Keep It Positive, Sweetie

Episode: "Do It Anyway w/Tasha Cobbs Leonard"

Host: Crystal Renee Hayslett
Guest: Tasha Cobbs Leonard
Air Date: February 9, 2025

Episode Overview

This heartfelt episode spotlights Grammy-winning gospel artist Tasha Cobbs Leonard, whose music and ministry have uplifted millions. Host Crystal Renee Hayslett and Tasha dive deep into themes of faith, loss, perseverance, healing, and authenticity. The conversation is raw and transparent, covering personal battles with grief, infertility, mental health, spiritual obedience, blending families, and breaking barriers in gospel music. Throughout, Tasha shares lessons behind her new devotional, Do It Anyway, and reveals the faith and grit required to “do it anyway”—even in life’s most devastating seasons.

1. Key Topics and Discussion Points

The Spirituality Behind “The Big Chop”

[02:05 – 03:45]

• Tasha’s decision to cut her hair was initially about health, but the result was unexpectedly spiritual:
  • “After cutting it, I felt exposed, but in a good way… Like I’ve been hiding for years behind my hair. Now I’m just, like, this is me. Take it or leave it.” (Tasha Cobbs Leonard, 02:58)
  • Crystal notes how hair can serve as a shield, and how shedding it reveals true beauty.

Inspiration for the Devotional “Do It Anyway”

[04:06 – 09:00]

• The devotional stems from lessons Tasha learned around the time of her first Grammy win and the loss of her father:
  • Tasha recounts her father’s encouragement to “go anyway” to award shows, even when he couldn’t attend. His last lesson—persisting through heartbreak—became her mantra.
  • Notable moment: “Sometimes your heart will be broken and you don’t understand the season you’re in, but I want you to dig deep within yourself and do it anyway.” (Tasha Cobbs Leonard, 00:03 and 07:43)
  • Seven days after his passing, Tasha won her first Grammy. She honored her dad on stage, leading the entire Academy to stand and applaud his memory.

Founding a Church Amidst a Pandemic

[09:23 – 14:38]

• Tasha and her husband launched a church, unknowingly at the outset of COVID-19:
  • The community began as a virtual space for two years and now includes people from across the country.
  • Tasha emphasizes the calling’s focus: “Not just to sing pretty songs… but a place where people are changed or transformed.” (12:11)
  • The church’s vision: to restore hope, foster community, and be a place for growth and purpose.

Navigating Submission & Partnership in Marriage

[15:58 – 17:12]

• Crystal asks about navigating submission in marriage, especially as both partners are called to ministry.
• Tasha responds with trust: “I trust the God in my husband… when he says ‘God said,’ I believe and submit wholeheartedly.” (16:23)

Fertility, Faith, and Adoption

[17:12 – 23:17]

• Tasha opens up about her journey with IVF, miscarriage, and grief:
  • “We can sing and preach about the God of peace, but when you have to walk it out, that’s when it’s the true test.” (19:38)
  • God revealed to her: “You heard my will, but not my way… You tried to fulfill God’s will, your way, and that never works.” (19:45)
  • Ultimately, the adoption process became a testament to God’s unique plan for each journey.

Blending Families & Co-Parenting with Grace

[24:51 – 29:13]

• Tasha discusses challenges and growth as a stepmom and parent in a blended family.
• She shares a transformative story of mutual respect and love with her husband’s ex:
  • “I love you because I saw the way you loved my children.” (Tasha recounting a heartfelt conversation, 25:00)
• The importance of denying self for children’s peace and growth.

Mental Health, Therapy, and Self-Care

[29:13 – 34:13]

• Tasha is open about her mental health journey and advocates therapy:
  • “All of us need a therapist… even if it’s in seasons.” (29:58)
• She draws parallels with the biblical Mary and Martha—urging listeners to sometimes step back from work and be present.
• Rest is trust becomes a key theme (see quotes below).

The Challenge and Blessing of Gospel/Hip Hop Collaborations

[36:13 – 39:59]

• Tasha discusses working with artists like Nicki Minaj—despite backlash:
  • “Who am I to say… ‘You can’t put your relationship with God on display’… If God says yes, then I’m gonna go with what He says.” (38:21)
  • Years later, critics have come to her with understanding and apologies.
• Crystal and Tasha both affirm standing firm in their callings, regardless of outside judgment.

The Burden and Blessing of Ministry

[42:40 – 44:54]

• Ministry comes with immense responsibility—“carrying a cross”—but also sacred honor.
  • “We love to talk about the cross that Jesus carried, but now we live in a generation of crossless Christians who don’t want to carry a cross.” (Sy Younger via Tasha, 42:57)
  • Tasha celebrates representation outside traditional church spaces.

Upcoming Projects

[46:42 – 48:27]

• Tasha is on the Good News tour with Maverick City, Todd, Naomi, Chandler, and Tim Godfrey.
• Her devotional Do It Anyway is out, blending memoir and encouragement: “It’s a 60-day book… I put my life in that.” (48:41)
• Crystal enthusiastically plans to make it part of her daily routine.

2. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Grief & Perseverance

  • “Seven days ago, the greatest man who ever walked the face of this earth went to be with Jesus. I would love for you guys to honor my father.” (Tasha Cobbs Leonard, 00:03, 07:47)

• On Authenticity

  • “I feel exposed, but it’s in a great way. Like, you see me? Like I’ve been hiding all these years behind the hair… Now I’m in this space where, hey, this is me. Take it or leave it.” (Tasha, 02:58)

• On God’s Will vs. God’s Way

  • “Tasha, you heard my will, but you didn’t stick around to hear my way. You tried to fulfill God’s will, your way, and that never works.” (Tasha, 19:45)

• Faith in the Midst of Delay

  • “You can hear the prophecy… we love that, but the process of it is the part that’s grueling.” (Tasha, 20:20)

• On Submission in Marriage

  • “I trust the God in my husband. Like, if he says God says something… I’m submitted to it wholeheartedly.” (16:23)

• On Mental Health and Presence

  • “All of us need a space where we can release tensions… Am I going to be the one who’s always working, never taking care of myself?” (Tasha, 29:58, 32:07)

• Rest is Trust

  • “Rest is trust… God will allow you to do more with six days than the average person can do with seven.” (Tasha, 35:18, 36:09)

• On Backlash and Obedience

  • “Who am I to say that she can’t put her relationship with God on display? If God says yes, then I’m gonna go with what he says.” (38:21)
  • “I’ve learned that blocking is a ministry, baby. Before I respond, I’m gonna give you grace and just block you.” (Tasha, 40:39)

• On Carrying the Cross of Ministry

  • “We live in a generation now of crossless Christians, where we don’t want to carry our cross. The cost is heavy.” (42:57)

• On Purpose and Representation

  • “If he could carry his cross and die for us, certainly I can carry the weight of my little cross.” (44:54)

3. Timestamps for Important Segments

| Timestamp | Topic | |-------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:03 | Tasha’s story of Grammy win & father's death | | 02:05–03:45 | Spiritual journey of cutting her hair (“the big chop”) | | 04:06–09:00 | Story behind “Do It Anyway”—persevering through grief | | 09:23–14:38 | Founding a church virtually during the pandemic | | 15:58–17:12 | Submission, trust, and partnership in marriage | | 17:12–23:17 | Fertility struggles, IVF loss, learning God’s will and way | | 24:51–29:13 | Blended family, co-parenting, and mutual respect with stepchildren’s mom | | 29:13–34:13 | Candid talk on mental health, therapy, staying present, “rest is trust” | | 36:13–39:59 | Collaborations with secular artists (Nicki Minaj), obedience vs. backlash | | 42:40–44:54 | The burden and blessing of ministry, carrying your cross | | 46:42–48:27 | Upcoming tour, devotional book, final encouragements |

4. Final Takeaway

Crystal’s Gem of the Day:
“If I had one takeaway, it would be that rest is trust, guys. Sometimes I just need to be still.” (49:05)

5. Tone & Style

The conversation is candid, faith-filled, sometimes humorous, and always encouraging. Both Tasha and Crystal are unapologetically honest about pain, growth, faith, and pressing forward in purpose—no matter the circumstance or criticism. Throughout, both women invite listeners to dig deep, rest, and trust their own unique journey.

For more information, follow Crystal at @lovecrystalrenee and the podcast @keepitpositivesweetie.

This summary captures the episode’s heartfelt wisdom, memorable teaching moments, and inspirational tone—useful for anyone seeking encouragement, faith, and practical advice for life’s hardest seasons.