Podcast Summary: Keep It Positive, Sweetie - 2-Year Anniversary "Listener's Choice" Featuring Kountry Wayne

Episode Details

• Title: 2-Year Anniversary "Listener's Choice": Help Is On The Way w/ Kountry Wayne
• Host: Krystal Renee Hayslett
• Guest: Kountry Wayne (Dwayne)
• Release Date: June 1, 2025

Introduction

In this milestone episode celebrating the two-year anniversary of Keep It Positive, Sweetie, host Krystal Renee Hayslett welcomes the multifaceted entertainer Kountry Wayne. Beyond eliciting laughter, Wayne shares profound insights about his journey from hustling to building a successful career grounded in faith and authenticity. This episode is a testament to resilience, transformation, and the unwavering power of positivity.

Background and Career Journey

Krystal Renee Hayslett opens the conversation by highlighting Wayne's evolution from a rapper to a renowned comedian and social media personality. She mentions his viral Facebook video from 2014, which marked the turning point in his career:

“The video took off, but I didn't take off, but I took off with it. Like, I kept working.” (01:59) - Kountry Wayne

Wayne elaborates on his persistence, stating that despite initial setbacks, consistency and hard work propelled him into the limelight. His foray into stand-up comedy since 2015 has seen him tour extensively and appear in various film projects, including the collaborative effort "Praise This."

Personal Struggles and Transformation

Wayne candidly shares his past involvement in illegal activities, stemming from his upbringing in Millen, Georgia. From a young age, he was exposed to the hustle, leading him to engage in drug dealing to support his family:

“I was a dope boy. So, you know, I was a do...I hustled as soon as I graduated high school, 2006, I started hustling.” (03:46) - Kountry Wayne

Despite facing legal consequences and managing extensive child support obligations, Wayne made a decisive shift towards comedy in 2014 after his comedic talents gained recognition. By January 2016, he fully committed to his stand-up career, ultimately leaving his past life of hustling behind.

Faith and Spirituality

A central pillar of Wayne’s transformation is his deep-rooted faith in God, introduced to him at the tender age of six. He recounts a pivotal childhood experience where he believed he communicated with a flower, reinforcing his faith:

“At 6 years old... I was talking to a flower one day... it's between me and you.” (11:28) - Kountry Wayne

Wayne emphasizes the profound impact of the Bible on his life, having read it seven times. His spiritual journey has been a cornerstone in navigating life's challenges, providing him with strength and guidance.

Coping with Dark Moments

Wayne discusses how his faith has been instrumental in overcoming dark periods, including the COVID-19 pandemic. When the pandemic struck, plunging him into financial uncertainty, his unwavering belief in God helped him persevere:

“I give it to God, man. When I get a headache, I give up quick...I give it to him to die daily.” (17:09) - Kountry Wayne

He shares how faith not only sustained him financially but also provided emotional resilience, allowing him to remain focused and optimistic despite adversity.

Relationships and Fatherhood

With ten children from various relationships, Wayne delves into his approach to fatherhood and relationships. He highlights the importance of building a supportive community around his children, often relying on family members to assist in their upbringing:

“I made my God made a way...I control my career so much...I put them first.” (52:32) - Kountry Wayne

When discussing relationships, Wayne emphasizes seeking a partner who shares his strong faith and values. He expresses a desire for a meaningful, spiritually aligned partnership over transient connections.

Forgiveness and Generational Healing

A poignant moment in the episode is Wayne’s discussion about forgiving his father for his absence and conditional support. This act of forgiveness is portrayed as a significant step towards breaking generational cycles of hardship:

“So I forgive him for that, though.” (53:53) - Kountry Wayne

Wayne reflects on the broader context of generational trauma, acknowledging the lingering effects of past struggles while striving to create a better future for his children.

Advice to Listeners

Throughout the episode, Wayne imparts valuable advice rooted in his experiences. He underscores the importance of self-reliance, creativity, and maintaining faith in the face of challenges.

“Everybody be holding on to that faith. And I know that sounded like grandma, them and... hold on to that faith in him.” (22:38) - Kountry Wayne

Krystal prompts Wayne to share actionable insights, which he does by stressing the significance of personal growth and setting boundaries:

“You have to start with yourself.” (88:06) - Country Wayne

Listener Letter: "Positive Outcomes"

In the listener segment, a 44-year-old woman seeks advice after ending a six-month relationship with a man who did not meet her financial and spiritual expectations. Wayne encourages her to focus on self-improvement and establish firm boundaries:

“You have to start with yourself.” (86:08) - Country Wayne

He emphasizes that one's journey towards self-strengthening is paramount before seeking meaningful relationships, advocating for personal resilience and independence.

Closing Thoughts

As the conversation winds down, Wayne and Krystal engage in a lighthearted exchange, reiterating the episode's core message of creativity and continuous growth. Wayne concludes with encouraging words for listeners to maintain their creative pursuits and personal development.

“Keep it creative, sweetie. Never... Always stay creative and think of new ideas and things to do.” (90:21) - Krystal Renee Hayslett

Wayne echoes this sentiment, highlighting the importance of innovation and perseverance in achieving one's goals.

Key Takeaways

• Transformation Through Faith: Wayne's journey from hustling to comedy is deeply intertwined with his unwavering faith in God, which provided him with strength and direction.

• Resilience in Adversity: Faced with financial and personal challenges, Wayne leveraged his faith to navigate through difficult times, emphasizing the power of positive thinking and reliance on a higher purpose.

• Importance of Forgiveness: Forgiving his father played a crucial role in Wayne’s personal healing and breaking free from harmful generational patterns.

• Authentic Relationships: Wayne advocates for relationships grounded in shared faith and mutual respect, over superficial connections driven by transient desires.

• Self-Improvement and Boundaries: Personal growth and establishing clear boundaries are essential for building healthy, fulfilling relationships and maintaining self-confidence.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. On Hustling and Persistence:

   “I kept working.” (01:59) - Country Wayne

2. On Trusting His Faith:

   “I give it to God... I give it to him to die daily.” (17:09) - Country Wayne

3. On Forgiving His Father:

   “So I forgive him for that, though.” (53:53) - Country Wayne

4. On Personal Growth:

   “You have to start with yourself.” (86:08) - Country Wayne

5. On Creativity:

   “Keep it creative, sweetie... Always stay creative…” (90:21) - Krystal Renee Hayslett

Conclusion

This episode of Keep It Positive, Sweetie with Kountry Wayne is a compelling exploration of personal transformation, faith, and the importance of authenticity. Wayne's candid storytelling and insightful reflections offer listeners encouragement and practical wisdom for overcoming life's obstacles while staying true to oneself. Whether you're a dreamer, a doer, or someone navigating their own journey of healing and growth, this conversation serves as a powerful reminder to keep it honest, keep it healing, and always… Keep It Positive, Sweetie.