Podcast Summary: Keep It Positive, Sweetie

Episode: "The Let Go and Let God Lifestyle w/ Lil Rel Howery"

Host: Crystal Renee Hayslett
Guest: Lil Rel Howery
Date: November 23, 2025
Podcast Network: The Black Effect and iHeartPodcasts

Overview

In this uplifting and candid episode, host Crystal Renee Hayslett sits down with actor, comedian, and director Lil Rel Howery for a deep dive into his journey of faith, healing, career growth, and embracing the “Let Go and Let God” lifestyle. They explore Lil Rel’s roots, career milestones, the value of faith and therapy, family lessons, and his latest film, "Unexpected Christmas." The episode is filled with heartfelt laughter, wisdom, and memorable stories of resilience and spiritual growth.

Key Topics & Insights

1. Early Life, Roots, and Discovering Comedy

[03:12–06:56]

• Lil Rel credits Jordan Peele for the comedic timing in "Get Out" but highlights the importance of making the most of every moment, Bernie Mac–style:
  • "Whether it's one line or two lines, you just gonna bring it." (Lil Rel, 04:23)
• Realized his ability to be "performative funny" in high school, drawing his first big laugh from tough Chicago peers.
• Stand-up as a launchpad: Stand-up comedy set the stage for his acting and TV career.
• Inspired by legends like Richard Pryor, Eddie Murphy, Kevin Hart, and more.

2. Intentionality, Goals, and Breaking Through

[06:57–11:14]

• Lil Rel was intentional about checking off career goals, such as having a sitcom in his own name:
  • "Because of Red Fox, because of Martin...I need a show with my name in it." (Lil Rel, 07:31)
• His career took off after collaborative projects and building strong industry relationships.
• Discusses “prophesied” success: How faith and prophecy gave him clarity and purpose for his next steps.

3. Faith, Prophecy, and Personal Healing

[11:14–16:39]

• Grew up in the Baptist church—early seeds of faith were sown.
• Profound healing after his mother’s passing; moments of spiritual guidance steered him through grief and bad decisions.
• Shares an intimate encounter with God during a small church session that brought peace and forgiveness:
  • "We had a real conversation...she forgives me and I'm okay because it was stuff I really felt bad about." (Lil Rel, 14:13)
• Describes a “let go and let God” lifestyle that is rooted in reflection and gratitude for God’s grace.

4. Sobriety, Therapy, and Growth

[18:09–20:16]

• Marks nearly two years of sobriety; discusses the importance of owning his choices and understanding overuse:
  • "I don't think it's evil to drink...But if you're abusing it, your intentions is to take you out of stuff because you can't handle stuff." (Lil Rel, 18:44)
• Talks about the value of therapy and the cultural barriers to seeking help:
  • "Even just going to therapy...now I can explain why that's important." (Lil Rel, 19:45)

5. Redefining Faith & Personal Relationship with God

[20:40–22:53]

• Re-exploring faith as an adult, reading the Bible for himself, and questioning old narratives:
  • "I feel like I love Jesus in a totally different way now. And it’s not just based off what was told to me." (Lil Rel, 21:29)
• Growing in spiritual maturity and owning his beliefs.

6. Laughter, Grief, and Using Humor as Healing

[22:53–25:04]

• Draws inspiration from Richard Pryor’s life, learning to turn pain into comedy and recognizing the pain behind the laughter.
• Reflects on wishing he could have been a supportive friend to troubled stars like Whitney Houston.

7. Relationships, Marriage, and Blended Family

[25:15–38:32]

• Shares the importance of having God as the center of his marriage:
  • "We literally had arguments like, 'God, you heard what she said.'" (Lil Rel, 25:52)
• Talks about growth within his relationship and the patience required in fatherhood, especially with his blended family (seven children between him and wife Daniela).
• Emphasizes letting kids come to him and letting God guide those relationships.

8. Rest, Peace, and Self-Care

[34:28–36:48]

• Redefines the meaning of resting in God's peace, even amidst career busyness:
  • "God make moments for you when you supposed to just chill." (Lil Rel, 34:49)
  • "I started noticing I was getting tired in my blessing." (Lil Rel, 35:12)
• Practices self-care through sports, exercise, and intentional “chill” time.

9. Health Journey & Fitness

[38:32–43:54]

• Credits his inspiration to work out to Kevin Hart’s work ethic and the demands of filming multiple movies.
• Describes working out as a family and community experience, noting that real transformation began with therapy and spiritual work:
  • "It wasn't just physical weight...it was trauma attached to me that was holding weight." (Lil Rel, 42:54)

10. Embracing Leadership and Artistic Ownership

[49:59–54:11]

• On leadership: Had to grow into the role, moving from bravado and “fronting” to truly asking questions and seeking guidance.
• Shares learning moments from observing Tyler Perry and shifting from criticizing to appreciating fellow Black creatives.
  • "God is like, I'm giving y' all a prime example of somebody doing something through faith." (Lil Rel, 52:43)

11. Building Legacy: What's Funny Comedy Festival

[55:45–60:09]

• Started the festival out of a love for comedy and the belief comics should lead in the industry.
• Importance of collaboration and supporting the next generation of talent.
• Gained business acumen, understanding the importance of planning and delivering returns to investors.

12. Nurturing Community, Giving Flowers, and Collaboration

[61:30–63:18]

• Recently made a personal effort to send thanks to comedy peers and mentors, often moving them to tears.
• Stresses that the industry is big enough for everyone, and not to give in to bitterness or envy.

13. "Unexpected Christmas" – A New Kind of Holiday Movie

[63:18–67:09]

• The new film brings humor and heart with a fresh ensemble, a unique original soundtrack, and representation.
• Lil Rel advocated for himself as the lead and encouraged Black producers to stop pigeonholing themselves.
• "Let love lead. We're gonna have problems, we're gonna have disagreements. But if you let love lead and faith lead, promise you everything will work itself out." (Lil Rel, 69:08)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Faith and Prophecy ([13:31]):
  "Your first reaction usually is like, dang, God, that was just me and you talking. So for her to say it, I know this got to be you."

• On Rest and Blessings ([35:12]):
  "Because what I started noticing was I was getting tired in my blessing."

• On Addiction and Healing ([18:44]):
  "If you’re abusing it, you’re not doing it in moderation. Your intentions is to take you out of stuff because you can’t handle stuff."

• On Leadership ([50:30]):
  "I was so comfortable with the Persona leading away. So it was me acting like I knew what I was doing. I didn’t."

• On Business and Legacy ([59:42]):
  "I can’t ask for money and can’t tell people how they gonna get their return."

• On Supporting Others ([61:40]):
  "Some of them called back, like, in tears. I didn’t know they needed to hear what I was saying. Which is about giving flowers."

• On the Message of 'Unexpected Christmas' ([69:08]):
  "Let love lead...if you let love lead and faith lead, promise you everything will work itself out."

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Intro & Early Comedy Roots – 03:12–06:56
• Career Intentionality/Stand-up to Hollywood – 06:57–11:14
• Faith & Prophecy – 11:14–16:39
• Sobriety & Therapy – 18:09–20:16
• Faith Evolution – 20:40–22:53
• Grief/Laughter as Healing – 22:53–25:04
• Marriage & Blended Family – 25:15–38:32
• Rest, Peace & Self-care – 34:28–36:48
• Fitness Journey – 38:32–43:54
• Leadership & Artistic Ownership – 49:59–54:11
• Legacy & The Comedy Festival – 55:45–60:09
• Mentorship & Collaboration – 61:30–63:18
• Unexpected Christmas – 63:18–69:08
• Closing Reflections – 69:08–70:27

Closing Reflection

Lil Rel Howery’s journey is one of intentional growth, honest reckoning, laughter through pain, and deep spiritual renewal. This conversation is a powerful reminder to let go, let God, give yourself and others grace, and use your platform—whatever it is—to uplift those around you. Promise: if you lead with faith and love, everything will work itself out.

"Laughter isn’t the opposite of faith. It’s proof of it." (Crystal Renee Hayslett, 70:32)