Keep it Positive, Sweetie – "ASK CRYSTAL" with Crystal Renee Hayslett

Podcast: Keep it Positive, Sweetie
Host: Crystal Renee Hayslett
Release Date: February 16, 2025
Producer: The Black Effect & iHeartPodcasts

Episode Overview

In this candid, heartwarming episode, Crystal Renee Hayslett answers thoughtful questions from her fans and followers. The episode is an open, spontaneous "Ask Me Anything" format, with Crystal responding to DM submissions ranging from faith, self-care, and fashion, to career dreams, relationships, faith challenges, and more. She brings her signature humor, vulnerability, and positivity, using personal stories and practical wisdom to uplift and connect with her audience.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Faith, Lifestyle, and Balance

• On Reconciling Faith and Enjoying Life (w/ Alcohol):

  • Crystal humorously addresses being a Christian who also enjoys the occasional drink, referencing Jesus turning water into wine.

    "Jesus turned water into wine, okay?... So I don’t think there’s anything wrong with it as long as you’re not getting intoxicated...judge your mama, not me, okay? And that’s that on that." – Crystal (01:16:40)

  • She underscores moderation, responsibility, and knowing one’s limits.

• Navigating Christian Faith in the Public Eye:

  • Crystal opens up about feeling judged and misunderstood, especially by certain faith communities, while striving to walk authentically with God.

    "When you try to be open about [your faith]… seems like the Christian community was the first to come and attack me." (00:22:26)

  • She emphasizes grace, transparency, and trusting God's timing.

• Decision to Practice Celibacy and Obedience to God:

  • Crystal shares a raw story about recommitting to abstinence until marriage, led by spiritual conviction after reading her Bible.

    "Spiritually, yeah, those are some of the things I’ve been going through. And spiritual warfare is real… you try to put everything into your own hands instead of letting God control it." (01:41:10)

  • She describes genuine struggle, honesty about her own journey, and encourages obedience even when it’s hard.

2. Personal Development & Self-Care

• Biggest Regret and Blessing:

  • Regrets not going away for college but also appreciates the close family support she had by staying home.

    "Looking back, I would have definitely moved and went to college somewhere else, but still grateful for the experience I had." (00:04:25)

  • Thankful for God’s protection from bad youthful choices.

• Self-Care Rituals:

  • Finds solitude and restoration in trips to Miami, loves water, and prioritizes alone time for peace and centering.

    "My isolation is more solitude… where I find peace… alone time with God." (00:07:14)

  • Relies on rituals like meditation, treadmill running, and massage to de-stress.

3. Motivation, Career, and Goals

• Staying Motivated (Even When Tired):

  • Admits to recent struggles with sleep and motivation, keeping it real about hitting snooze.
  • Pushes through with gratitude and positive affirmations:

    "Once my feet hit the ground and I say, ‘Thank you, Jesus,’ the energy comes..." (00:14:10)

• Career Dreams & Fears:

  • Dreams of launching her own hair care, fashion, and lifestyle lines but has hesitated due to self-doubt and industry saturation.

    "I want to do all the things, and I don’t want to put myself in a box…" (00:20:13)

  • Aspires to eventually host her own talk show and lead a global foundation.

• Sacrifice and Timing:

  • Talks about sacrificing personal life (especially love) to pursue her career, and trusting God’s timing for everything.

    "Anything worth having will come with sacrifice… For years I felt like I sacrificed love." (00:28:44)

4. Relationships, Friendships, & Values

• Qualities & Dealbreakers in a Partner:

  • Looks for a believer in Jesus, honesty, and communication.
  • Dealbreakers: Lying, laziness/contentment with mediocrity, and being rude to service staff.

    "Anyone who mistreats someone of service… the biggest turnoff for me." (01:26:37)

• Friendship Shifts, Not Losses:

  • No major friend losses due to fame or faith; says growth may change relationships, but real friends are inspired and supportive.

• Handling Social Media Negativity:

  • Admits sometimes clapping back (and deleting!), but overall strives for empathy, reminding listeners that celebrities are human.

    "Sometimes I really want to put the 'Keep It Positive Sweetie' aside and let some of these people have it. But He’s still working on me, okay?" (01:32:46)

5. Pop Culture, Hobbies, and Personal Favorites

• Fashion:

  • Opens with a breakdown of her outfit (colorful Zara cardigan, Bottega boots, Fendi earrings).
  • Would "raid" Rihanna’s closet for her iconic, versatile style.

• Food:

  • "Graduated" from sugar to salt and pepper on grits; Italian is her favorite cuisine, though dietary shifts change her daily eats.

• Karaoke & Celeb Crushes:

  • Go-to karaoke: "Incomplete" by Sisqo.
  • Celebrity crush: Aldis Hodge (“He got me on that cross, baby!” – 01:47:03).

• Dream Travel:

  • Would love a month-long trip to Bali with a mix of solo, friends, and family time.

6. Work, Financial Wisdom, and Mentorship

• Financial Advice for Her Younger Self:

  • Wishes she’d known to have an income four times the rent, always save, and use interest-bearing accounts to grow money.

    "I made so many mistakes as a young one… your income should be four times your rent…always pay yourself first." (01:06:54)

• Mentors:

  • Credits Tyler Perry, Devale Ellis, and her parents as key mentors, emphasizing the value of shared wisdom and non-gatekeeping.

• Content Strategy:

  • Carves specific time in her week for planning, acknowledges the challenge of balancing creativity with consistency.

7. Reflection, Books & Spiritual Growth

• On Growth and Wisdom:

  • Word of the year: “Wisdom.”
  • Actively reading Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins and The Awe of God by John Bevere.
  • Recently finished The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry; credits it with inspiring her to simplify her life.

• Affirmation and Prayer Practice:

  • Shares prayers from devotional reading, emphasizing the importance of following God’s word “to completion.”

    "I choose to obey God’s word to completion." (01:12:53)

Memorable Quotes

• On faith and realness:

  "When you know that you are truly seeking God's face and you're wanting to do right… so many things in private that God is working with me on. And when I try to share my testimony… people tear you down." (00:22:35)

• On self-care & solitude:

  "Sometimes people feel like isolation is not a good thing. But I feel like my isolation is more solitude… where I find peace." (00:07:14)

• On letting go of control:

  "One of my faults in life is control. I struggle with wanting to be hands-on with everything because I’m such a creator… being a part of the whole process also is stressful at times..." (01:38:47)

• On growing up:

  "Do not be in a hurry to grow up… little did I know that there’s so much more that comes with being an adult." (01:18:21)

• On audience authenticity:

  "Y'all are nosy. So nosy. But I love it!" (01:48:08)
  "Thank you all so much for spending the day with me and getting all up in my business." (01:48:24)

Notable Timestamps

• Faith vs. Alcohol Q&A & Jesus/Wine: 01:16:30 – 01:18:23
• On Overcoming Faith Challenges: 00:22:10 – 00:25:04
• Self-Care & Solitude: 00:07:14 – 00:08:12
• Motivation & Struggles: 00:14:10 – 00:15:33
• Books & Spiritual Practices: 01:11:00 – 01:13:32
• Financial Tips for Young Adults: 01:06:54 – 01:10:22
• Pop Culture Q’s (Fashion, Karaoke, Crush): 01:18:23 – 01:30:14
• Dealing with Social Media Negativity: 01:32:46 – 01:34:03
• Celibacy Decision, Trusting God: 01:41:10 – 01:45:24

Final Thoughts: Crystal’s Gem

Crystal wraps up with gratitude for her listeners’ interest and concern over her spiritual and mental well-being, highlighting the importance of authenticity and community among her followers.

"One of the things you guys asked me a lot… was, how are you doing? How’s your mental? How’s your spirit? And I appreciate that… Thank you all so much for spending the day with me and getting all up in my business. I had a great time answering your questions and giving you guys a deeper look." (01:48:08)

Summary

This AMA-style episode is a blend of heartfelt testimony, real talk, practical advice, and Crystal’s signature humor. From faith struggles to fashion tips, financial wisdom, and reflections on authentic living, this is an honest, affirming listen for anyone seeking insight, joy, or just a reminder to "keep it positive, sweetie."