Girl, G’on!!

Summary

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Gettin' Grown – Girl, G’on!! (December 30, 2025)

Episode Overview

In their reflective end-of-year episode, Keia and Jade (a.k.a. Krystal and Fry/Fran) gather at the kitchen table for "Girl, G’on!!" to review the lessons, challenges, and triumphs of 2025. This candid, laughter-filled conversation explores themes of rest, boundary setting, the importance of connection, and dreaming into 2026 with hope, high energy, and intentional self-care—always grounded in the unique lens of thirty-something Black womanhood. The hosts share personal stories, set intentions, and highlight the continuing journey of figuring out adulthood together.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Reflections on 2025 and the Importance of Rest

• Both hosts express immense gratitude for making it through a "character-building" year packed with twists and challenges.
• The importance of intentional rest is emphasized, recognizing it as a privilege and necessity.
• Quote: "I am sitting my blockas down. Rest, rest. Okay. And so I'm really grateful for that time to be able to do so. You know, this could be any other way. And so I'm just grateful for the opportunity to be able to do that because I know it is a privilege. You know what I mean?" – Krystal (04:17)
• Timestamps: Gratitude & rest – [04:07–05:36]

2. Endings and Beginnings: Saying Goodbye to 2025

• They metaphorically "thank" the year for its lessons but are READY for it to go. The episode title itself, "Girl, G’on!!", is a send-off to the chaos and growth of 2025.
• Quote: "Thank you so much, sister. We appreciate the lessons that you’ve brought and the tornadoes and now you and your shoes may hit the road." – Krystal (06:40)
• Both hosts release 2025 with a mix of humor and side-eye, looking forward to new beginnings.

3. Music, Culture, and Complicated Memories

• The hosts express nostalgia for R&B grooves and note the bittersweetness of revisiting music connected to now-problematic artists, tying it to the way our cultural “passports” bear the marks of eras now tinged by new knowledge.
• Quote: "[Music] created stamps in our passports of life. You know what I mean?" – Krystal (08:46)
• Timestamps: Music & nostalgia – [01:11–03:36], [07:29–09:54]

4. Bringing Hope and High Energy into 2026

• Keia and Jade outline a deliberate shift: less hard planning, more open ideation and fun envisioning for 2026.
• Themes: Creating ease, incorporating grace, choosing activities with intention, building habits, and granting self-permission.
• Timestamps: Hope & intention – [07:07–13:59]

5. What They're Saying "Hell No" To in 2026

• Letting go of self-imposed stress and urgency.
• Learning to rest without guilt and to move from intentional, not frantic, places.
• Quote: "I think I really want to be intentional about really creating as much of my own ease as possible… Even just in my thought process." – Krystal (15:35)
• Both plan to continue unlearning patterns of self-criticism and to offer themselves more grace.
• Timestamps: Boundaries & saying “no” – [14:01–19:18]

6. Hobbies, Habits & New Experiences

• Keia sets her sights on archery lessons and rekindling her passion for hiking and being outdoors for grounding and joy.
• Fran wants to read—and write—more for pure enjoyment, returning to creative pursuits for their own sake, not as hustle.
• Quote: "Everything doesn't have to be a business or like a hustle." – Fran (24:04)
• Timestamps: Hobbies & joyful habits – [19:20–24:17]

7. Prioritizing Relationships and Connection

• Both hosts reflect on the need to be intentional about nurturing relationships, especially elders and friends. Work-life balance is a challenge, and they want to have more non-work quality time with friends.
• Quote: "You have to pour into your friendships and your relationships in general in a very specific way, you know, because convenience will sometimes cause inconvenience..." – Krystal (29:12)
• Timestamps: Friendships and family – [24:17–30:17]

8. Fun, Frivolity, and Permission to Enjoy Life

• The hosts give themselves permission to intentionally seek out fun, exploring more live music (beyond big concerts: jazz clubs, jam sessions), theater, ballet, and even solo travel.
• Being present in new or uncomfortable activities is a priority, moving from mere attendance to full participation.
• Quote: "I want to have fun and I want to frivol and whimsy and, and, and spin and twirl." – Krystal (32:50)
• Timestamps: Fun and whimsy – [31:44–36:47]

9. Theme Songs for 2026

• Fran: “Live Your Life” by Rihanna – For an energy of presence, gratitude, and embodying self-love and faith.
• Krystal: “Roots” by Mary (their producer) – Reminding herself of being grounded and anchored, even when life feels uprooted.
• Quote: "My roots will hold me. And so I think that would be my song for 2026, because 2025 felt so uprooted at times..." – Krystal (38:26)
• Timestamps: Theme songs & feeling grounded – [37:10–40:10]

10. Closing Affirmations & Self-care Mantras

• Continuing the tradition of “moisturize your mind, body, and soul”—reading, resting, eating well, and keeping skin soft and healthy.
• Quote: "Moisturize your mind, educate yourself. Spark your creativity, your imagination, your innovation. Lean into it. Use your brain. Use your noodle out here." – Fran (41:59)
• Gratefulness for their podcasting community and each other, with hope for what’s ahead.
• Timestamps: Mantras & affirmations – [41:58–43:48]

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Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes

• “I have stolen from a lot of corporations I worked for, and that’s because I didn’t really care about you. So I know this could be any other direction. Oh, yes. In a world of capitalism. I am a vigilante.” – Krystal (06:01)
• “I feel betrayed. I feel lied to, run amok. And I feel like I knew, but I didn’t know.” – Fran (07:42), on reconciling with complicated musical nostalgia.
• “I’m going to choose to believe there is [rebirth and magic] because I need it. I need to believe that. So I'mma dig into my Disney magic and pray that 2026 brings shifts, challenges and, and twists and turns that work in the favor of my overall well being.” – Krystal (39:46)
• “Humans are amazing. People suck.” – Krystal (40:00)

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Segment Timestamps

• Opening Gratitude & Year-in-Review: [03:36–07:06]
• Letting Go of 2025, Lessons in Self-Grace: [06:49–10:09]
• Setting Boundaries, Saying 'No' in 2026: [14:01–19:18]
• Hobbies and Habits for the New Year: [19:20–24:17]
• Prioritizing Relationships: [24:17–30:17]
• Fun, Frivolity, and Stepping Out: [31:44–36:47]
• Theme Songs & Closing Reflection: [37:10–41:58]
• Community Mantra & Farewells: [41:58–end]

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Closing Vibe

With gratitude, warmth, and signature wit, Keia and Jade close 2025 with a kitchen table full of hope for 2026—calling in rest, intentional action, creativity, joy, and shared community. Their journey is one of self-care, rootedness, and choosing to live life, not just survive it.

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Happy New Year from Gettin' Grown!

Transcript

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[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

God knows that you're a sexy thing it's taking everything in me yeah not to kiss you over under feel you and I feel my thunder how the hell could I not want you girl it don't have to be a thing I'll wait for you you wait for me baby cause true love's assistant we don't have to rush at all baby take it away we all wish for the moment will last me so so much more don't have to do a thing at all we can take our time and talk. Let the move set the moment off we can make love oh that wasn't the time that

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

oops. I feel like there was a song. It was a dance or a prom or something something in high school that that was a theme. These other times these other times I

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

will say you know with this being our final episode of 2025. Hold on. This is driving me crazy. Girl. I did not realize what she had a edges. Oh oh, she got a trim my super rice.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

She did.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

You know she had it. She has some. She has some dead ends. Get these split ends out of here, baby. You see final episode of this I

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

take it as those split ends into 2026.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

No we're not. I can't do that to you See that was good for you. Now your hair is going to grow quicker. But that's why I picked that song sister. I know you know we might. We might be Drew Hill's number one fan president of the you know we might be cuz we discussed them more than I think I ever thought I would.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

I ever thought I would ever thought I would but they deserve.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

I just. They deserve the appreciation just. It just continues to flow. And I figured, I said, what do I want to close us out with?

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

Yes.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

Period. You know, the moments when less means so much more.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

Yeah.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

You know, we just had our sister Franiqua on last week. Yes. Yeah. And we had a great discussion about lessons and. And twists and turns and yes, trumps of 2025. And we're just so grateful. And we're just so grateful that we made it. We did. Oh, praise the Lord. Niggas, we didn't do that, huh?

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

Oh, yes. Praise the Lord. Nick is. For the final time in 2025, we are so grateful to have you join us at the kitchen table yet again. How you doing, sis? You doing okay?

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

You know, as I said last week, and I am ever intentional about doing. I am sitting my blockas down. Rest, rest. Okay. And so I'm really grateful for that time to be able to do so. You know, this could be any other way. And so I'm just grateful for the opportunity to be able to do that because I know it is a privilege. You know what I mean?

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

So we're grateful. We're very grateful.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

Yeah. How are you?

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

I'm also grateful, you know, and resting and appreciative of just this space, this opportunity. I don't take. I think reflecting on all that this show has grown into, just appreciative of the entire team and all the ways that, you know, getting grown. We've done a lot of the things that we said we were going to do this year. I don't take that for granted.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

We did actually. We knocked off a couple bingo card thing. And it doesn't mean it ends, but yeah, you know, that feels good.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

I'm grateful. I'm very grateful. And I. And I'm, you know, just sitting in that space of gratitude and appreciation and looking forward. I'm trying to.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

Yes.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

Trying to look forward and. And have high energy and high hope forward what's coming.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

Absolutely. And I'm grateful to have a team that cares about what we've built as much as we do. You know what I mean? And. And are only invested in the goodness and the growth and the expansion and the quality of. Of our show because our show is our child together. Hello, co parent. And so, you know, that's a gift. That's a gift.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

Yeah.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

You know, I've stolen from a lot of corporations I worked for, and that's because I didn't really care about you. So I know this could be any other direction. Oh, yes. In A world of capitalism. I am a vigilante. How you doing?

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

I think we should name the episode.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

Yeah, I think that's perfect for 2025, girl. I'm so happy for her to get her in her scuffed up shoes. I'm out of here, girl, like y. Thank you.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

Get your things and go on now.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

Thank you so much, sister. We appreciate the lessons that you've brought and the tornadoes and now you and your shoes may hit the road.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

You have done what you have set out to do, girl, and we are ready for you to go.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

Cause complete fuck shit and chaos. But great character building.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

Yes, we are all the better for your leaving.

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[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

And so. And today we thought that we would just do some really quick reflections and just bring that high energy and high hope into some of the things that we are looking forward to in the coming year. And so you ready to, you know, you ready to bang that out, sis?

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

Can I say let's get it. I don't know if I can use that reference.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

I don't know.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

I know you see how everything is tainted and sullied. Suited is what it. But see, is that G up or is it. You know what I'm saying? Who is it? You know, I am grieving.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

I'm really dealing with some real grief because I feel like. I feel betrayed. I feel lied to, run amok. And I feel like I knew, but I didn't know. Like I knew, but I didn't know. I knew, but I didn't know.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

No, I feel.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

I feel.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

I think betrayed is the wrong word for me. What do I feel? Because vindicated is also the wrong word Because I don't want to make light of what all people have gone through. Right.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

To what extent. I didn't know, to what level of detail. I didn't know who all. Who other. Like, we knew that other people were involved in a party to it. But yeah, really see it all.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

I think I mourn our. Our. I think I'm mourn that aspect of the. The. The. The fun and the memories that come along with a lot of those musical selections.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

Yeah.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

You know what I mean? They were eras. They were times, you know, cultural moment. Yeah, cultural. They created like. Like they've created stamps in our passports of life. You know what I mean? Like, yeah. And so that's where I. And it's again, this is not. This is not Roberto's music where I'm like, no, you're gross. Your music was about being gross. And it's a hard stop, but it also is Sullied. Like, even if that's why I was like, can I say that? And then I'm like, even when I said it, I'm like, like, you know, because it just always boomerangs right back to home.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

It is besm. His color rep.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

It's tainted.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

You have damaged the reputation.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

You have damaged the. You have up for all of us. Like, but you really up for very specific people. And for that, you must atone. Yeah. You must pay.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

There will be quinces.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

Yeah. If not on this planet. Huh? In another realm. You gonna have the day. You deserve my. But that's not what this episode is about.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

No.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

Get it out. No. Yeah. Yes. Clear the room.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

Yeah.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

Yeah.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

Let's. Let's head to the kitchen tape, and let's chat a spell about 2026. Yeah.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

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[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

I'm Back. Like Elspeth Tasione. Oh, my God, I love her.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

I love Look. Although I recognize this is NYPD propaganda.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

Oh, for sure.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

But, I mean, I lean into the Elsbeth of it all. Yeah. You know what I'm saying?

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

Yeah.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

Yeah.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

I thought that, you know, just building off of the conversation that we had with Franiqua last week and talking about all the ways, I think, you know, as Fran was talking at the end of the conversation about 2025, sort of illuminating the patterns and the things about life and work and government and systems and structures that are broken and not working, you know, feeling some energy around. What are we going to do differently? How has our practice changed? How has this time sort of slow down and reflect on who we are and what we want out of life? How are we going to sort of take steps towards moving differently to create better spaces and circumstances for ourselves in 2026? And so I thought it would be cool for us to sort of start to ideate in. In that and, you know, not going into a deep dive of hard planning and hard goal setting, because I feel like that conversation will come, but just in the way, generating hope and forward. Looking forward, more forward perspectives. I thought it would be fun to just sort of talk about, you know, what we're looking forward to. What are some. What are some fun things you want to give yourself permission to do? What are. What are some habits you want to pick up or some experiences you want to pursue? So I thought we could talk about that.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

Yes. Let's get into it.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

Let's just come right out of the gate. We know that we're known for petty peeves. You also talked a lot in. In the last episode about boundary setting being something that you're learning and unlearning. So what's one thing that you're saying hell no to in 2026?

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

Ooh, that's a good question. One thing I'm saying hell no to in 2026. Oh, I think I'm saying no to creating unnecessary stress. You know, we talked a lot, a lot last week. Fran mentioned it. We talked about it. And a lot of the stress that we have being from our own creation, you know, outside of just like, outside circumstances that we don't have any control over, there are things that we do. And one thing that I didn't share but I thought about right now, I was like, you know, like, sometimes I will lay down right when I know I don't have anything to do or whatever the case is. I'm like, I'm just take a quick nap because I'm really tired.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

Yeah.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

And I remember it was a couple weeks ago. I laid down and take a nap. I just needed, like, a quick 45 and trist because I had been up late and all that. Interesting. Walked in, and I was like, I'm gonna be up in a minute. I just. I just need to lay down for just. I just need to shut my eyes for a second. He was like, yo, it's cool.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

It's cool. Not tripping.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

And I was like, why did I feel the need to do that? And why did I feel. You know what I mean? So I. I think I really want to be intentional about. About really creating as much of my own ease as possible.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

Mm.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

Even just in my thought process. And that's where it has to start first. And that's not some big, grand, giant gesture.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

No.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

But it's. I'm like, okay, that's something that I can intentionally do. I can be more thoughtful, too, about.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

Yeah.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

My timing and things. You know, I could have the best of intentions, but if it's going to work against me in the long run, like I said before, I really need to maybe take two steps back and assess before, you know, my heart wants to say yes, but maybe my body or my mind or my circumstances. Circumstances are saying no. And I want to be a lot more intentional about that. Yeah.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

Continuing to be reflective and not feeling like you have to react and respond immediately, but just sort of, like, letting yourself come to knowledge and perspective about what is what the moment calls for.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

Yeah.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

And. And moving from that place instead of moving from this frantic place of urgency. And I need an answer.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

Right. Absolutely.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

I like that in terms of, like, you know, challenging that very frantic energy and being intentional about incorporating ease. I think a lot about what Fran said last week about her inner voice being super kind to herself. And I'm gonna try to stop dragging myself. I feel like I say that every year. I think I'm getting better, but I want to continue to work on that and just. Again, just trying to. To. I think the work of it is. I think I'm in the work, and I want to continue to do the work. So I want. I'm saying hell no. To, like, falling back into that old pattern. Yeah. But just sort of, like, unpacking those legalistic. Like, just that legalistic framing and posturing that always. You know, I talk to Krystal about it a lot because it's, like, so much of that, you know, high shoulder, anxious energy. It's like I feel like. I still feel like I'm gonna get in trouble for things. I don't know what that is.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

That might be why I felt the need to be like, 45 minutes after something.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

Exactly. It's like. It's like this pressure to feel like you should be doing things as opposed to just sort of accepting that, you know, and taking control and extending. I think, you know, people say, like, really extending yourself grace, and, you know, I even sort of looked into sort of, you know, really defining grace, because I think sometimes that that word is overused or used in ways like, you know, like, you know, that's not. That's not to say that accountability and structure. It's not. Absolutely. But it is about giving yourself space and time to, you know, cultivate the practices of sort of structure and accountability. And it's not like, oh, you got it wrong. You're a terrible person, or you're, you know, you can't do it. Like, you know. You know, just creating space for your humanity and your limitations.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

Absolutely.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

And not attaching, like, worth and value to sort of things that have nothing to do with worth and value. So that is. That is one of the things that I am continuing to sort of say, hell no. To, like, that reframing, that re. Re. That repositioning of perspective.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

Absolutely.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

What's something. What. What hobby or interest are you. Is there a hobby or interest that you are open to exploring?

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

In 2026, I'm roller skating right back into the same thing that I keep telling you all about my archery.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

Archery.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

It's happening.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

It's coming.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

And I really. I'm like, now we're really about to do this. Like, we really about to fucking do it. We don't get us some lessons. We're going to go and find a studio. It's probably a red hook. I don't know.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

And

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

we're really doing this. The other thing is that, you know, we. Let me stop calling us an outdoors family. Me and Tristan are an outdoors couple. Noah has veered from the pack.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

Okay. No. Is an inside girly like me.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

Yeah, she is. And I'm trying. We're trying to make her appreciate. When she comes, she just complains the whole way. But I really. We do. In 2020, 2025, we weren't. I realized.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

Okay.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

And I feel like that might have really kind of contributed to a little bit of, like, a lack of groundedness, like, you know, no pun intended, in being in the forest or whatever the case is, or on the hiking trails. But there's something so beautifully grounding about taking a hike, you know, and so. And I realized every time I do something outside. I took a friend to the beach in December because we were. Or, excuse me, November, because we were looking for some locations for. For. For filming. But, you know, I don't. We're big about going out to the beach in the summertime, but I'm like, I went out there in the wintertime and it wasn't long, but it was. It was still rejuvenating.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

Right.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

Like, it recharged me in a way that I really needed. Always being by the water, soaking up the sun in a very particular way. And it was very much like we took a walk, you know, I took. I stood for a few minutes and did some reflection, but it was what I needed. And I said, you know, you can be a lot more intentional about this. Again, you, you, you missed this. And I think that might be a part of the problem. So I really want to get back into revisiting and that. That hobby of hiking. And even if I just take myself to the park, like I need to do, I need to be more intentional about that. You know, if it's not a recording day or I'm done early, there's nothing wrong with me taking myself to the park to go sit down and just take a minute. So I really wanna. I really wanna lean into that in this coming year. What about you?

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

Like we talked about last week, I'm definitely reading more. Also picked up some books to sort of work on during our break. And I'm looking forward to, like you said, cultivating that habit or, you know, building in, building in. Not just it being like, oh, I'm going to read, but like, you know, it being much more of a part of my routine than it currently is. And I feel like I read a pretty. I read fairly decent amount. But I think I want to sort of also incorporate, like, reading for fun. I read to learn a lot.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

Yeah.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

And that is fun for me, but also just wanted to tap back into some more creative and imaginative spaces with my reading some fiction. Yeah, I love stories.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

Yeah.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

And so just. But also. And I think, you know, not only reading, but also writing. I, I was the kid that always, you know, I have these notebooks and there's notes for work in them. But like, you know, I. I was the kid who used to, like, just like, sit in my mom's old word processor and just like, write a story like that. So, like, you know, I remember. I remember in college I took this narrative writing class and there Was like, narrative writing one, and I was so excited to learn that there was, like, narrative writing two and three, and I took these classes, and I literally wrote, like, a short story series. And it was so much like, it was one of those classes that didn't feel like class because it was like, I'm having a good time. So just getting back into more of that writing and creating, I think. Yeah, I've been. I've been going back to social media and just creating for the sake of creating. Not necessarily. Like, everything doesn't have to be a business or, like, a hustle, you know, like, even, like, you know, I like to get dressed when I share my outfit. So, you know, the things that I've been doing and not getting caught up in, like, views and likes, but just posting because I.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

Because you enjoy it.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

Yeah, doing my makeup because I enjoy it. Like, you know, just doing things and playing and giving myself that kind of sort of space. And so I'm looking forward. I'm looking forward to that.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

Yeah.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

In 2026, for sure. So I'm gonna ask one more. Okay, maybe two. But let's. Let's see. Is there anyone you want to spend more time with in 2026, or any sort of relationships or connections that you feel like you want to prioritize next year?

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

It's funny you. It's funny you asked that, because I was just thinking that a few minutes ago. I. One of the things I also want to do is just be in. Really more intentional about following through with. Connecting with folks. When we say we're going to connect. Yeah. So, you know, you can say, like, yeah, we're gonna grab dinner. And then you look up a six months, a year later, and y' all never grab dinner. I didn't see you all year. And so I don't want those words to be empty. I don't say it to people that I don't actually mean it to. So I want to make sure that I really, like, follow through with that. And I'm really grateful and proud because I already got that train rolling. Like I told you before, every time I go to Cleveland to go work with my kids, I. I get. I. It's a double. It's a double feeling because I get to see my grandma, and she'll be 90. So I'm glad that even the few times where I was, like, really tired and I was like, you know, traveling this weekend is not really the most convenient thing. I kind of need to sit down. I never regretted it, and it always filled me up More with both of those experiences. And I'm just so grateful for getting this, this extra time with her. You know, I got a lot with her young and I'm really glad that like, I get to. I'm. This is happening more frequently, especially with us not living in the same place. And so, yeah, I want to take that same energy into the next year and make sure I'm doing that with all my elders and.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

Yeah.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

And my loved ones in general.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

Yeah, same. I think I, I do a lot of traveling for work and that's a part of the job and I know I have to do it. And so. But the, the sort of. I guess the cost of that reality is that, you know, traveling is very taxing on your body. And so I feel like the work travel has kind of obscured or so it, like it gets, it. It makes traveling for not. Not for work. Like, you know, there are times when I could, you know, come to New York for the weekend or, you know, go see my mom or go, you know, do something for the weekend that's not work related. But sometimes I just want to be home. So I've decided not to go because I'm tired because I've been traveling during the work week so much. And so I want to try to find more balance in that regard so that I can spend time with people, I think, for a while. And even a pattern that I've noticed, like, you know, I think a pattern. You know, a lot of times when I come to New York, we'll record because I'm there and we, you know, I think we love recording together in person. That always feels good. But I don't want it to be that I only see you when we're working.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

Yeah. No, I agree. I agree.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

Yeah. So, you know, you know, those kinds of, those kinds of things that are ways that I want to, you know, I'm. I'm looking forward to sort of reconnecting, you know, in the ways. And I know like you said, like we talked about last week, things are different now because we're all living in different places and life is sort of. Life has sort of. We've grown in, in a bit of different directions. But I will say 20, 25, we didn't really. We, we. We had fewer girlfriend gatherings.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

Our group, due to many circumstances.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

But yeah.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

And all understandable. Right. This is not blaming, this is not me complaining about that because, you know,

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

but it's true though.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

But it, but it is something that I, it is something that I have missed, I believe. And so I'm hopeful that, that this year gives us more opportunity to come together and just love on each other.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

I love that we're actually starting the year off with that energy because we'll all be together for sure.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

Yes.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

You know, at the end of January. And I'm really, I'm really excited not only to just celebrate a milestone for a, for a dear loved one, but also I'm excited to, to be in community with my people.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

Yeah.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

You know, and just, and like you said, not from a work balance. It's funny you said that because Mary and I were chatting the other day, I called her for something, she called me, I don't remember. And then, you know, it turned into like a, oh, hey, just real quick, you know, I gotta talk to you all about merch. You know, it's one of those. And, and we both were like, you know, it, we gotta do a, a, a, a hang and like a, a chat where there is no work that even where it just comes up, you know, because it's convenient at the time. Like you have to, you have to pour into your friendships and your relationships in general in a very specific way, you know, because convenience will sometimes cause inconvenience, you know, and so I love that you brought that up. I love that.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

Yeah.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

And I, I want to match that as well. When we went to the Maxwell concert, we did Maxwell and Jasmine, like, yes, we did record that weekend, but we also, like, we all hung out.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

Yeah. Yeah. And I mean, I get it. And this is not me saying like, you know, well, I'm sure there will be more times where I can New York and we'll record, but we'll make sure that we, you know, do other things. So that's, it's not me. It wasn't a judgment, just an observation. I just want us to just enjoy life more together because I think that's that sort of intentional community I feel like I need now more than ever.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

Absolutely.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

And so, yeah, that's just something I want to do.

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[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

Is there anything fun or frivolous that you're giving yourself permission to do in 2026?

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

That's a good final one. Fun or frivolous? I'm like, damn, do I fun or frivol anymore?

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

I don't know. It's actually harder than you think.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

I think, you know what, maybe not something specific, but I will say that I would like to, I would like to go out of my way to find activities more this year.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

Okay.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

So like I don't really search for things that are going on and you know, that's large and by just life, you know, and all the things that you have going on. But I think I would like to find more. I'll come across things or somebody will recommend something, but I think I want to do more intentional searching for activities, even if just around the city or whatever the case is. And be like, you know what, on Friday night or on Saturday we're going to do blah, blah, blah.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

Yeah.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

You know, and just be a little bit more frequent with that. So I, yeah, I want to have fun and I want to frivol and whimsy and, and, and spin and twirl. And I think I'm gonna do that with, by making sure that I am looking for the things where I get to go do that.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

Yeah. Like be intentional about like searching those. Yeah.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

I like love, I love Live music things. No, I'm not talking about concerts. We go to concerts, we love those. But I like just jazz and work. I miss. I miss working at the jazz club and literally experience jazz every night.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

Yes.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

You know, I miss that and the different varieties of jazz. So, like, I want to find just more. Even if hang jam sessions or whatever the case is, I want to go and just partake in more life in that way.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

No drink. I want to. Please.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

Not taking that into 20, 26

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

concerts are just a given. But I mean, I think about the. How I felt at the Brandi and Monica concert. I need more of that. Whatever that was.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

Whatever that was, right? Yes, I need that.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

I need more of that. And I'm praying that's one of the things I'm like, God, please, more of that. That was. That felt like home. It was safe and enjoyable in ways that I felt like I have not had in a little while. So more of that. But also to your point, live music. Yes. Jam sessions, open mics, those kind of vibes have always been something that I really enjoy. But I feel like I want to see more shows, like more plays.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

Yeah. Theater.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

Theater of all kinds, whether it's. And do things that I would love to go to the ballet, like, you know, like get, like put on a dress and you know, do something like that.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

Yeah. Or go to the opera. Yeah.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

Just sort of have that experience. Experience.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

Yes. Yes.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

And I am dipping my toes very gingerly, but I feel like surely I want to do. Or permit myself to do a little bit of solo travel.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

Oh, that would be nice.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

You know, I feel like I, you know, just like, you know, like just, what if I just went and you know, like, I.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

What if you did?

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

What if I just went? So that's something that I've been toying around with, haven't pulled the trigger yet. But I really feel like that is something that is in my spirit to do.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

Maybe you start small and like, you know, just. Just branch on out more and more. You've got some awesome places, you know, all around you. There's no places in Virginia you can go. And listen, I understand the other side of that, but you can't be driving all through Virginia. Not all through and not all willy nilly, but, you know, there are like little quaint bed and breakfasts and things that you can go try. You know what else that came up for me was not just finding activities, not just. But also, I don't want to go as simple as stepping out of your comfort zone, but I want to I want to make myself enjoy activities. If, let's say you're a part of something, that is not really your thing.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

Yeah.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

I want to be present for every one of those.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

Yeah.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

So instead of focusing on, like, this is not my thing. When is this going to be over? Or whatever the case is, I really want to lean into being a part of. You know what I'm saying? And really, like, get into any whatever setting it is that I'm a part of. I want to be in that. So that's another. That's another one that I'm really gonna be intentional about being present. Yeah.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

Even if it's uncomfortable initially.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

Exactly. Especially if it's uncomfortable actually.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

So not running, but just being like, okay, let's ride this out.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

I was like, if I can be in the back of a nigga's car with deep bass, you know, going to basements, that I didn't have any business. Mighty God lead into whatever the. So. And that wasn't even fun. We weren't even having fun. Like, let's talk about the honesty.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

Yeah. I just think I would need to live my life. So I. I was like, I didn't get to ask this one, but if 2026 had a theme song, what would yours be? I wanted. I would say live your life by Rihanna. I want to live my life. I just want to live my life. I don't want to, you know, not survive, not, you know, you know, surviving, thriving. I just want to live. I want to live. I want to enjoy my life. I mean, I just want to be present and grateful. I want to feel loved. I want to feel God's love. I want to, like, embody it. I want to walk down just knowing, like, I am God's daughter. He don't play about me. Okay. I don't care what y' all doing.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

I'm good.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

Like, I just want. Like, I want to. That's the kind of energy I want to, like, sort of stand within, because I. I just want. That's where I want to. That's where I want to be.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

I love that. I love that. Yes. Live your life, Rihanna. I will. I will give a little. I'm going to do a little shameless plug, but there's a reason.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

All right.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

Our producer, Mary. You all know that she's an artist as well, and she has a song called Roots. And the chorus goes, my roots will hold me. And so I think that would be my song for 2026, because 2025 felt so uprooted at times, you know, from Losing my grandmother to, you know, watching my grandfather decline with his dementia, as you understand, in to, you know, shifts professionally, financially, just so many, like so many whiplashes. And I just want to remind myself that I'm always grounded and I'm always anchored in some kind of way, and my roots will always hold me. So I think no matter what the circumstances are going on around. So I think that will be my, my 2026 song. Amen. Yeah. That we didn't want to be before you all long. We ain't closing this year out with no petty peeve. You know, if I'm gonna get anything close to a petty peeve, I love humans, I hate people, and I can leave that right there. Humans. Humans are amazing. People suck. But. But I am grateful to Fry and I. And listen, I get it, you know, it's the next day, like, it's like, what kind of rebirth is actually happening? I'm going to choose to believe there is one because I need it. I need to believe that. So I'mma dig into my Disney magic and pray that 2026 brings shifts, challenges and, and twists and turns that work in the favor of my overall well being. And so that's what I'm calling in.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

Amen.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

That's what I'm calling in. You have any final words before we close out with our mantra?

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

No, I mean, I'm just, you know, like you said, I am grateful. And as. As I look forward to this year, to the next year, I. I'm grateful that even in all of the crazy and all of the uncertainty and all of the upheaval of 2025, all the hard, all the heavy, all the heartbreaking, yeah, I have been kept safe. I have not gone without the things that I need. And I, I credit, you know, God has kept his promises to me and I don't take that for granted. And I, I thank him for keeping me through, you know, a challenging year, and I'm trusting that he will continue to do that in this coming year. I'm grateful for the opportunity that we have to have a podcast to grow with our community for almost nine years. That's not a small thing, y'. All. That's not. It's not a small thing. And you know, I never, like we said before, like, I never knew to even want a podcast. I never knew what it was to desire it, but it has become, you know, a part of my life that has opened up many doors and taught me a lot of lessons. And I'm just grateful to be here and to Have. Yeah. You know, have had this opportunity and to do it with you, sis. And I, I, I'm looking forward, you know, and still believing that God has more for us to, to do and to accomplish and to see and to have.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

Absolutely.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

And we're going to continue to bring every one of y' all with us. The kitchen table. Like we are a package deal. You know, we're. And we appreciate y' all locking in and being a part of our community. And if nothing else, we want you to continue to moisturize your mind by attending to the business that is yours and yours alone as we go into read some books. Moisturize your mind, educate yourself. Spark your creativity, your imagination, your innovation. Lean into it. Worse, use your noodle, okay? Use your brain. Use your noodle out here. Don't let the automation still your brain capacity.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

Don't. Because listen, you'll look up and be robbed before, period. You know, quick flash.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

Do that, do that, do that. Also take care of your insides. Pause. And. And make sure that you're taking care of yourself, that your body is hydrated and healthy and rested and well fed and well cared for. Because we only get one. And health is important. It's critical, you know, take care of yourself. And finally, you want to take care of your skin, baby, because just got

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

me a red light therapy lamp, okay?

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

Period. Infrared therapy.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

Okay?

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

Period. Take care of yourself. Moisturize your skin. Keep it soft and supple. It will take care of you right back, okay? And you know, if it's dry, it won't. It will crack. You'll be out here looking crazy. And you can't say we didn't tell

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

you because we've been absolutely not. All right, give us the green light. Give us just one night. Hey.

[Eczema Treatment Safety Information Narrator]

Hey.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

We're ready to go now. We're ready to go right now. Now, 2025, you are a. And I don't want you today.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

Wow. I love it here. We love you guys.

[Host 1 (Possibly named Krystal)]

We love you all. Happy New Year. See you next year.

[Host 2 (Possibly named Fry or Fran)]

Bye.

[Edward Jones Announcer]

A rich life isn't a straight line to a destination on the horizon. Sometimes it takes an unexpected turn with detours, new possibilities, and even another passenger or three. And with 100 years of navigating upside down and downs, you can count on Edward Jones to help guide you through it all. Because life is a winding path made rich by the people you walk it with. Let's find your rich together. Edward Jones Member, SIPC.