthed it and remains sympathetic to its core aims; most Democrats are comfortable with DSA figures in Congress, state legislatures, and governorships. This agenda of fundamentally altering constitutional structure and the economic system has defined the party since Woodrow Wilson, even if Democrats refuse the labels communist or Marxist and prefer softer rhetoric. Later, more billionaires would benefit the country because they create and spread enormous wealth rather than hoarding it, with capitalism redistributing prosperity through markets and supply-demand rather than failed top-down control driven by non-economic motives. More billionaires mean more capital, investment, jobs, incomes, pensions, medical care, and tax revenue; this is why Gov Ron DeSantis invites them to Florida to fuel construction, load banks with cash that is then lent out, and circulate money through the economy. Critics fail to grasp this due to jealousy, fearmongering, and preference for centralized power, yet the more billionaires exist, the more wealth and jobs are generated for more people, as even non-business wealth gets invested in banks, stocks, loans, and enterprises that support small businesses and employment. Afterward, ignoring Hayek, Friedman, Sowell, free-market economics, and individual liberty amounts to becoming Democrat Party light. True common good rests solely on the principles of the Declaration of Independence and the Enlightenment, with no connection to economic intervention; the intellectual foundation remains figures like Buckley, de Tocqueville, Adam Smith, Burke, and Locke, not online or TikTok content. Finally, the federal budget deficit is on track to surpass $2 trillion this fiscal year as spending outpaces revenue. Tax revenues increase by $139 billion, but spending increased by $308 billion. Increased spending driven by entitlement programs: Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, in addition to servicing the national debt. Even with a 5-8% increase in revenue, the government can't stop spending money. And Democrats complain we're not spending enough! Democrats would destroy private health insurance and Medicare would collapse. The worry: economic turmoil leads to social turmoil. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Dave Charest. Director of Small Business Success at Constant Contact, shared practical advice for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and startup founders on marketing, customer engagement, business growth, and the future of AI in marketing. Drawing from his experience helping small businesses worldwide, Charest explained why entrepreneurship is booming, how businesses can effectively market themselves with limited budgets, and why building direct customer relationships through email marketing remains one of the most valuable assets a company can own. Purpose of the Interview The interview was designed to: Explain why more people are starting businesses and pursuing entrepreneurship. Educate business owners on effective marketing strategies. Highlight the advantages of email marketing over relying solely on social media. Discuss common mistakes made by new entrepreneurs. Help small businesses understand how to build customer relationships. Explore how AI is transforming marketing and business operations. Provide actionable guidance for growing a brand through consistency and community engagement. Key Takeaways 1. Entrepreneurship Continues to Grow According to Charest, people are increasingly motivated to start businesses because they want: Greater independence Better control over their schedules Increased financial potential Many entrepreneurs are turning side hustles into full-time businesses and pursuing ownership rather than traditional employment. 2. Email Marketing Is More Valuable Than Most Entrepreneurs Realize One of the strongest themes of the interview is the importance of owning your audience. While social media platforms can help businesses attract attention, email marketing provides direct access to customers without relying on platform algorithms. Charest encourages entrepreneurs to use social media as a discovery tool but move customers into channels they control, such as email and text messaging. 3. The Real Asset Is the Relationship Businesses that own customer contact information have a direct connection that cannot be disrupted by changes in social media platforms. Unlike followers on a social network, email subscribers have chosen to hear from a business directly. The stronger the relationship, the greater the opportunity for future sales and engagement. 4. Small Lists Can Produce Big Results Charest challenges the belief that businesses need massive audiences to succeed. A small, engaged audience often produces better results than a large, passive following. For many local businesses, quality relationships matter more than audience size. 5. Consistency Beats Perfection When marketing a business, consistency is more important than trying every available platform. Business owners should: Choose channels they can maintain consistently. Show up regularly. Stay visible to customers. Build trust through repetition and reliability. His message is simple: people can't buy from businesses they forget about. 6. New Entrepreneurs Often Try to Do Too Much One of the most common mistakes startups make is attempting to launch every marketing tactic simultaneously. Charest recommends: Starting small. Building a solid foundation. Creating manageable marketing habits. Avoiding unrealistic expectations. Businesses grow more effectively when they focus on a few activities and execute them well. 7. Community Matters Successful local businesses build relationships beyond customers. Charest emphasized the importance of connecting with: Other local businesses Community organizations Referral partners Customers in person Strong community connections often become a business's most reliable growth engine. 8. Choose Marketing Channels That Fit Your Strengths Different social platforms serve different purposes. Rather than chasing every trend, entrepreneurs should focus on: Where their audience spends time What content they naturally enjoy creating Which platforms they can use consistently A sustainable strategy beats an ambitious one that is quickly abandoned. 9. Marketing Is About Staying Top of Mind Charest defines marketing in a straightforward way: Businesses need to remain visible so customers think of them first when they need a product or service. The more consistently a company appears in front of its audience, the stronger its brand becomes. 10. AI Is Becoming a Powerful Marketing Tool Charest views AI as a major opportunity for small businesses. He discussed how AI can help: Generate marketing content Create email campaigns Build marketing plans Repurpose content across multiple channels Analyze customer behavior Identify new opportunities Rather than replacing entrepreneurs, AI allows them to save time and make smarter decisions. 11. Business Owners Must Continue Learning Technology and marketing are evolving rapidly. Charest advises entrepreneurs to stay informed and remain open to new tools and trends, even if they do not adopt every new technology immediately. The key is to remain adaptable and avoid being left behind. Memorable Quotes "People are determined to become their own bosses." "Our mission is to help the small stand tall." "The money is in the list." "Your goal should always be trying to move those people to channels that you own." "The relationships you build with customers are always going to be your most valuable asset." "You don't really need the big numbers." "Start small." "Consistency is the big thing that makes marketing work." "Marketing at its simplest level is about keeping your business top of mind." "Small business owners are resilient." "There isn't a Plan B. Plan A is to own this business." "AI can save time so you can get back to the things you'd rather be doing." Bottom Line Dave Charest's interview is a practical playbook for entrepreneurs looking to grow a business in a crowded digital marketplace. His core message is that successful marketing is not about chasing every trend or building massive social media followings. Instead, businesses win by building genuine relationships, creating direct connections with customers through email and text marketing, staying consistent, embracing new technology like AI, and becoming a trusted part of their community. For entrepreneurs seeking sustainable growth, Charest advocates focusing on ownership, relationships, and long-term customer engagement. Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success. Business Podcast Entrepreneurship Small Business Business Growth Financial Literacy Wealth Building Black Entrepreneurs Minority Business Leadership Executive Leadership Business Funding Marketing Strategies Personal Development Startup Advice Sales Training CEO Interviews Founder Stories Professional Development Economic Empowerment Business Success Networking Brand Building Innovation How to start a business Small business funding Entrepreneur success stories Business leadership podcast Wealth building strategies Black entrepreneur podcast Minority business development Marketing for small businesses Business growth strategies Startup funding opportunities Executive leadership training Financial literacy education Success mindset podcast #SHMS #BEST #STRAWSupport 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 Dave Charest. Director of Small Business Success at Constant Contact, shared practical advice for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and startup founders on marketing, customer engagement, business growth, and the future of AI in marketing. Drawing from his experience helping small businesses worldwide, Charest explained why entrepreneurship is booming, how businesses can effectively market themselves with limited budgets, and why building direct customer relationships through email marketing remains one of the most valuable assets a company can own. Purpose of the Interview The interview was designed to: Explain why more people are starting businesses and pursuing entrepreneurship. Educate business owners on effective marketing strategies. Highlight the advantages of email marketing over relying solely on social media. Discuss common mistakes made by new entrepreneurs. Help small businesses understand how to build customer relationships. Explore how AI is transforming marketing and business operations. Provide actionable guidance for growing a brand through consistency and community engagement. Key Takeaways 1. Entrepreneurship Continues to Grow According to Charest, people are increasingly motivated to start businesses because they want: Greater independence Better control over their schedules Increased financial potential Many entrepreneurs are turning side hustles into full-time businesses and pursuing ownership rather than traditional employment. 2. Email Marketing Is More Valuable Than Most Entrepreneurs Realize One of the strongest themes of the interview is the importance of owning your audience. While social media platforms can help businesses attract attention, email marketing provides direct access to customers without relying on platform algorithms. Charest encourages entrepreneurs to use social media as a discovery tool but move customers into channels they control, such as email and text messaging. 3. The Real Asset Is the Relationship Businesses that own customer contact information have a direct connection that cannot be disrupted by changes in social media platforms. Unlike followers on a social network, email subscribers have chosen to hear from a business directly. The stronger the relationship, the greater the opportunity for future sales and engagement. 4. Small Lists Can Produce Big Results Charest challenges the belief that businesses need massive audiences to succeed. A small, engaged audience often produces better results than a large, passive following. For many local businesses, quality relationships matter more than audience size. 5. Consistency Beats Perfection When marketing a business, consistency is more important than trying every available platform. Business owners should: Choose channels they can maintain consistently. Show up regularly. Stay visible to customers. Build trust through repetition and reliability. His message is simple: people can't buy from businesses they forget about. 6. New Entrepreneurs Often Try to Do Too Much One of the most common mistakes startups make is attempting to launch every marketing tactic simultaneously. Charest recommends: Starting small. Building a solid foundation. Creating manageable marketing habits. Avoiding unrealistic expectations. Businesses grow more effectively when they focus on a few activities and execute them well. 7. Community Matters Successful local businesses build relationships beyond customers. Charest emphasized the importance of connecting with: Other local businesses Community organizations Referral partners Customers in person Strong community connections often become a business's most reliable growth engine. 8. Choose Marketing Channels That Fit Your Strengths Different social platforms serve different purposes. Rather than chasing every trend, entrepreneurs should focus on: Where their audience spends time What content they naturally enjoy creating Which platforms they can use consistently A sustainable strategy beats an ambitious one that is quickly abandoned. 9. Marketing Is About Staying Top of Mind Charest defines marketing in a straightforward way: Businesses need to remain visible so customers think of them first when they need a product or service. The more consistently a company appears in front of its audience, the stronger its brand becomes. 10. AI Is Becoming a Powerful Marketing Tool Charest views AI as a major opportunity for small businesses. He discussed how AI can help: Generate marketing content Create email campaigns Build marketing plans Repurpose content across multiple channels Analyze customer behavior Identify new opportunities Rather than replacing entrepreneurs, AI allows them to save time and make smarter decisions. 11. Business Owners Must Continue Learning Technology and marketing are evolving rapidly. Charest advises entrepreneurs to stay informed and remain open to new tools and trends, even if they do not adopt every new technology immediately. The key is to remain adaptable and avoid being left behind. Memorable Quotes "People are determined to become their own bosses." "Our mission is to help the small stand tall." "The money is in the list." "Your goal should always be trying to move those people to channels that you own." "The relationships you build with customers are always going to be your most valuable asset." "You don't really need the big numbers." "Start small." "Consistency is the big thing that makes marketing work." "Marketing at its simplest level is about keeping your business top of mind." "Small business owners are resilient." "There isn't a Plan B. Plan A is to own this business." "AI can save time so you can get back to the things you'd rather be doing." Bottom Line Dave Charest's interview is a practical playbook for entrepreneurs looking to grow a business in a crowded digital marketplace. His core message is that successful marketing is not about chasing every trend or building massive social media followings. Instead, businesses win by building genuine relationships, creating direct connections with customers through email and text marketing, staying consistent, embracing new technology like AI, and becoming a trusted part of their community. For entrepreneurs seeking sustainable growth, Charest advocates focusing on ownership, relationships, and long-term customer engagement. Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success. Business Podcast Entrepreneurship Small Business Business Growth Financial Literacy Wealth Building Black Entrepreneurs Minority Business Leadership Executive Leadership Business Funding Marketing Strategies Personal Development Startup Advice Sales Training CEO Interviews Founder Stories Professional Development Economic Empowerment Business Success Networking Brand Building Innovation How to start a business Small business funding Entrepreneur success stories Business leadership podcast Wealth building strategies Black entrepreneur podcast Minority business development Marketing for small businesses Business growth strategies Startup funding opportunities Executive leadership training Financial literacy education Success mindset podcast #SHMS #BEST #STRAWSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.