Crissle’s Couch: Patreon Exclusive Preview

Podcast: Crissle’s Couch by CAKE MEDIA
Episode Date: December 11, 2025

Episode Overview

This Patreon-exclusive preview introduces “Crissle’s Couch”—an honest, warm, and irreverent space where host Crissle welcomes guests to discuss real-life experiences, friendship, and personal growth. Joined by friends and fellow creatives Dustin Ross and Jade Vaujay, the conversation captures the spirit of the show: unfiltered cultural critique, gentle accountability, and meaningful reflection among longtime friends navigating the ups and downs of New York City.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Introductions & Setting the Stage

• Crissle welcomes guests Dustin Ross and Jade Vaujay, describing them affectionately as “problematic friends” but also as family who've grown together in NYC ([00:02]-[00:51]).
  • “We’ve all been in New York together for over a decade. We’ve definitely grown as friends. It’s really more like a family between all of us.” – Crissle [00:24]
• The trio celebrates each other’s successes—Jade as an accomplished chef, Dustin’s recent successful solo comedy tour, and a collective journey of friendship and achievement ([00:46]-[01:16]).

First Arrivals in New York

• Jade’s Background: Moved to NYC thanks to family roots, and after time away in Texas, returned to the Bronx. Highlights the privilege and comfort of adjusting with family support ([01:55]-[03:21]).
  • “I have the privilege of having family to help me to adjust, so I didn’t have to do things on my own like a lot of people did.” – Jade [03:12]
• Dustin’s Story: Followed his sister to NYC seeking change and escape from a toxic work environment in Michigan’s labor unions, where he felt isolated as a young, Black, closeted man ([03:23]-[04:24]).
  • “I was young and Black, you know what I’m saying? Secretly gay at the time. So it was just a lot. And I had to escape.” – Dustin [04:07]
  • “I wanted to be an actor. I wanted to work in, like, entertainment and shit. So I moved to New York. I never look back and ain’t never going.” – Dustin [04:21]

Early NYC Experiences

• Life on a Shoestring Budget: Reminiscing about broke days, the group laughs about smoking weed, drinking Budweisers, and making do together ([05:22]-[06:39]).
  • “Nobody drank Budweiser. Just Dustin and you.” – Jade to Crissle [06:16]
  • “We used to…I think about those times a lot because…we were all so much broker then…but it also feels like we spent more time together.” – Crissle [06:47]
• The pandemic and “life lifing” changed the dynamic, lessening time together but strengthening the value of continued connection ([07:01]-[07:36]).

Growth, Change, and Friendship Longevity

• Reflecting on Longevity & Resilience: The friends consider their longevity in NYC, especially compared to those who “move right the hell back out” after short stints. Their sustained presence becomes a badge of effort, focus, and adaptability ([07:59]-[08:52]).
  • “It feels good to say that we’ve outlasted some people. Not in a comparative way, but just as a nod to our, you know, effort and focus and shit.” – Dustin [08:16]
• Change Versus Consistency: The group teases Dustin for claiming he “never changed,” using it as a springboard for a deeper reflection on evolution versus staying true to core values ([08:52]-[09:16]).
  • “When people say, like, oh, you’ve changed…yes, and I was supposed to. You should change. You should evolve…But there are also certain things, like fundamental principles…that stay consistent. And that’s okay too.” – Dustin [09:07]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Sharp, Playful Banter:
  • “Dustin got a bevy of niggas. It’s just so much to celebrate.” – Crissle [00:47]
  • “Remember, I didn’t even smoke at first. Nobody did.” – Jade [05:34]
  • “I remember you sitting next to me with your legs open like Delarice.” – Dustin [06:22]
• Unvarnished NYC Moments:
  • “I saw a topless woman on the F train…At the time, I was living in Queens and the F train was wild. It really changed my perspective.” – Dustin [04:30]-[05:21]
• Philosophy on Growth:
  • “Evolution, I think, is what it’s all about. I didn’t want to always stay where I was at…So, you know, I think that is important.” – Dustin [09:10]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:02–00:51: Introductions, accolades, and framing of friendship theme
• 01:55–03:21: Jade’s NYC origins and support system
• 03:23–04:24: Dustin’s move from Michigan & initial struggles
• 04:30–05:21: First impressions of NYC’s wildness (F train story)
• 05:22–06:39: Group’s early NYC days, weed, and Budweisers
• 07:01–07:36: Changes in togetherness and the impact of time/pandemic
• 07:59–08:52: Outlasting the NYC grind, pride in resilience
• 08:52–09:16: Reflection on change, evolution, and sticking to principles

Tone & Takeaways

The episode is frank, full of inside jokes and the easy rapport that comes from years of shared struggle and triumph. Crissle’s Couch promises a mix of hard truths, humor, and affirming space—not “therapy,” but a place where listeners can feel accompanied through their own journeys. The emphasis on evolution, staying connected, and celebrating survival in a tough city sets the tone for forthcoming episodes.

Bottom line:
If you’ve ever navigated a big city, grappled with change, or found family in your friends, “Crissle’s Couch” offers candid, compassionate conversation with genuine laughs and lessons.