Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Mildred J. Mills.

Topic: Life journey, resilience, and her memoir Daddy’s House: A Daughter’s Memoir of Setbacks, Triumphs, and Rising Above Her Roots

Mildred J. Mills shares her powerful story of growing up on a cotton farm in Alabama as one of 17 children, overcoming domestic violence, poverty, and systemic barriers to become a successful IT executive, author, podcaster, and motivational speaker. Her memoir is a testament to resilience, faith, and self-determination.

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

1. Promote her memoir and its message of overcoming adversity.
2. Inspire entrepreneurs and small business owners with her story of resilience and reinvention.
3. Highlight the importance of storytelling as a healing and motivational tool.
4. Encourage faith over fear in personal and professional growth.

🔑 Key Takeaways 🌾 Humble Beginnings

• Grew up on a 60-acre cotton farm in Whitaker, Alabama.
• Picking cotton was physically brutal and emotionally taxing.

“You’re bent at a 90-degree angle all day picking cotton… it hurts.”

📚 Writing the Memoir

• Wrote the book after age 60 to heal and share wisdom.
• Did not consult her husband before publishing — it was her story to tell.

“I didn’t want anybody telling me… ‘Why didn’t you do it this way?’ It is my story.”

💪 Resilience Defined

• Resilience means getting up after being knocked down.
• She credits her mother’s wisdom and her own determination.

“Failure is not an option… I wasn’t going back to that cotton field.”

🧠 Faith Over Fear

• Her guiding principle is faith over fear — trusting in the journey despite uncertainty.

“Fear sits on your shoulder and says you’re not good enough. Faith says walk through the door.”

🏫 Education & Mentorship

• A white teacher saw potential in her and helped her escape the cotton fields by recommending a tech school.
• Her father, despite initial hesitation, paid for her education in cash.

“He paid \$500 in 1969 — a lot of money for a farmer.”

👩‍💻 Career & Independence

• Became an IT executive, starting in 1969 as a computer programmer.
• Advocates for women’s financial independence and self-worth.

“God gave me gifts that I must share… I’m not going to depend on somebody else.”

📖 Future Projects

• Upcoming book: The Hope Club — explores the impact of incarceration on families, especially children.

“I’ve seen what such a life can do to children… it breaks up families.”

💬 Memorable Quotes

• “Do the best you can with what you have.” — Her mother’s mantra.
• “Don’t expect someone else to pay for your dreams.”
• “I’m no victim. I’ve never been a victim.”
• “We’re not dreaming big enough.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Mildred J. Mills.

Topic: Life journey, resilience, and her memoir Daddy’s House: A Daughter’s Memoir of Setbacks, Triumphs, and Rising Above Her Roots

Mildred J. Mills shares her powerful story of growing up on a cotton farm in Alabama as one of 17 children, overcoming domestic violence, poverty, and systemic barriers to become a successful IT executive, author, podcaster, and motivational speaker. Her memoir is a testament to resilience, faith, and self-determination.

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

1. Promote her memoir and its message of overcoming adversity.
2. Inspire entrepreneurs and small business owners with her story of resilience and reinvention.
3. Highlight the importance of storytelling as a healing and motivational tool.
4. Encourage faith over fear in personal and professional growth.

🔑 Key Takeaways 🌾 Humble Beginnings

• Grew up on a 60-acre cotton farm in Whitaker, Alabama.
• Picking cotton was physically brutal and emotionally taxing.

“You’re bent at a 90-degree angle all day picking cotton… it hurts.”

📚 Writing the Memoir

• Wrote the book after age 60 to heal and share wisdom.
• Did not consult her husband before publishing — it was her story to tell.

“I didn’t want anybody telling me… ‘Why didn’t you do it this way?’ It is my story.”

💪 Resilience Defined

• Resilience means getting up after being knocked down.
• She credits her mother’s wisdom and her own determination.

“Failure is not an option… I wasn’t going back to that cotton field.”

🧠 Faith Over Fear

• Her guiding principle is faith over fear — trusting in the journey despite uncertainty.

“Fear sits on your shoulder and says you’re not good enough. Faith says walk through the door.”

🏫 Education & Mentorship

• A white teacher saw potential in her and helped her escape the cotton fields by recommending a tech school.
• Her father, despite initial hesitation, paid for her education in cash.

“He paid \$500 in 1969 — a lot of money for a farmer.”

👩‍💻 Career & Independence

• Became an IT executive, starting in 1969 as a computer programmer.
• Advocates for women’s financial independence and self-worth.

“God gave me gifts that I must share… I’m not going to depend on somebody else.”

📖 Future Projects

• Upcoming book: The Hope Club — explores the impact of incarceration on families, especially children.

“I’ve seen what such a life can do to children… it breaks up families.”

💬 Memorable Quotes

• “Do the best you can with what you have.” — Her mother’s mantra.
• “Don’t expect someone else to pay for your dreams.”
• “I’m no victim. I’ve never been a victim.”
• “We’re not dreaming big enough.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

Serial entrepreneur and founder of Maxwell, a platform focused on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), also known as tiny homes:

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

To educate listeners on the growing trend of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), their practical uses, legal considerations, and how platforms like Maxwell help homeowners navigate the process of building or buying tiny homes—especially in light of new options like Amazon’s prefab homes.

🗝️ Key Takeaways

1. What Are ADUs?

   • Formerly known as tiny homes or granny flats, ADUs are small, secondary housing units built on residential properties.
   • They range from 150 to 1200 square feet and serve various purposes: rentals, studios, housing for aging parents, or personal retreats.

2. Growing Popularity

   • Driven by housing shortages and affordability issues, especially in states like California.
   • Governments are easing restrictions to allow more ADUs to be built, including San Diego’s initiative to allow unlimited ADUs if they’re affordable.

3. Use Cases

   • Rental income
   • Housing for retirees or aging parents
   • Studios (music, yoga), guest houses, or nanny quarters

4. Amazon’s Entry

   • Amazon now sells prefab two-story tiny homes under \$50,000.
   • While appealing, buyers must understand the additional costs and logistics: foundation, utilities, permits, and construction.

5. Legal & Practical Considerations

   • ADUs must be permitted and built to code to be safe and legally rentable.
   • Homeowners should consult their city’s building department before starting.
   • A certificate of occupancy is required for someone to legally live in the unit.

6. Maxwell Platform

   • Offers resources, videos, and guidance for anyone interested in building or buying ADUs.
   • Helps users find reliable contractors and understand the full scope of building an ADU.

7. Impact on Property Value

   • ADUs generally increase property value by adding rentable living space.
   • They are a viable wealth-building strategy through real estate investment.

8. Social Impact

   • ADUs could be a solution to homelessness by providing affordable housing options.
   • Cities like San Diego are already exploring this potential.

💬 Notable Quotes

• “You’re not building a Lego kit here.” — Paul Dashevsky on the complexity of constructing ADUs
• “There’s no success without sacrifice.” — Rushion McDonald, echoing the theme of entrepreneurship
• “Go down to your building department at your city and ask them what guidelines they have.” — Paul’s advice on starting an ADU project
• “If you invest in real estate… that’s a great way to build wealth.” — Paul on the financial benefits of ADUs
• “I wish America would look at the possibilities of seeing what ADUs can do for the homeless community.” — Rushion McDonald on the social potential of tiny homes

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

Serial entrepreneur and founder of Maxwell, a platform focused on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), also known as tiny homes:

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

To educate listeners on the growing trend of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), their practical uses, legal considerations, and how platforms like Maxwell help homeowners navigate the process of building or buying tiny homes—especially in light of new options like Amazon’s prefab homes.

🗝️ Key Takeaways

1. What Are ADUs?

   • Formerly known as tiny homes or granny flats, ADUs are small, secondary housing units built on residential properties.
   • They range from 150 to 1200 square feet and serve various purposes: rentals, studios, housing for aging parents, or personal retreats.

2. Growing Popularity

   • Driven by housing shortages and affordability issues, especially in states like California.
   • Governments are easing restrictions to allow more ADUs to be built, including San Diego’s initiative to allow unlimited ADUs if they’re affordable.

3. Use Cases

   • Rental income
   • Housing for retirees or aging parents
   • Studios (music, yoga), guest houses, or nanny quarters

4. Amazon’s Entry

   • Amazon now sells prefab two-story tiny homes under \$50,000.
   • While appealing, buyers must understand the additional costs and logistics: foundation, utilities, permits, and construction.

5. Legal & Practical Considerations

   • ADUs must be permitted and built to code to be safe and legally rentable.
   • Homeowners should consult their city’s building department before starting.
   • A certificate of occupancy is required for someone to legally live in the unit.

6. Maxwell Platform

   • Offers resources, videos, and guidance for anyone interested in building or buying ADUs.
   • Helps users find reliable contractors and understand the full scope of building an ADU.

7. Impact on Property Value

   • ADUs generally increase property value by adding rentable living space.
   • They are a viable wealth-building strategy through real estate investment.

8. Social Impact

   • ADUs could be a solution to homelessness by providing affordable housing options.
   • Cities like San Diego are already exploring this potential.

💬 Notable Quotes

• “You’re not building a Lego kit here.” — Paul Dashevsky on the complexity of constructing ADUs
• “There’s no success without sacrifice.” — Rushion McDonald, echoing the theme of entrepreneurship
• “Go down to your building department at your city and ask them what guidelines they have.” — Paul’s advice on starting an ADU project
• “If you invest in real estate… that’s a great way to build wealth.” — Paul on the financial benefits of ADUs
• “I wish America would look at the possibilities of seeing what ADUs can do for the homeless community.” — Rushion McDonald on the social potential of tiny homes

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

Serial entrepreneur and founder of Maxwell, a platform focused on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), also known as tiny homes:

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

To educate listeners on the growing trend of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), their practical uses, legal considerations, and how platforms like Maxwell help homeowners navigate the process of building or buying tiny homes—especially in light of new options like Amazon’s prefab homes.

🗝️ Key Takeaways

1. What Are ADUs?

   • Formerly known as tiny homes or granny flats, ADUs are small, secondary housing units built on residential properties.
   • They range from 150 to 1200 square feet and serve various purposes: rentals, studios, housing for aging parents, or personal retreats.

2. Growing Popularity

   • Driven by housing shortages and affordability issues, especially in states like California.
   • Governments are easing restrictions to allow more ADUs to be built, including San Diego’s initiative to allow unlimited ADUs if they’re affordable.

3. Use Cases

   • Rental income
   • Housing for retirees or aging parents
   • Studios (music, yoga), guest houses, or nanny quarters

4. Amazon’s Entry

   • Amazon now sells prefab two-story tiny homes under \$50,000.
   • While appealing, buyers must understand the additional costs and logistics: foundation, utilities, permits, and construction.

5. Legal & Practical Considerations

   • ADUs must be permitted and built to code to be safe and legally rentable.
   • Homeowners should consult their city’s building department before starting.
   • A certificate of occupancy is required for someone to legally live in the unit.

6. Maxwell Platform

   • Offers resources, videos, and guidance for anyone interested in building or buying ADUs.
   • Helps users find reliable contractors and understand the full scope of building an ADU.

7. Impact on Property Value

   • ADUs generally increase property value by adding rentable living space.
   • They are a viable wealth-building strategy through real estate investment.

8. Social Impact

   • ADUs could be a solution to homelessness by providing affordable housing options.
   • Cities like San Diego are already exploring this potential.

💬 Notable Quotes

• “You’re not building a Lego kit here.” — Paul Dashevsky on the complexity of constructing ADUs
• “There’s no success without sacrifice.” — Rushion McDonald, echoing the theme of entrepreneurship
• “Go down to your building department at your city and ask them what guidelines they have.” — Paul’s advice on starting an ADU project
• “If you invest in real estate… that’s a great way to build wealth.” — Paul on the financial benefits of ADUs
• “I wish America would look at the possibilities of seeing what ADUs can do for the homeless community.” — Rushion McDonald on the social potential of tiny homes

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.