Show notes
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 Brian Custer. 🎙️ Interview Summary Overview:The interview is a mix of career storytelling, personal development, and health awareness. Brian Custer, an Emmy Award–winning sportscaster, shares his journey from childhood aspirations to ESPN, along with a powerful account of surviving prostate cancer. Rushion McDonald uses the conversation to highlight perseverance, purpose, and community impact. 🎯 Purpose of the Interview The conversation serves three main purposes: 1. Inspiration & Career Guidance Show how disciplined focus, mentorship, and persistence lead to success. Encourage listeners to create their own success story rather than just admire others. 2. Representation & Legacy Highlight the importance of HBCUs, Black mentors, and representation in media. Reinforce the idea of uplifting community through achievement and visibility. 3. Health Awareness (Major Focus) Raise awareness about prostate cancer, especially among Black men. Encourage early screening, eliminating stigma, and using influence for public good. 🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Success Starts with Early Vision Custer knew he wanted to be in television as early as middle school. Exposure to role models like Ted Koppel shaped his aspirations. 👉 Lesson: Early inspiration + consistency = long-term career clarity. 2. Pivoting from Failed Dreams Can Lead to Purpose His initial dream was to play basketball, but he redirected to broadcasting. Attending Hampton University became a pivotal decision. 👉 Lesson: Letting go of one dream can open the door to your true calling. 3. Mentorship and Representation Matter Influences included Irv Cross, James Brown, and Carole Simpson. Relationships later turned into mentorships. 👉 Lesson: Seeing people who look like you succeed creates possibility—and access. 4. Work Ethic Beats Glamour Started with overnight radio shifts (midnight–8am). Took on non-sports reporting roles to build skills and visibility. 👉 Lesson: Success often begins with unglamorous, grind-heavy work. 5. Systemic Bias Still Exists—but Can Be Overcome A news director assumed he was white based on his voice. This moment highlights both bias and the importance of opportunity. 👉 Lesson: Talent can open doors, but awareness of bias is critical. 6. Health Awareness Is Critical—Especially for Black Men Custer was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer at 42. He initially resisted testing due to stigma and discomfort. 👉 Lesson: Avoiding screenings can be life-threatening—early detection saves lives. 7. Use Your Platform for Impact After surgery, Custer committed to advocating for prostate cancer awareness. He now serves as a spokesperson to educate and save lives. 👉 Lesson: Success gains meaning when it helps others. 8. Mindset Determines How You Face Adversity Both Custer and McDonald described fear upon hearing “cancer.” Acceptance, faith, and perspective helped them move forward. 👉 Lesson: Crisis reveals your values and reshapes your priorities. 💬 Notable Quotes On Purpose & Calling “At that point, I knew I wanted to do television.” On Career Beginnings “My first job… was from midnight to 8:00 in the morning… that’s what I did.” On Bias in Media “You certainly don’t look the way you sound… I thought you were white.” On Cancer Diagnosis “All I heard was cancer.” On Awareness & Responsibility “Use your platform to help men of color… they need to see that it’s okay.” On Health Neglect “Cancer don’t go away without help… it’s going to keep winning.” On Masculinity & Stigma “I wasn’t trying to tell anybody… people gonna think I’m going to be dead.” 🧠 Bottom Line This interview is not just about sports broadcasting—it’s about purpose, resilience, and responsibility. Brian Custer’s story demonstrates: How to build a career with intention How to navigate setbacks and bias And most importantly, how to turn personal struggle into public impact #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.