Podcast Summary: Keep It Positive, Sweetie
Episode: Hope Dealer with MAJOR.
Host: Crystal Renee Hayslett
Guest: Major (MAJOR.), The Hope Dealer
Date: July 16, 2024

Episode Overview

This episode of "Keep It Positive, Sweetie" centers on hope, purpose, faith, and healing through raw, uplifting storytelling. Crystal Renee Hayslett welcomes soul singer, actor, and self-proclaimed Hope Dealer, MAJOR., for an honest conversation about his personal journey—the highs, the lows, and the unshakeable force of hope that keeps him going. Together, they explore purpose, rejection, survivor’s guilt, maintaining faith in tough times, and choosing joy through life’s battles.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introducing Major: The Hope Dealer

• Background: Born and raised in Houston, Texas, one of 13 siblings, Major grew up in church and attended performing arts schools before studying at Berklee College of Music.
• Purpose and Authenticity: Major emphasizes his earnest commitment to joy and hope, explaining, "hope is literally my fuel. ... It doesn't mean everything’s perfect, but it is very much who I am and who I've always been." (02:31)
• Impact of Name: His real name is Major. His mother prayed he’d make a "major" impact, and the journey has made him reflect on what impact truly means. (12:08-13:44)

2. The Reality of Rejection and Success

• Rejection as a Teacher: Major shares that rejection has been his "greatest disrespecter, but my greatest teacher," viewing it now as redirection or protection instead of merely a ‘no’. He reframes "no" as "next one." (07:36-08:10)
• Candid About Confidence: Despite perceived success, he acknowledges times of self-doubt and imposter syndrome, noting that being extroverted does not equal confidence. (15:50; 23:10; 24:31)
• Fame & Recognition: He discusses the desire for acknowledgment in award seasons—but cautions against making accolades an idol. "We have to make sure that the reward, the award, the accolade is not my idol because that in lies the problem." (10:40-11:06)

3. Family, Survivor’s Remorse, and Responsibility

• Big Family Achievers: While Major is the most publicly known, his siblings also have impressive careers.
• Managing Survivor’s Guilt: He openly addresses the guilt related to the attention and perceived pressure to "rescue" others. "You may be vessel, but you ain’t savior." (21:19-21:32)
• On Loving Others: He reminds listeners, "The as you love yourself is the operative. It’s not just give all the love away and whatever is left, I’m going to use it for me..." (22:18-22:33)

4. Hope, Faith & Purpose

• Hope Defined: "Hope is not the denial of reality. It’s the commitment to believe greater is on the other side of it." (30:25-30:57)
• Navigating The In-Between: Major frequently discusses living at the "intersection of faith and culture," feeling called to bridge inspiration across both realms—even when he feels alone in that space. (26:17)
• Hope as Fuel: The act of sharing hope is central in his music and his life’s mission. "Lock into hope. You get your joy there, you get your peace there. You get your abundance there." (33:09-33:17)

5. The Major Hope Foundation

• Programs:
  • Major Hope Experience: Acoustic/motivational music experiences
  • Random Drops of Hope: Pop-up acts of kindness
  • Confidence Coaching: Training for effective communication and self-worth
• Purpose: "My intention is just to help redefine our understanding of hope... a real tangible answer and remedy to the tough times of life." (33:27-35:50)
• Foundation Website: majorhopefoundation.org

6. New Music & Artistic Mission

• Latest Work: Hope of My Soul Deluxe EP, blending soul, Americana, and southern roots: "Think Bill Withers meets Ray Charles and ran into Mumford and Sons. It’s anthemic. It’s good. It’s message music." (36:30-36:49)
• Music Message: Major shares lyrics reflecting resilience:
  • “It’s all working together for the win...” (37:49)
  • “You shouldn’t let yourself get tangled up in worry because that kind of living takes its toll... Joy in the battle, joy in my victory.” (38:07-39:00)

7. Listener Letter: Grief & Purpose

• A listener grieving her grandmother asks how to rediscover her light and restore her sense of purpose.
  • Major’s Response: Encourages her to "catch your breath," reframe grief as "love finding a new rhythm," and remember purpose is never tied to a single person alone. "There is so much more life to live. ... We honor legacy when we continue to live when the familiar has changed." (41:00-43:54)
  • Quote: “Grief does not just come at the loss of loved ones. It comes when the familiar changes. ... Grief is simply love finding a new rhythm.” (41:08-43:54)

8. What I’m Going Through & Growing Through

• Current Season: Major shares he’s navigating uncertainty, trusting God for “what’s next”, and deeply hopeful despite not knowing the specifics. "It feels crazy because I’m often the one that helps so many people get through stuff, and it’s… I’m just in a season where I’m just trying to figure out how am I to be used next?" (44:25-45:48)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Hope is literally my fuel... It doesn’t mean everything’s perfect, but it is very much who I am and who I’ve always been.”
  — Major (02:31)

• "Rejection has been my greatest disrespecter, but my greatest teacher."
  — Major (05:27)

• “The word ‘no’ has now turned into ‘NO: Next One.’ Because, Crystal, if it ain’t this one—”
  — Major (07:36-08:10)

• “You may be vessel, but you ain’t savior.”
  — Major (21:19-21:32)

• “Hope is not the denial of reality. It’s the commitment to believe greater is on the other side of it.”
  — Major (30:25)

• “Grief is simply love finding a new rhythm.”
  — Major (43:54)

• “Even when your feet don’t touch the ground, to still believe—that’s faith.”
  — Major (46:06)

• Crystal’s Affirmation: “Keep it hopeful, sweetie.” (47:01)

• Major’s Final Word: “Keep it joy, sweetie. Choose joy—anyway.” (46:56-47:01)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 01:32 — Crystal introduces Major and his achievements
• 07:16 — Major reframes ‘rejection’ as ‘redirection’
• 12:08 — Story on Major’s name and his mother’s prayers
• 18:24 — Family achievements and survivor’s guilt
• 21:19 — “You may be vessel, but you ain’t savior.”
• 23:10 — The difference between courage and confidence
• 26:17 — Navigating spaces between faith and culture
• 30:25 — Defining Hope
• 33:27 — Major Hope Foundation explained
• 36:30 — Description and preview of new music
• 41:00 — Listener letter on grief and loss; Major’s response
• 44:25 — “What I’m Going Through & Growing Through” segment
• 46:56-47:01 — Final word: “Keep it joy, sweetie. Choose joy—anyway.”

Tone & Style

The conversation is warm, faith-driven, and candid, blending soulful encouragement with practical wisdom. Both Crystal and Major model authenticity and vulnerability, openly sharing their own doubts and triumphs to empower listeners on their own journeys.

Final Takeaway

This episode is a heartfelt testament to resilience, hope, and authenticity. Major’s story and insight affirm that being human means embracing both turbulence and triumph, and that hope is not a denial of pain but a promise to keep showing up. “Keep it joy, sweetie. Choose joy—anyway.”