Strawberry Letter

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Ryan Richmond and Greg Bowman. Co‑owners of Popcorn Remix, a Georgia‑based gourmet popcorn brand known for more than 60 innovative flavors ranging from King Crab Legs to Charlene’s Banana Pudding to chocolate‑covered strawberry. Together they share their partnership story, the origin of Popcorn Remix, the explosive growth of their brand, how they built a powerhouse fundraising platform (WePowerFundraisers.com), their expansion into major sports and entertainment venues, and the unique combination of hustle, creativity, faith, and community service that drives their success. 🎯 Purpose of the Interview The interview was designed to: 1. Highlight the Popcorn Remix brand and its explosive growth From a storefront in Conyers, GA, to Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, Truist Park, the Georgia World Congress Center, the Atlanta Dream, and major convention centers. 2. Showcase their entrepreneurship journey as Black founders They share how they partnered, overcame limitations, created their own lane, and scaled a product category long dominated by major national brands. 3. Promote their fundraising platform (WePowerFundraisers.com) A system that gives organizations up to 50% of gross sales, ships popcorn directly to supporters, and supports churches, schools, nonprofits, cheer teams, and more. 4. Inspire entrepreneurs Greg and Ryan share candid advice on partnership, sacrifice, differentiating your product, and believing in your gifts. 💡 Key Takeaways 1. A Powerful Partnership Built on Hustle, Trust & Alignment Greg and Ryan met years ago through a men’s empowerment group and eventually partnered after Greg conceived the popcorn concept.Ryan didn’t have the money but had “all the hustle in the world”—and that’s the partnership foundation.  They call themselves the Visionary & Executioner, committing to outwork anyone and always show up for each other. 2. Popcorn Remix Was Created to “Remix” What Popcorn Could Be The brand name came from their church’s theme, “Year of the Remix.”They wanted flavors never seen before: butter pecan, crab legs, chocolate‑covered strawberry, cookies and cream, lemon pound cake, jerk chicken, etc. [ Only three people in the world know the signature butter pecan formula. 3. Their Innovation Extends Beyond Flavors — Even the Kernels Are Different They use “mushroom” kernels (round, fluffy) instead of standard “butterfly” kernels to prevent breakage, reduce seed fragments, and support orthodontic patients. [ Their popcorn is fluffier, smoother, and more versatile for gourmet coating. 4. The Storefront Is an In‑Person Experience The Conyers, GA store provides: Free sampling of all 60+ flavors Music based on the time of day Engaging, fun staff Fresh gourmet popcorn made on-site The storefront is intentionally designed to be a “vibe.” 5. Live Activations Are Their Secret Weapon Their background in music and entertainment helps them: Work crowds Convert curious customers into buyers Perform high‑energy demos Showcase “activation flavors” like Lemon Pound Cake, which comes with instructions  These activations drew attention at Falcons games, arenas, conventions, and more. 6. Popcorn Remix Is in Major Venues Across Georgia They have partnerships with: Mercedes‑Benz Stadium (all levels) Truist Park / Atlanta Braves State Farm Arena Atlanta Dream Georgia World Congress Center Georgia International Convention Center They’re a favorite for cheer, volleyball, and large-scale events. 7. Their Brand Went Viral — Celebrities and even the White House Took Notice Celebrity/luminary support includes: Whoopi Goldberg Daymond John Sherri Shepherd Anthony Hamilton Cathy Hughes (Radio One/TV One founder) The White House (Hip-Hop 50th celebration invitation) Their popcorn has literally made it to the White House.  8. Their Fundraising Platform Is a Game-Changer WePowerFundraisers.com gives: Up to 50% of gross sales to organizations Automated direct‑to-door delivery No upfront costs 10‑day fundraiser windows Ten curated flavors for easy purchase They’re now targeting national Greek organizations (“Divine Nine”) to scale. [ 9. Massive Growth: $1.5 Million in 3 Years They realized they “had something” when they hit $1.5 million in revenue, without debt, and only two founders running things. They even had to turn down a $4M deal because they didn’t yet have the production capacity—prompting them to invest heavily in a new warehouse. 10. They Reinvented Their Ops with Subscriptions & TikTok Shops They recently added: A monthly popcorn subscription A TikTok Shop that allows creators to sell Popcorn Remix and earn revenue  These innovations help them scale nationally. 🗣 Notable Quotes (with citations) On their partnership “He said, ‘I ain’t got a whole bunch of money… but I got all the hustle in the world.’”  On their role to each other “I refuse to be outworked… whenever you call, I’m available.”  On Popcorn Remix’s purpose “We want to remix popcorn… make it unlike anything you’ve ever seen before.”  On competition “When you're going against a giant, you gotta have something real… We had a rocket launcher.”  On their breakthrough moment “We grossed $1.5 million in three years… from popcorn. I knew we had something.”  On celebrity validation “When Whoopi sent the picture… and then the White House… that was it.”  On entrepreneurship “Dreams don’t expire. How you start is not how you finish.”  On community fundraising “It’s one thing to ask for something. It’s another to give something back.”  #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Diane Strand An award‑winning serial entrepreneur, media producer, speaker, and coach. She is the co‑founder of JDS Video & Media Productions, a seven‑figure production company, and the creator of DigiFest, a major digital‑media and arts festival in Temecula, California. Diane shares her journey from a dyslexic child discouraged from pursuing the arts, to a Hollywood professional working on television hits like Friends, General Hospital, and Veronica’s Closet, to a successful entrepreneur empowering creative to turn their passions into profitable businesses. She discusses resilience, visibility, storytelling, leadership, the power of the arts, and how she built DigiFest into a hub for digital creators, students, and industry professionals. 🎯 Purpose of the Interview The interview highlights: 1. Diane’s evolution from Hollywood talent to business owner Her shift from TV and production work to launching her own media company and coaching others. 2. The mission behind DigiFest Why she created an annual digital media festival to bridge Hollywood and emerging creators. 3. How the arts empower people personally and professionally Diane explains how creativity builds communication skills, confidence, resilience, and community. 4. Her framework for turning passion into profit Through storytelling, visibility strategies, networking, and stepping outside comfort zones. 5. Advice for future generations of creatives and entrepreneurs Her approach to learning, mentorship, and launching ideas before feeling “ready.” 💡 Key Takeaways 1. Creativity + Storytelling = Universal Power Diane defines the arts broadly: anything involving storytelling—painting, acting, photography, filmmaking, writing, animation, design, music, digital content.She emphasizes that the arts are inclusive, accessible to all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.  The arts train: Communication Confidence Problem‑solving Thick skin Resilience Adaptability These skills transfer directly to business and leadership. 2. Overcoming Dyslexia and Early Discouragement As a child, she struggled with reading and undiagnosed dyslexia.People—including her parents—told her she shouldn’t pursue the arts. She refused to listen.Her determination led to winning the role of Betsy Ross in her second‑grade play, igniting her lifelong creative path.  3. A Successful Run in Hollywood When Showtime rejected her, she went back to school to get her bachelor’s degree, then returned and worked on major productions such as: Friends General Hospital Veronica’s Closet Hollywood taught her professionalism, creativity, and authenticity—but also that the industry can be cutthroat and subjective.  4. Passion → Purpose → Profits Diane explains that passion alone isn’t enough.The real breakthrough comes when passion turns into a purpose, which then creates profits. [ She discovered this when she left Hollywood within 15 seconds of agreeing to start her own production business after realizing reality TV’s lifestyle conflicted with being a present parent. Her success framework includes: High visibility Networking Leveraging the “Hollywood effect” Storytelling as authority Consistency Constant learning 5. Building a Seven‑Figure Media Company JDS Productions creates professional video content, marketing media, casting calls, and digital products.She used door‑to‑door outreach, chamber of commerce networking, public speaking, and visibility strategies to grow.  6. Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone Diane repeatedly stresses: Growth happens in discomfort Saying yes leads to opportunity Visibility requires vulnerability  Today she speaks on national stages, podcasts, and industry events—something that once required tremendous courage. 7. DigiFest: Her Digital Media Festival DigiFest was created when the long‑running Temecula film and music festival shut down, and the city asked her to take over. She refused to run a traditional film festival and instead created something aligned with her expertise—digital media.  DigiFest is: A competition A networking event An educational conference A celebration of digital storytelling Festival features include: Workshops (AI, film, podcasting, animation, scriptwriting) Celebrity speakers (Curtis Young, Colin Egglesfield, Sam Larsen, Justin Guarini) Film screenings Performances Red carpet Awards Professional‑student collaboration  It spans three days every April (Fri–Sun) at her 10,000 sq ft studio space in Temecula. 8. Women in Hollywood & Finding Her Voice Diane acknowledges that Hollywood can be sexist, abusive, and insensitive to women.She faced inappropriate situations during her work on reality TV—but quickly made clear she “does not play like that.” [ She helps other women and young creatives find confidence, courage, and professional boundaries. 9. Resilience, Ethics, and “Haters” Diane remains grounded in: Ethical behavior Professionalism Strong documentation Karma Leading by example She believes leadership gets more public as you climb, and criticism is inevitable when you challenge others.  10. Advice for the Next Generation Her advice is timeless: “Start before you’re ready.”If she waited for perfection, she never would’ve launched DigiFest or her company.  Say yes, show up, be visible, and trust that your purpose will reveal itself through action. 🗣 Notable Quotes On dreams and action “A dream is direction, realization, evaluation, and taking action to create momentum.”  On the power of the arts “The arts are inclusive. They teach resilience, confidence, and how to get back up.”  On her Hollywood departure “I said yes within 15 seconds… I wanted something more for me and my family.” [ On growth “When you get comfortable being uncomfortable, you’re going to grow.”  On DigiFest “It’s anything that lives in the digital space—from film to AI to podcasting to animation.”  On overcoming discouragement “I was told I shouldn’t or couldn’t… but I said, ‘Just watch me.’”  #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Bamidele Farinre Founder of No Ceiling Consulting, a biomedical scientist, STEM expert, agile project manager, and advocate for professional development, mentorship, and removing internal and systemic limitations (“ceilings”). They discuss her STEM background, the evolving role of AI in science, the meaning of “no ceilings,” navigating personal and professional barriers, mentorship, setbacks, agile leadership, and how individuals—especially people of color—can create opportunity even in the face of bias and structural limitations. 🎯 Purpose of the Interview The purpose of having Bamidele on the show was to: 1. Highlight her work at No Ceiling Consulting Her firm helps individuals and organizations unlock potential, elevate performance, and lead with purpose, specializing in STEM leadership, DEI, professional development, and agile project management. 2. Explore the concept of “No Ceilings” She provides a framework for breaking through personal and professional barriers—emphasizing that many “ceilings” are internal, learned, or based on access and systemic issues. 3. Discuss STEM, AI, and the future of work She explains the growing role of automation and AI, how it reshapes STEM roles, and why professionals must upskill, adapt, and embrace professional development. 4. Provide strategies for career advancement Her insights include mentorship, persistence, self‑advocacy, managing setbacks, and adopting agile mindsets. 💡 Key Takeaways 1. STEM + AI = New Opportunities, Not Job Loss Automation and AI enhance efficiency, reduce manual labor, and create new roles—especially in labs and diagnostics. Instead of replacing workers, AI demands that professionals upskill and leverage technology for faster, better outcomes..txt).txt)  2. “No Ceilings” Means Removing Internal + External Barriers Bamidele distinguishes between: Personal ceilings Internal doubts Imposter syndrome Feeling “not enough” despite capability Learned perceptions from bias or discouraging environments Professional ceilings Being overlooked for opportunities Lack of access to resources (even when resources exist) Systemic barriers, bias, and limited upward mobility “No ceilings” means operating from a mindset of possibility, not limitation. 3. Mentorship Is the Missing Link in Many Careers Mentorship provides: Guidance Access A blueprint from those who have “been there” Confidence building She explains that while mentorship is more visible today, access to the right mentorship still matters. 4. Setbacks Are Strategies in Disguise She argues setbacks can redirect you to more aligned paths. Her personal example: She failed her A‑level science subjects in the UK A lecturer told her to “rethink her career” Instead, she re‑enrolled, tried again, and succeeded Setbacks force reassessment, new strategies, and new paths—if you don’t let them define you. 5. Professional Success Requires Initiative and Advocacy She emphasizes: Don’t wait for opportunities—go after them Knock on multiple doors Apply for roles even if you don’t feel 100% ready Learn from interviews even if you don’t get the job Rushion supports this point with his IBM story: opportunity started when he stopped complaining and clearly shared his goals. 6. Agile Leadership Applies Beyond Technology Agile principles help leaders: Think quickly and adapt Focus on collaboration and accountability Encourage self‑management Support teams through “servant leadership” Reflect and iterate rather than waiting for perfect plans Agile mindset = resilience + responsiveness. 7. Faith, Vision, and Purpose Drive Her Journey Bamidele speaks candidly about: Faith guiding her through rejection and setbacks Conversations with God grounding her Believing her life is a “living testimony” of grace and perseverance 🗣 Notable Quotes (with citations) On AI and automation “Automation makes life easier… without it, manual methods take hours, weeks, months to get results.”.txt) [Bamidele F…(Podcast) | Txt] On embracing AI “AI is not taking your jobs, but those that ignore the AI will be left behind.” On personal ceilings “You’re thinking to yourself, ‘I can’t do it,’ even though you have the evidence to show you can.” On professional ceilings “You may have access, but you don’t have access to access.” On initiative “I don’t wait for opportunities—I always go for it. Worst case, you’ll say no.” On setbacks “When you have a setback, you’re thinking: what can I do? This can’t stop me.” On mindset “Life is all about risk. You have to look for solutions; there has to be another way.” On faith “Grace carried me to where I am today… my life is a living testimony.” On the meaning of ‘No Ceilings’ “Why do we even have a ceiling in the first place? Let’s operate in a world where we don’t see the ceiling—only possibilities.”.txt)  #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Strawberry Letter heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show Thursday, February 12th, 2026. Subject: "I'm In Love With Her Fiancé"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Strawberry Letter heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show Wednesday, February 11th, 2026. Subject: "He Gets To See The World, But We Don't"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Strawberry Letter heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show Tuesday, February 10th, 2026. Subject: "He Has Nothing On My Other Man"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Strawberry Letter heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show Monday, February 7th, 2026. Subject: "The Backseat And The Barbershop "See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Strawberry Letter heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show Friday, February 6th, 2026. Subject: "He Got Fired And I'm Under New Management"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Strawberry Letter heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show Thursday, February 5th, 2026. Subject: "My Honey And My Husband Are Friends"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Strawberry Letter heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show Wednesday, February 4th, 2026. Subject: "I Married A Flirtatious Man"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Strawberry Letter heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show Monday, February 3rd, 2026. Subject: "He Left Me Out To Freeze"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Strawberry Letter heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show Monday, February 2nd, 2026. Subject: "Whose Side Is He On?"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Strawberry Letter heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show Friday, January 30th, 2026. Subject: "I Hate All Of His Family And His Friends"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Strawberry Letter heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show Thursday, January 29th, 2026. Subject: "I'm In Love By Default"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Strawberry Letter heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show Wednesday, January 28th, 2026. Subject: "I Know How She Feels"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Strawberry Letter heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show Tuesday, January 27th, 2026. Subject: "She's Always In The Principal's Office"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Strawberry Letter heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show Monday, January 26th, 2026. Subject: "He's Not Handsome, He's Blessed"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Strawberry Letter heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show Friday, January 23rd, 2026. Subject: "They Went To See The Place Without Me"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Strawberry Letter heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show Thursday, January 22nd, 2026. Subject: "My Mom Is For The Streets"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Strawberry Letter heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show Wednesday, January 21st, 2026. Subject: "I Want Him To Talk To Me"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.