The Truth Isn't Always Pretty w/B. Simone

Summary

Keep It Positive, Sweetie

Episode: The Truth Isn't Always Pretty with B. Simone
Host: Crystal Renee Hayslett
Guest: B. Simone
Release Date: December 15, 2024

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Episode Overview

In this raw and lively episode, actress, comedian, and entrepreneur B. Simone joins host Crystal Renee Hayslett for an unfiltered conversation about authenticity, transparency, faith, personal growth, relationships, money management, friendship, and forgiveness. The discussion underscores the podcast’s mission of honest healing—digging into the messy parts of life, learning to be real, celebrating progress, and honoring boundaries.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Power of Transparency

• B. Simone opens up about her commitment to honesty and being transparent about her life, including struggles and past mistakes.

  “Nobody can say anything about me that I haven’t already said about myself. You know, she was on Ozempic. You know, she had an abortion. I already said it.”
  — B. Simone [00:08]

• Crystal reflects on her more reserved nature, highlighting the tension between mystique and being open in a public world.

  “I was always taught...there was something about being a mystery. And don’t let everybody know everything you have going on.”
  — Crystal [05:14]

• Both discuss learning to draw boundaries between public transparency and necessary privacy, especially regarding intimate parts of their lives.

  “Some things are sacred and private...It’s not that it’s a secret. I’m not hiding anything from you guys, but some things are sacred and private.”
  — B. Simone [07:17]

2. Personal Growth: Resilience & Progress

• When asked for a word to describe her current season, B. Simone says “progress,” highlighting changes in her career, faith, health, and boundaries.

  “I just feel like I’m in such a new space and I’m such a different person than I was six months ago...I feel like I’ve made progress. The word is progress.”
  — B. Simone [03:28]

• She is transparent about weight loss journeys, publicly acknowledging using Ozempic and later choosing healthier paths for well-being.

  “I was on Ozempic for like a year, and I lost 45 pounds...but it messed up my gut health...the back end of it is, like, it’s not healthy long term...Now I’m back in the gym. Doing it the healthy way.”
  — B. Simone [04:08]

3. Relationships & Love

• Crystal shares her experience with a new long-distance relationship centered in faith and intentionality.

  “You search and hope and pray for, like, the person that, like, understands...Even if they don’t understand this, like, they understand you.”
  — Crystal [09:16]

• The two discuss the importance of protecting romantic relationships from public scrutiny and maintaining some privacy despite social media expectations.

• Both highlight the importance of faith as a non-negotiable in choosing a partner.

  “Because I want to be the submissive woman that can be led. But you can't lead me if you have no relationship with the King.”
  — Crystal [17:17]

  “If I truly believe that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life...I just believe you’re deceived. So I can’t be with somebody who I feel is deceived.”
  — B. Simone [19:05]

• They explore the topic of healthy boundaries, readiness for love, and being specific in prayer and intention for a partner.

  “You have to be very intentional and specific in what you want...Because I literally write...God, I want this, this, this and this. And God gave me exactly what I wanted.”
  — Crystal [14:01]

4. Money Mindset & Financial Stewardship

• Candid talk about big earnings, big spending, and the learning curve of financial discipline as public figures and high earners.

  “I show my million dollar journey on YouTube...That was the year I made my first million...It took me 30 years to make my first million, 30 days to make my second...Them zeros ain’t in that account no more.”
  — B. Simone [24:39-25:00]

• Discussion about budgeting, overspending (especially on food and treating friends), and becoming more diligent and accountable.

  “My accountant hit me. He said, you spent $20,000 on food in a month.”
  — B. Simone [30:28]

• Both admit being “recovering people pleasers” who once gave impulsively, learning now to ask for Divine guidance and mindful stewardship over resources.

  “Helping people that God calls you to in the way he calls you to do it, not just impulsively giving. So I’m learning that in this season...”
  — B. Simone [28:33]

5. Friendship: Loyalty, Support & Boundaries

• They deep dive into their mutual support and what makes for great friendship.

  “I really support my people...I’m very supportive.”
  — B. Simone [37:28]

• B. Simone reflects on shifting her expectations in friendships—requiring loyalty and supportive actions, but also letting go of those who keep themselves in negativity.

  “I’m not willing to drag them out the dark...if you got that victim mindset, I’ll come check on you, but I’m going to keep walking. I’m not sitting in the dark with you.”
  — B. Simone [39:22]

• Both agree on the importance of communication, constructive criticism, and embracing different needs in different seasons.

  “You have to treat each friend different because each friend requires different things.”
  — B. Simone [39:51]

6. Forgiveness: Family & Self-Healing

• B. Simone grades herself a “B” on forgiving others, and credits therapy and honesty for her progress.

  “The more I heal, the less family is a trigger. It used to trigger me being around family sometimes, but that just come from unhealed wounds. I’m glad I could bring everybody together. I’m working through healing. Therapy has helped me so much.”
  — B. Simone [43:10]

• On self-forgiveness, B. Simone shares how she’s grown from being overly critical to practicing grace.

  “You only did what you knew...I thought I was being the best version of myself that I could be then. So with forgiving myself, I’m much better now. But I have been hard on myself...You’re bullying yourself...You need to extend the same grace to ourselves.”
  — B. Simone [45:33-46:33]

7. Big Announcements & Looking Forward

• B. Simone announces for the first time the launch of her LTTA (Let’s Try This Again) app—a women's community platform featuring shows, devotionals, affirmations, journaling, workouts, and more.

  “This is my first time sharing this...the LTTA app, just community for women...producing shows for the app, extra content, daily motivation, daily devotionals, daily affirmations, journaling...a whole healing. Mentally, spiritually, physically.”
  — B. Simone [48:59]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On authenticity:

  “The truth isn’t always pretty, but I rather just be honest.”
  — B. Simone [06:27]

• On vulnerability as superpower:

  “Vulnerability and transparency is a superpower.”
  — B. Simone [07:00]

• On readiness for love:

  “When the good thing comes...is he love bombing me? Or maybe he’s a good person and this is how a healthy relationship should be.”
  — B. Simone [13:53]

• On spiritual leadership in relationships:

  “You can’t lead me if you have no relationship with the King.”
  — Crystal [17:23]

• On financial stewardship:

  “If you’re spending the money, take care of it...You stewed over it.”
  — Crystal [33:54]

• On boundaries and energy:

  “I’m not sitting in the dark with you...I’ll help you and walk with you, but I’m not going to drag you.”
  — B. Simone [39:22]

• On forgiveness:

  “No one in this world will control how I feel...You address it and you find the proper steps and tools to move through it and move forward. You don’t have to forget. But it’s no more anger.”
  — B. Simone [44:20]

• On self-grace:

  “You’re bullying yourself…You need to extend the same grace to ourselves.”
  — B. Simone [46:33]

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• Transparency and vulnerability: [00:08] – [07:16]
• Personal growth & progress: [03:13] – [04:46]
• Ozempic and weight loss journey: [03:50] – [04:31]
• Privacy in relationships: [07:17] – [08:12]
• Faith and non-negotiables in love: [17:09] – [19:05]
• Money mindset & budgeting: [24:39] – [30:28]
• People pleasing and boundaries: [26:36] – [28:33]
• Friendship loyalty & boundaries: [36:41] – [39:22]
• Forgiveness and self-healing: [42:37] – [46:33]
• New project announcement (LTTA app): [48:59]

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Episode Takeaway

Crystal summarizes one of the main lessons of the conversation:

“Transparency is fine. But privacy is definitely important. Keep the things that are sacred to you close to your heart.”
— Crystal [49:32]

This episode serves as an uplifting reminder that growth comes from honesty, boundaries, faith, and intentional progress—while always keeping it positive, sweetie.

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Connect:

• @lovecrystalrenee
• @keepitpositivesweetie
• B. Simone’s LTTA App: [lets try this] (newsletter sign-up available)

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Summary compiled for listeners and anyone seeking inspiration on authenticity, boundaries, and growth—without losing their joy.

Transcript

[A]

Coming up on Keep It Positive, sweetie, what got you to the point where you were like, you know what, B. I'm about to just put it all out there.

[B]

I've always been like that. But I think subconsciously it was also a protection because nobody can say anything about me that I haven't already said about myself. You know, she was on Ozempic. You know, she had an abortion. I already said it.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Like, yeah, this is me. You know, I not having the facade and not being real, that is like the biggest fear of mine. Like, somebody finding out I'm fake or phony or a lie, like, that is like a fear. Like, no, this is me. I am real. This is what comes with it.

[A]

Hello, I'm Crystal Renee Hayslett, and this is Keep It Positive, sweetie. A safe space to heal, laugh, grow, and love. And season six is underway. Off to a great start. We've got this amazing new set, and we've had some incredible conversations so far. I'm going to keep the momentum going with my guest for today, my sister, my friend, B. Simone. Now, it only took six seasons to get her here, but we're gonna have some good girl talk about any and everything like we always do. She does so many things well and she means so much to so many people, including me. She's an actress, comedian, entrepreneur, and a great friend. I finally got her here, y'. All. I am so excited. My friend, my sister, B. Simone. Peace. Thank you, sis. Thank you for pulling up. And we finally got her here, guys.

[B]

Finally.

[A]

You've been on the road with me. You've been everywhere with me. Everywhere on the couch, and it made yourself comfortable.

[B]

I know. I had to. I know y' all keep it classy and keep it positive, sweetie. But I had to bring the B. Simone energy, and I took the COVID took my shoes off, and I'm here, sis.

[A]

We wouldn't have it any other way. Thank you.

[B]

Thank you for having me. I am. What you got going on, girl.

[A]

I know.

[B]

Do you see this production?

[A]

Do you see the quality?

[B]

The quality. It is so beautiful. I'm so proud of you.

[A]

Thank you so much. Thank you. It has been a labor of love. I'm so excited about rebranding everything. Yeah, we're going up.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Just an upgrade. I'm super excited.

[B]

I love it.

[A]

I'm happy to have you here.

[B]

Thank you. I'm excited. Y' all been trying to get me on here. I'm here. They're like, she done been to LTT 8, 3 times, 2 times. I'm like, okay, now you gotta invite me.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

She invited me and I'm here. Yes.

[A]

Thank you.

[B]

You so cute.

[A]

Thank you. You're so cute.

[B]

Thank you.

[A]

But no, seriously, it is an honor to have you here today. I'm excited. We always have amazing conversations. People have heard our stories, heard us talk about everything. So the first thing I want to ask you today is give me one word that describes the season that you're in right now in your life. If you could describe it in one word. I know, it's so hard.

[B]

I was. Oh, the first word. It's two words. Resilience. Obviously, that's what I'm about in this season. Like the ltta. I'm like, try this again. Never give up. Press forward. Resilience. But I was gonna say progress.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

I feel like I've made progress. Like, with. With my career, with starting over, with my relationship with God, with boundaries. I just feel like I'm in such a new space and I'm such a different person than I was six months ago, a year ago, a few years ago, a couple months ago. So I feel like I'm making progress. I'm even back in the gym.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Like, girl. Cause I tell the truth now. I was on that Zymp.

[A]

That's my girl.

[B]

I was on. Y' all know me. I was on that Zimp. Please, I gotta lose weight. Take this shot. All these diabetics need this medicine. I got it. Okay.

[A]

This is why I love you.

[B]

I was on Ozempic for like a year, And I lost 45 pounds, girl. But it messed up my gut health. So I talk about that. Like, the back end of it is, like, it's not healthy long term, you know? So I don't recommend it. But I was on it. And I wasn't, like, training. Training super heavily on it. Cause I was always nauseous and sick, and I didn't really need to because I was looking good, right?

[A]

Yes, exactly.

[B]

But now I'm back in the gym. I'm back in the gym. So I'm doing it, trying to be healthy, doing it the healthy way and not like, you know, supplements and all the things. Just taking my protein, weight training and doing cardio. I'm back running. So I feel like I've made progress. The word is progress.

[A]

I love that. I love it. You know, another thing I love about you is you're so transparent.

[B]

Thank you.

[A]

A lot of people wouldn't tell people that. Thank you. I love that about you. And you're so transparent about so many different parts of your life, which is why I think you're so relatable.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And why people just gravitate to you because they see themselves. Even if it's like a certain part you let everybody see all of you and all the different colors of you. So it's like, oh, I can identify with that. I can identify with that. So I just love that about you. Thank you. I'm not as transparent.

[B]

Why do you think that is?

[A]

I think I was always taught to. That there was something about being a mystery.

[B]

Oh, I like that too.

[A]

Yeah. There's something about being a mystery. And don't let everybody know everything you have going on. You know, how to tell people everything. But in this world now, where we're on social media and we are on platforms like our shows that we have, you have to be more open and transparent. And I still find myself being selective, but trying to be more open. What got you to the point where you were like, you know what, B, I'm about to just put it all out there.

[B]

I've always been like that. But I think subconsciously it was also a protection because nobody can say anything about me that I haven't already said about myself. You know, she was on Ozempic. You know, she had an abortion. I already said it.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Like, yeah, this is me. You know, I. Not having the facade and not being real, that is like the biggest fear of mine. Like, somebody finding out I'm fake or phony or a lie. Like, that is like a fear. Like, no, this is me. I am real. This is what comes with it. If you. If you know me, if you don't know me, whoever is in my life is gonna get all of me. So the truth, whatever that is, the truth isn't always pretty.

[A]

It's not.

[B]

You know what I mean? So I'm willing to tell the truth. Even when it's ugly, even when I've been through the dark times, even when I've made horrible mistakes, even when, you know, I might have been blacked out drunk in my past or like, I talk about. I've talked about this publicly. My abortion. I've had an abortion. The truth ain't always pretty, but I rather just be honest.

[A]

I love that.

[B]

I'm not saying it's right. I'm not saying all the choices I made were right, but it was the truth. It happened. I can't erase my history. It happened. You know, whether I tell the truth or not, it still happened.

[A]

Right? Yes.

[B]

So I think vulnerability and transparency is a superpower. And I'm kind of trying to get a little bit more like you in certain areas to where you can still be raw and real and all the way out there. But it doesn't have to be a secret. It's just some things can be private.

[A]

Yeah, there you go.

[B]

It's not that it's a secret. I'm not hiding anything from you guys. But some things are sacred and private. Like, I've thought about that recently with my love life. Like, if I did get a boyfriend, if I did get serious and was, like, thinking, oh, this could be my husband, would I share him with the world? Like, that's sacred. Would I? I don't know.

[A]

You know, I go through this as well, and I'm like, okay, I'm not going to hide you. Like, we're gonna go out. But I feel like putting somebody out on social media. If you see us, you see us.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

But putting it out there, I don't know if I would do that either. And for the most part, the guys I've dated are okay with that. Cool. I haven't ran into an issue, but that is a thing. You want to protect things. You want to keep it sacred.

[B]

Sacred, yeah.

[A]

No, I feel you on that.

[B]

Cause when you open up that door for the audience, they feel like they have access now. So it's like, well, you put them on the Internet, but that don't mean you can have an opinion on every little thing.

[A]

And to them it does, and to them, it does. You shouldn't have put it out there if you didn't want us to say nothing.

[B]

You shouldn't have shared it. So when you put stuff out there, it's giving an open invitation. Like, y', all. All millions of y', all that follow us, come on in to my relationship. Come on in to, you know, my world. So I don't know if I got in a relationship, if I would share.

[A]

Him with the world, I would protect it for as long as you can. Cause, like, I've talked about my dude on your podcast, but nobody knows who he is.

[B]

Yeah. Yeah. You know, so.

[A]

And I like it like that.

[B]

Hold on, my dude. Hold up. Did we just get a Kips exclusive?

[A]

Drop that fire. Drop that exclusive.

[B]

Exclusive. Kips exclusive. That was a question. It was the look.

[A]

It was a. I'm laughing.

[B]

You're like, don't make me take the cue cards and flip this. My dude.

[A]

Yeah, you know? Yeah. Well, it's looking good. Jesus. Yes. He is working, honey. Yes.

[B]

Oh, my God. Why is my heart pounding?

[A]

I feel like I'm finally in a space where, you know, you, like, you search and you hope and pray for, like, the person that, like, understands. Even if they don't understand this, like, they understand you. Yeah. And their care and love for you is like, I see who you are from the jump. It's special. So we're gonna. You know what I'm saying? I'm just letting God take this thing the way he takes.

[B]

One day at a time, one thing at a time. Enjoying it. Be in the moment. Be where your feet are. Don't, like, overthink.

[A]

And that's what I used to do. B.

[B]

This is my husband.

[A]

Yeah, I stopped doing that. Yeah.

[B]

Enjoy what you have with this person. And oh, my gosh, I love that.

[A]

So what about you? Are you ready for love?

[B]

Am I ready for love? You know what? Before I go to that, can I ask you a question about him? Why are you trying to jump off him? Don't be too fast.

[A]

Y' all see what I did? Taking back control. And Sheree says, drive the car. So be okay.

[B]

I just have one little question. What kind of work was he putting in?

[A]

Because you know what? It's a long distance relationship. He's overseas.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

So him coming here, you know, being very intentional about getting to know me, listening, you know, I remember I was sitting outside one day reading my Bible. We were doing the Proverbs challenge at Change Church. Wise up was what the challenge was called. And he was watching me outside reading my Bible. And he goes, let me go get some of this wisdom. This is what he says to himself, not knowing that I was reading Proverbs. And he comes outside, he's like, hey, what are you doing? I was like, I'll just reading Proverbs, trying to catch up, because we're doing this for the whole month. He's like, wow, do you mind if I read with you?

[B]

Oh, my God. Oh, my God.

[A]

I said, huh? He's like, I already went. So we read like, a chapter a piece. And like, after each chapter, we broke down how we interpreted it. And these are the things you pray for, Right? A woman who was after God's heart and, like, really seeking him. You want a partner that's doing the.

[B]

Same thing just like that.

[A]

Yeah. And he was in a different space. We'll probably talk about this once we get to that point, talk about it publicly. But he was in a space where he was raised in the church, raised as Christian, read the Bible, knows the Bible, knows the word, but got away from it because it's like, you know, like, there's too many contradictions. But being around me, he's starting to, like, watch his change global. So he watches church online? Yeah, he watches online. And every Sunday he'll call me after church. It'll be four o' clock his time, and then I'll watch it. I'll go to church here, and he'll call me and we'll go over each other's notes and he's like, you know, I really loved it when he said.

[B]

Yeah, come on, accent. What did you love about it, darling?

[A]

Yeah, but that was a part of it, really. Just wanting to be in my world and, like, be a part of what I'm doing, you know? And loving. He loves, like, that we can do things together, we can do together. And normally it was me being like.

[B]

What can we do together?

[A]

Let's do this. Yeah, he's, like, really into this. I was like, okay, this is dope. And then even the time that we spend together, like, when he would come here and visit me, it was just beautiful. Like, no stress. It just felt almost like home.

[B]

Easy.

[A]

Yeah. Very easy. Yeah. And there. There was times where I'd pray about some. I journaled about him, and I'm like, God, da, da, da, da, this. And then, like, literally there'd be something. He'd be like, hey, babe, I was thinking about this, and it would be like, what I prayed about to God, like. Because I didn't want to, like, come off, like, needy or like, I need you to do this. He's like, I need to work on that. I was like, oh, this.

[B]

This is crazy. Did you read my journal? Right?

[A]

Basically, I'm like, what happened? But he was overseas. I had. I was like, I live literally just prayed about this. Wow. And he was like, are you serious? I was like, yeah. And the fact that he can be open and, like, that's something else. I pray for a man that can communicate and, like, even point out his flaws and be like, hey, I need to work on this because I want to be better for you.

[B]

Accountability, emotional intelligence.

[A]

Very.

[B]

And you asked me, am I ready for love? Are you ready for love, B. I think you pray for all these things like you said, but when it comes, I pray that I can handle it. And I don't run back to the toxicity that I'm used to.

[A]

Oh, you gotta watch Sunday's sermon, honey. What. What was it called? I won't go back. I won't go back. I won't go back. Because we go back to what we're.

[B]

Comfortable with, what you're comfortable with. I'm comfortable not being seen, so I'm comfortable having guys chase me or I'm comfortable not being a priority. So I know how to wait around and hope they text me. So when the good thing comes, it's like, is he love bombing me or you instantly are negative. Like, is this just his. No. Maybe he's a good person.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

And this is how a healthy relationship should be. So just hoping that I can handle it when it comes because I do believe it's going to come.

[A]

It will come. And I'm going to tell you this. You have to be very intentional and specific in what you want detail. Because I literally write. I was like, God, I want this, this, this and this. And God gave me exactly what I wanted. And I'm like, but Lord, he ain't got this, this and this. He's like, what's important?

[B]

Ooh wee.

[A]

What do you want? Cause I'm giving you what you asked for. You know? And when I started being intentional about what I really wanted, and I was about to, like, I was thinking about going back to something else that no longer served me.

[B]

A relationship.

[A]

Yes. And then the next day I ran into him. Yeah. And I was like, God interrupted it. What you not about to do is do this.

[B]

Go back over there.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Bring over here. Right.

[A]

Like I said, I need to.

[B]

Right.

[A]

Good. But you have to be very specific. And also there was a time where I knew that God wasn't bringing the right person to me because I couldn't handle it.

[B]

You weren't ready.

[A]

And I love that you even like, I pray that I can handle. Because I knew I wasn't ready. But now I know this is the one thing that I need. But God knows how that man needs.

[B]

To be built for me in this season when I said the word is perfect. Keep making progress. I have a relationship coach. She's out in la. I haven't worked with her in a while, but she's like, okay, you write down all these things. What type of. And we talked about this. What type of woman does this man need? Like, you want him to be disciplined? You want him to be in shape? You still eating donuts at 2am?

[A]

Shake, shake.

[B]

You want all these things. You want him to be financially stable? Are you taking care of your finances? Like, yeah, you have money.

[A]

Let's talk about it.

[B]

But is it gonna last you for the next two decades? For the next three decades? You got it now, B. But are you being a good steward over your money? Like me breaking all the bad habits So I can attract that person. I still have a lot of work to do.

[A]

Okay, you know what? That's a good. When you know that you still have a lot of work to do, just know that, like, whenever you find that person, they're probably gonna have work to do as well. But are you willing to work with them?

[B]

Work with them.

[A]

That's the difference. Because a lot of people get into relationships and they're not perfect or, like, completely ready, but they feel like this is my person, you know? And then you see relationships that really work. Yeah. And they. Neither one of them feel like they was ready, but they end up making it work together.

[B]

Cause it's like, you don't have to work on something.

[A]

Absolutely.

[B]

But what is it?

[A]

Yes.

[B]

I'm not. I'm not. Okay. What's anonymous? I'm sorry I asked you so many questions. Give me the advice.

[A]

That's what I'm here for.

[B]

Oh, my sweeties.

[A]

My sweeties. Darling. B. That's what I'm doing. Let me know what you need, y'.

[B]

All, what is a hard non negotiable for you? Like, non negotiable, we know means we can't negotiate if this happens. I literally look you in your eye if this happens. I will walk away no matter how much I love you, no matter how much we've invested, no matter what. This is a non negotiable. What would you say is a hard, non negotiable? Maybe we haven't been married yet, Right. So we don't know what we would negotiate with after marriage and kids and family. But in the dating phase, what is a hard non negotiable for you? Like, if this happens, no matter what, we have nothing to talk about.

[A]

You know what? For me right now, one of my first boundaries and non negotiables is faith.

[B]

Okay?

[A]

Because I want to be the submissive woman that can be led. But you can't leave me if you have no relationship with the King.

[B]

And if you're not submitting to him, you can't. Wow.

[A]

Wow.

[B]

Like, where are we going? Oh, no. Come on. And then come back and get me when you know.

[A]

Hello. What's in the issue?

[B]

Where are we going? I'm in the field. Itchy, itchy, itchy. Out here.

[A]

And I don't belong here. Come on, stop playing with me.

[B]

Come back and get me when you know where we going.

[A]

No, seriously. And that's been an issue where guys, like, they didn't understand why I didn't want to be in a relationship anymore. I'm Like, I can do this by myself.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

If I don't feel like you can lead me, then it's like, it's fine. I got it. You know? So I'd rather be alone and continue to work on myself with God versus be with somebody who can't leave me at all. Cause it's frustrating for me. That is like one of my main deal breakers, especially in this point of my life where I need that. Okay, yeah. What about you? Do you have deal breakers or boundaries?

[B]

I think faith, for sure. I'm not willing to compromise on religious beliefs.

[A]

Yeah. For me, I used to.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I can't do it now.

[B]

I remember you talking about that. And I have. I have different religious backgrounds in my family. We all be in the group chat. It's just hilarious. In the group chat, it's like, all right, y', all, God bless. Yes. All praise is due to Allah. I'm like, jesus Christ is king. No. What? And then my other cousin. Well, the universe. I'm like, we all on different pages in this group chat. But whatever. But I'm not willing to compromise on that with a romantic partner. Because long term, you want to get married, you want to have children, and you want to ultimately, like you said, trust. If I truly believe that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life.

[A]

And.

[B]

And you don't believe that. If I truly believe it. I just believe you're deceived. So I can't be with somebody who I feel is deceived.

[A]

Exactly.

[B]

You know, and just following a road of deception that. And for me, in the dating phase, I dealt with this with my ex, God rest his soul. Chris, I love you so much. He passed away. Non negotiable. Was cheating. And I talked about it publicly. I'm like, if you. I don't know what I would do if I was married 10 years with three kids. And I don't know. I don't know if that's something we could talk about. But in boyfriend and girlfriend, early on, no. That's a hard. Non negotiable for me. If it happens, we have nothing to discuss. I will walk away.

[A]

That's interesting to me because I had a friend who used to say, you're single until you're married. Why do we put marriage stipulations on people we're not married to?

[B]

And I was like, so what's like, marriage stipulations?

[A]

Like, like not cheat. Like cheating like vows, you know, saying you're like, putting the. Sleeping with, not sleeping with other people. That's like A marriage stipulation that you're putting on someone who hasn't made that vow to you. It kind of changed my perspective on dating, which I don't. This is not.

[B]

I'm not saying you can cheat.

[A]

Okay. That is not that. But she changed my perspective where I stopped holding people to that standard before they asked me to be their wife.

[B]

So you know what it is for me? I think whatever we agree to. So if you clearly tell me, oh, yeah, we're dating, we're in this together, I'm not seeing other people. I'm trusting your word. It's more of a word thing. Like, if I can't trust you now, why am I gonna be able to all of a sudden turn the trust switch on when we walk down the aisle? So I think whatever we agree to is what I expect. If you're like, we're dating other people or whatever. Yeah. So for me, if we agree it's just us, then it's gonna have to be that.

[A]

It better be that.

[B]

It gotta be that. Yeah.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Okay, sweetie.

[A]

Yeah. Something that you touched on earlier was finances.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And a question that I get asked often is, would you date someone who doesn't make as much money as you? As a high earner, would you date someone who doesn't make as much money as you?

[B]

I think I would if I could. Still, I wouldn't want to 100% change my lifestyle. Like, oh, okay, I can't get facials anymore, or I can't get massage. I can't do all these things because we can't afford it. Right. So as long as we can have the same lifestyle, I would love to still travel and live and invest in businesses. And when you invest, you know you're gonna lose sometimes. Do we have the money to take those risks? I done invested in properties and in certain tech things that just, like. That didn't really work out. But invest over here, you know, so he could make less than me for sure. But I would love to keep up the same lifestyle, if that makes sense.

[A]

No, it makes perfect sense. It's funny because I've said the same thing because people always ask, like, would you date some? I'm like, yes. Yeah, Yeah, I definitely would. But I do. I love the things that I love. And I've never been ashamed of it. And I always very transparent about that. Like, this is what I like to do. And as long as I can do it, Lord, I want to continue.

[B]

Crystal, don't play she be on a vineyard Drinking wine, eating cheese I'm like, crystal, where you at in Paris with.

[A]

The president and the queen?

[B]

I'm like, well, call me back. I'm in Atlanta.

[A]

Call me when you get back. Girl, bring me some cheese.

[B]

Call me when you get back. Bring me some cheese.

[A]

Yes. I just feel like once you. And a lot of that comes with exposure.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

You know, sometimes for me, exposure inspires. Yeah.

[B]

When you're exposed, it's like, I can't go back.

[A]

I can't.

[B]

Steve Harvey said that. Once you sit in first class, I don't want to go back to the rope. 20 in the middle seat. I want that space. I want to relax. I want.

[A]

You can work up there. You can. It's more.

[B]

Yeah, it's more productive.

[A]

It is.

[B]

And you get to sit, like, in your feminine and relax and enjoy the moment and enjoy all the things that life has for you without worrying about, can I afford this? Can I do this? The stresses that come with that, you know what?

[A]

And I've been broke before, so I know the stress.

[B]

Oh, yeah. Same.

[A]

Yes. I've been broken. It's a different type of stress. I used to always say, I'd rather be rich and stressed than be broken stressed.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

So I'm grateful. And even a friend said he's like, it's a privilege to be able to do what you want to do, be able to take care of everything, and then also be like, oh, I want to go do this or do that, or, I want to invest in this, and you can take the risk. That is a privilege and a blessing. It is. I don't take it for granted at all when it comes to finances. How are you doing, like, with budget? Cause we've talked about this.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

That's a big thing when you get relationships, trying to figure out, okay, like, how's the money? How are you with money?

[B]

You hear these things. Because we've all. Not. We've all, but me. And let's speak for me and you, because we've talked about finances, hitting a certain tax bracket and a certain amount recent. This is new in our walk with being a celebrity or being financially stable and, you know, making this amount of money and having to budget it and having accountants and people look over your stuff. And I. For the first time, I wasn't even like this when I was broke. Girl, I would have, like, $50. I'd be like this. 50 for the week we going out. I' ma live my life. It's gonna come back. I'm gonna make it next week. I've never been, like, fickle or like, holding on to money because I always believe it's gonna come back. But I show my million dollar journey on YouTube back in 2020. That was the year I made my first million. I want it to be like, okay, by the time I'm 30, I wanna see it in my account. I wanna see it liquid. Right? That's good. I wanna see it liquid.

[A]

Liquid is different.

[B]

It's different.

[A]

That's different. Yeah.

[B]

To see them zeroes, like, it's not assets. It's not a car. It's not like it's in the account. Right. That was in 2020. After that, it took me 30 years to make my first million, 30 days to make my second. So within 30 days after my birthday, I was a multi millionaire. Come on, quick.

[A]

Yes, baby.

[B]

Them zeros ain't in that account no more.

[A]

After the first million, it's easy to get the next million.

[B]

It's getting that first one easier to spend, too. You see them zeros? You like, get the jet?

[A]

Yep, yep, yep.

[B]

Come on, dinner on me. You want to fly to Jamaica, baby?

[A]

Bring me this summer? Like, what y' all want to do? Want to be ballers?

[B]

Ballers. Shot collars, Dollars, baby. Let me. I'm transparent again. Them zeros ain't in that account no more. That liquid ain't there no more. Now do I have. I did buy my first home. It's an asset. I have invested in my businesses. I'm launching the LTTA app, which is exclusive. This is the first time I've ever said that. So I'm investing. Right. So I still have. You know, I'm still technically a millionaire, but with assets. Right. But when you start spending, you realize how quick it can go.

[A]

And a million dollars is nothing.

[B]

Nothing.

[A]

People think that's like, oh, my God, it's nothing.

[B]

It's nothing. When you constantly are reinvesting Uncle Sam. What?

[A]

Them taxes.

[B]

I said, oh, I owe y' all this much.

[A]

Oh, honey.

[B]

But you remember when we used to get refund checks?

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Oh, I used to pay money. What?

[A]

Ain't nothing.

[B]

Like, no.

[A]

I got some money back this year. Yeah. I got a good accountant, though. Shout out, Alicia. That's good. Yeah.

[B]

So, yeah, to answer your question, for the first time, I'm in a season where I'm being more diligent with my money.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I look back on all the people I gave money to that didn't do nothing with it. They still in the same position. Just so many things. Being Santa Claus and being like, you are such a.

[A]

Do you think you're a people.

[B]

I'm better.

[A]

You're better now. Okay?

[B]

I'm a rec. I'm not. You know what? I'm not a people pleaser. I'm a recovering people pleaser. I am recovering. I'm an aa.

[A]

There you go.

[B]

Okay, So I am recovering.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

I'm getting so much better at saying no. And I'm asking God first before I do things.

[A]

Good, smart. I'm telling you, it's a fact.

[B]

You didn't ask if you were supposed to buy that person a house you like.

[A]

I got it. I got it. What you need? Yeah. No. What?

[B]

I got to tell you a story. I've never shared this publicly. I was downtown in. We were filming Wild N Out. Yes, Downtown in Atlanta. I see a lady, she has her five. She's changing her baby's diaper on the ground, and she got five kids with her, right? And I'm staying in this hotel. We end up talking, going, going. Long story short, I put her and her kids in this hotel for the week. Just, you know, put them in the hotel. Boom, boom, boom. Me, y'. All, this is crazy. This don't make no sense. And I'm not advising anybody to do this. A month later, you think I didn't have that lady a house?

[A]

That's who you are.

[B]

But it wasn't wise. It wasn't wise.

[A]

And that's in the space that you were in.

[B]

Not even the space I was in. She couldn't keep it up. She was stressed. I walked in the house. It was flies and gnats and food. Oh, I just came in the house, and I started crying, you know, but we worked our way up to that. You know, I had a realtor help me, and I talked to. To her, and I tried to get her housing, and I tried to get her a job, and we were working our way up to it. I just didn't buy a stranger a house. And it was an investment property, so I was like, if anything, I could sell it, and it's still an investment for me, right? But I said all that to say. I didn't pray about that. I just saw somebody in need. It was off impulse, like, you can't be on the street with your five kids, you know? So I built a relationship with her, but she. It don't matter what you do for people if their mind doesn't change. She still thought she was on the street even though she was in a house.

[A]

It's more than just putting her in a house.

[B]

It's more than just putting her In a house. It's giving her the resources to keep it up, the resources to pay the rent, the resources to mentally grow. So she was in the house, but her mind was still in the streets. So helping people that God calls you to in the way he calls you to do it, not just impulsively giving. So I'm learning that in this season with my business, you know, I'm getting better. I be looking over everything. I'm like, yes. Back in the day, it's like, oh, that's five grand. No. Okay, break it down. What I'm paying for. Why is it five grand? Well, this person is three grand. Why are you five? Let's break it down and talk about it before I just swipe my card.

[A]

No, seriously. I'm doing the same thing. I have a new accounting team, and I have Marquis. Every trip, business trip I go on, anytime I leave the house for a period of time, where I'm spending a lot of money.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

He does a spreadsheet of how much money I'm spending. How much did we spend last week when I was going to New York? $23,000.

[B]

In a week?

[A]

No, three days.

[B]

Well, what was y' all eating?

[A]

No, that wasn't even.

[B]

What was y' all flying? What was y' all booking? What was. Yeah.

[A]

Airfare, hotels for people, trains for people.

[B]

I already know per diem.

[A]

I already know day rain, day rates, day rates, booking.

[B]

They gonna send you that invoice. The invoice that I paid on time.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

That invoice gonna come. You be like, what am I paying for?

[A]

And people don't see that. They don't. They see all the things that have. They don't know what goes behind making everything work. And what I'm grateful for now is my team, who's like. We're f. Like, I've been following a place where they can, like, source out the money.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

But, like, right now, it comes out of my pocket until we get the money. Yeah. You know? Yeah. And it wasn't always like that. Yeah. And it costs money to make money. So I was, okay, this is investment. We have a bigger.

[B]

It's gonna come back.

[A]

We have the vision, but I have to be diligent. I need to go through those line items and see what's important and what's.

[B]

Not important, see where you can cut back. I've been cooking more. I'm like. My accountant hit me. He said, you spent $20,000 on food in a month.

[A]

I believe it.

[B]

Uber eating three times a day, not getting up.

[A]

If that ain't me.

[B]

I said, no, no. I said, you're looking. You're talking about the year.

[A]

No, for the month.

[B]

He said. He called me.

[A]

It can be like two or three hundred dollars a day.

[B]

And then you go out to eat. You're picking up the tab for everybody. So it adds.

[A]

Get out of here. Get out. Yes, it adds up.

[B]

And then you look up, you buying.

[A]

Everybody drinks, everybody food. We not eating.

[B]

No, we ate Old Charlie's Chili's. We ate Tao.

[A]

And no booze. No boo mastros. And. Yeah.

[B]

And you, you know, you want to do it. You want to take care of it.

[A]

Because you want to expose everybody to death.

[B]

Everything. You know, but.

[A]

And I feel the burden, like, oh, I can't really. I got it. All right.

[B]

I got it. Because I want to go there. So if I got to go to town alone, I'm going to go sit alone and wait for my man to come. I'm going to sit and have a date by myself and just. I'm going say, he coming.

[A]

Where is he?

[B]

So, yeah, 20 grand in a month on food. I said, what am I eating?

[A]

By yourself? That's crazy.

[B]

And I like to eat now.

[A]

I do, too.

[B]

So I order six things just to bite.

[A]

I'm the same way.

[B]

I just want to bite everything.

[A]

No, literally.

[B]

Remember we talked about that after church when we went out to eat after. Yeah, we went out to eat on Easter. And she was like, you want that? I was like, I want to try all of it. She's like, me, too.

[A]

Yes. No, I'm literally like that. Aren't I, Keith? I ordered the whole menu. I want to try everything. Even if I order like, I love La Colonial. Yeah. I order to the house.

[B]

Yep.

[A]

I get like three appetizers. I get a peanut tartare, the chicken dumplings. I get the salad. I get the shaking beef.

[B]

Do you understand what we're saying? This is nuts.

[A]

Nuts. It's like a $300 Uber Eats bill. And for one. Just one meal a day, one sitting. That's not including the breakfast I had.

[B]

That's not including the smoothie. No, that's including the post workout. What is bar? That's three. Literally. You spending 300, $500 a day on food. I love it, though. See, that's why I need a man that can keep up. Cause I gotta eat. I'm not cutting that out.

[A]

Baby, listen, with Queen Latifah on just right, she goes, now, ain't no salad eating shit. Me neither. I want all the food.

[B]

I want to taste Everything. So, yeah, I've been. But I have been cooking more, and I'm like, you know, this is nice. I actually feel lighter because you know what's going in your food. I feel healthier. I can eat a lot of carbs at home. And I'm like, this is.

[A]

Cause you know what you cooked.

[B]

You know what you cooked in. So cutting back on where I can. I've been getting my nails done less. I'm like, okay. If I get pink at the bottom when it grow out, you ain't gonna be able to tell. I can last a couple more weeks. I'm doing good.

[A]

I like this.

[B]

I'm getting longer hairstyles. So this hairstyle gonna last me. What's after New Year? Shit.

[A]

Now you pushing it out. You gonna be like.

[B]

I'm like, shut up. I'm gonna wash my braids. No, this gotta last. You know, these braids is $800 hairstyle for the girl to come for 12, you know, so if you're spending the money, take care of it. And I used to be, you know, purses on the floor, not take. Why you buying?

[A]

The Louis bag is so organized and pristine. I was like, girl, who did this closet. But it's.

[B]

I gotta give you her information.

[A]

Taking care of things, you know? Yeah. You stewed over it. I. I was talking to a friend of mine about tithing.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And about making. I said, my mom used to. It started off with shoes. I'm like, I want a new pair of shoes. She's like, I'm not giving you another pair of shoes until you take care of the ones you have.

[B]

Wow.

[A]

We want this. We want this. Well, then, guys like. But you're not taking care of what I've given you. So how can I trust that when I give you more, you gonna blow through that, too? So making sure that, like, I tithe before, like Petey talked about, he's like, y' all know how y' all get on the weekends. Y' all want to go out. He was like, if you know how you are, go ahead and give God his thing.

[B]

Just give it to him so you.

[A]

Can go do what you want to do with the rest of it. Yeah. But the moment I really started taking that seriously, I saw God continue to bless me because he knew I was going to do the right thing.

[B]

I love that.

[A]

Okay. And it's like, it's exciting to give God his. You know what I'm saying? What belongs to him anyway.

[B]

It's his anyway.

[A]

It is.

[B]

It's his anyway.

[A]

Yeah. But I too Was like, you, girl. I would blow through money. Just. It was like itching a hole in my pocket. Like, literally.

[B]

I was like, literally, like, oh, we're in New York. Let's go shopping. Yeah, I'm going to just spend 20 bands.

[A]

Like, what you want? Get you something to. What? Oh, yeah.

[B]

And then you don't want to be, you know, for me.

[A]

I know, I get it.

[B]

You don't want to do it in front of people. You don't want to feel like I'm, you know. So, yeah, grab something or. Here, I got this for you.

[A]

And it feels good to be able to bring your friends.

[B]

It feels good. But then you look up, all them niggas gone, and my account is low. And I'm sitting here with this Louis bag and no friends.

[A]

Hello.

[B]

So we ain't doing that no more.

[A]

We are not, you know, making smarter decisions.

[B]

Making smarter decisions. Yeah.

[A]

I'm proud of you.

[B]

Thank you.

[A]

I really am. I was so cool. It was the strike that really shifted my mind. So said, where my money? I'm making all these millions of dollars every year. What are you doing with it?

[B]

What are you doing with it?

[A]

What are you doing with it? Yes, I can have all the designer clothes in the world, but I can make Zara look like designer honey. And designer. Don't hate me. Don't sleep on Zara.

[B]

Don't sleep on, baby.

[A]

Steve Madden, honey. Girl, Steve Madden be on with her new collection, ma'. Am.

[B]

I bought two bags, boots and some jewelry.

[A]

Come on.

[B]

These Steve Madden earrings right here looking like Balenciaga, baby. I done spent $500 in Steve Madden and got the whole store.

[A]

No, I didn't know they had clothes. I was on revolve though. Then I was like, steve Madden got clothes in there. Cute.

[B]

She was just my friend.

[A]

Was just.

[B]

They got clothes now.

[A]

Yeah, Steve Madden holidays.

[B]

Okay, holla sponsor.

[A]

It's positive.

[B]

Keep it positive, sweetie. Ltta. Come on.

[A]

Come on over. Yes, we can have some outfits. You know, we love the fashion season. Yeah. Yes, but that's good. I love that. I love that we always talk about friendships. Yes. And I wanted to ask you something because this is always a question that I wanted to know that I asked some of my friends. What are things that you look for in a friend? And the second part is what makes you a good friend? Because I know it makes you a good friend. But, you know, sometimes we don't understand who we are and what we bring to the table.

[B]

As a friend, for me, I can only say what makes me a Good friend. By what I've been told. I can't say I'm a good friend. I need my friends to tell you they have. You can't. I'm a great friend.

[A]

Friend.

[B]

Are your friends saying that?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

You can't say you're not a. You know what I mean? Yeah.

[A]

Are you?

[B]

So just, I think from what I've been told, like, showing up for people, I just, I really support my people. Like, I'm like, it's inspiring to me. Like the Venus you desi. Like, I look at y', all, like, when Vena had her show her one woman show, I'm like, this is lit, bro. I want to produce this for you. Like, I, I would love to produce. I would love to help. I would love to. I was on the soundboard. Like, this is lit. How can I. How can I help? So I, I, I'm very supportive.

[A]

You are it.

[B]

Support.

[A]

Oh, my God.

[B]

You are it. It inspires me. When I walked in here, I was like, yo, like, this is inspiring. What we doing next at ltta, you know? Like, how can I. It's not a competition thing. It's an inspiring thing. The way you carry yourself, the way you show up, the way you're so graceful, but you're very assertive. I'm like, I gotta work on that. You can't let people walk all over. It's inspiring. So I love supporting my friends. I love making them feel loved. I think I'm a great friend.

[A]

You are.

[B]

I do. I'm loyal, baby. You could tell me you dated this nigga in second grade. I will block him. That ain't got nothing to do with me. You introducing me to your nigga. I'm like, hey, I'm looking on the floor. That's all I need. Hello. Bye. I don't need to be in no nigga face. I don't all that people be diddly widdly. You can't trust these girls, you know? So I treat friendship the way I would want somebody to treat me. Just show up, you know? In this season, friendship has changed for me. I don't think I ever required a lot from.

[A]

Wow. What does Big require now?

[B]

Oh, my God. I need to know you for me. I need to know you're for me by your actions, by the safe space you create for me. I'm willing to go through the trenches with my friend, but I'm willing to walk with them. I'm not willing to drag them out the dark. So if you got that dark cloud over you, if you're in the darkness. If you got that victim mindset, I'll come check on you, but I'm going to keep walking. I'm not sitting in the dark with you. And I did that a lot in my past, and it put the dark cloud on me. And now I got anxiety, and now I'm nervous, and now my stomach hurting, and now I'm walking in rooms. I can't be my full, authentic self, because whatever was on you, now it's on me. So I'm no longer willing to do that. I'll help you and walk with you, but I'm not going to drag you.

[A]

That's good.

[B]

Yeah. So what I require is just loyalty conversations. If something bothers you, let's talk about it. You know, we gotta have those conversations in friendship, too, so.

[A]

That's so good. Yeah.

[B]

You know, it's like you blowing up. You never told me. Yeah, I didn't know. I didn't know it was important to you that I showed up for this soccer practice or whatever. It is. Like, whatever is a big deal. You never told me, so, you know, you have to treat each friend different because each friend requires different things.

[A]

Yep. Just that. So true. Yeah. Everybody needs something different.

[B]

Everybody needs something different. I truly believe I'm a great friend. I've gotten no complaints, honey.

[A]

I have a lot of.

[B]

And anytime. And I talked about this on the Craze podcast. He was like, how do you take accountability? I'm like, I'm such a people pleaser that accountability is easy for me, because when people tell me there's a problem, I'm like, how do I fix it? I never. Like, I did that. I'm like, I'm so sorry. It's almost over. Accountable. And I don't sit back and say, well, hold on, I didn't do that. Or, you know, or, hold on, let's talk about this. So accountability is pretty easy for me, but as far as friendships, I feel like I'm a great friend.

[A]

You are.

[B]

Thank you. Friend. You are, too.

[A]

I love you.

[B]

You are, too. You just show up and show. She's like, you wanna go to the Hawks game? Yeah. Stop playing. Right, right, right. And I. I still got to come to this house.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

We be so busy, but we're gonna make it happen. We're gonna make it happen. Yeah. But, yeah, I feel like I'm a great friend, and I'm super open to constructive criticism, whether it's in my relationship. And I'm sure. Let's be real. I'm human. I'm sure, there's been moments where I might have gotten offended or might have been, like, not taking accountability, but for the most part, overall, I feel like I'm pretty easy to talk to. I fix it. I'm like, let's fix it. Like, I want to show up in the way you need me to show up. So I'm open to constructive criticism, even in friendships.

[A]

I love that.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I love that's so important. And it's also important to know that, like, sometimes to take in between, like, wait, did I do something wrong?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Because sometimes you can take things out of context, and you really have to know where you're coming from on certain things.

[B]

And people need different stuff in different seasons. Maybe. Like, I have a friend who went through a divorce. Before her divorce, she didn't need as much as she needs now.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

She's in a season of, like, I need my friends. I need my friends. I need my sister. I'm trying to figure this out. I'm like, you know, there's different seasons when you go through a horrible friend breakup. I'm like, in this season, I need loyalty. I need to know you, my friend.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

I didn't require as much at the beginning, but once you go through stuff, you need certain things and in certain seasons. So just being vocal with that.

[A]

I love that. Yeah. I love that. We have. You and I both have talked about friends, family, and forgiveness. Yes. And this summer, we talked about something personal that I had gone through and how I was navigating that forgiveness, man. Yeah. As a woman, where you are now in your walk with God, if you had to grade yourself A to an F, what would you grade yourself on? Forgiving others. Mmm.

[B]

I would say a B. I said a B.

[A]

Minus.

[B]

I would say a B. It's so crazy. Can I read you something?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I just texted my sister yesterday. Wow. This is crazy. You brought this up. Hold on, hold on, hold on. Where my sister? But not yesterday. Today. I was with my family yesterday. And sometimes I feel like we run from family because family is a trigger for our past. So certain things trigger us. Like, we could choose our friends. You can't choose your family. So you always with your friends. Well, I chose them. I didn't choose y'.

[A]

All.

[B]

And sometimes there's triggers over here with family. But my sister was like, it's so good you're around the family more. And they were so happy you were there. I went to Columbus, and that's. My dad grew up there, and we were there, and I had a show, and my uncle, my aunt, my dad's siblings. We were all together. We went to eat, and it was just a beautiful family moment. Something that I'm appreciating the older I get and the more healing I do. So I was like, the more I heal, the less family is a trigger. It used to trigger me being around family sometimes, but that just come from unhealed wounds. I'm glad I could bring everybody together. I'm working through healing. Therapy has helped me so much, even so. And so I'm not going to say their name publicly. I'm not letting anybody control my emotions anymore. I forgive her. And one day I'm going to sit down and talk to her and let her know she hurt me, but I'm going to let her know I forgive her. I'm moving on with life. With life. Excuse me. And I'm going to be happy. No one in this world will control how I feel. So the more you heal and you're like, I just want to be happy. I don't want to hold this. It doesn't feel good. You address it and you find the proper steps and tools to move through it and move forward. You don't have to forget. But it's no more anger. You got to let it go, and you got to find the tools that help you do that. Therapy. Honesty, being real. Like, yes, I was angry. Yes, I was jealous. Yes, I was envy. Yes, I was bitter. Yes, this upset me. Addressing those emotions, being honest so you can move through them and not hold on to them.

[A]

Oh, that's good. Yeah, that's so good.

[B]

One of the best books. Have you read the Untethered Soul?

[A]

Yes. Yes. Carl Ulysses, My Taylor, one of my Taylors. He actually gave me that book a few years ago to read.

[B]

It's so good. Yeah, it shows you how to just let go, be in the moment. If we were really just in this moment, we would have no issues, because I'm just sitting here with you. I'm not thinking about what I'm gonna eat later. I'm not thinking about where I gotta go. I'm not thinking about my nap. I'm not thinking about. I'm tired. I'm not thinking. I'm just here with Crystal. Be where your feet are. Be in the moment. And when you do that, you can forgive and let go. Yeah.

[A]

So good. Now, how would you grade yourself on forgiving yourself, man? Because I know for me, it's harder. I'm harder on myself than I am on other people. I can be like, okay, that's Fine, whatever. Move on. But when it comes to me, I feel like I'm harder on myself than I am on others.

[B]

A recent situation, about a year, year and a half ago, it took me. I probably went from an F to now. A year and a half later, I'm at, like, a C, a B. Because you'd be like, why would you do that? How could you be so stupid when you. You allowed that person to do that? Like, you beat yourself up on what you allowed, but you only did what you knew you can only do with the tools and the wisdom you have in that season. And I thought I was being the best version of myself that I could be then. So with forgiving myself, I'm much better now. But I have been hard on myself. And then you gotta stop. You gotta be like, you're bullying yourself. Like, you're being a bully. You're being a bully. To you. You wouldn't say this to anybody else. That was dumb. I would never say that to you. If you told me, even if it was a dumb decision, I wouldn't be like, friend, that's dumb. I would be like, why'd you do that? It's okay, though. I would comfort you, and I would let you know it's gonna be okay. So I think we need to extend the same grace to ourselves.

[A]

Absolutely.

[B]

Yeah. So I'm better with forgiving myself.

[A]

I love that. I love that. I just love our talks.

[B]

I know. Is it over? Don't kick me off the couch.

[A]

I would never. I would never know. But seriously, this has been amazing conversation. I love, like, how we got. Just talk about anything.

[B]

Anything.

[A]

This is how we are in real life.

[B]

What we be at the house. Ken, do you hear me on the phone? Keke.

[A]

Ken, you like, girl, I can't be telling y' all when she be texting me.

[B]

What? I mean, say let me know when y'.

[A]

All. Girl, I ran when you text me that. I said, this girl is so stupid.

[B]

See, we not secrecy. We private.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

We ain't telling y' all everything. Yeah. Keep it cute. Keep it positive.

[A]

Sweetie, I love you. I love you.

[B]

More.

[A]

More.

[B]

Love you so much. I am so proud of you, bro.

[A]

Thank you.

[B]

Proud.

[A]

I'm proud of you.

[B]

Proud.

[A]

You. You equal. You talk about how I inspire you. You inspire me.

[B]

Thank you, baby.

[A]

Like, seriously, the way you push me. And remember, I remember when I was first doing this, and I was like, yeah, I'm gonna do a podcast. And said, like, okay, yeah, that's good. What's. What's up? You were like, let me know, like, if you need, like, camera people or where to get equipment or if you need me to help you. Yeah, like that. And you already had your own podcast. I was like, this girl is like, you're just a unicorn. Yeah.

[B]

Thank you.

[A]

I just love you.

[B]

I love you, too. I'm so proud of this. I see it. I'm, like, literally seeing it. You're gonna be on. This is gonna be a show. Tv, like, daytime talk. I see it. Red carpets. Everything. Everything you've been manifesting. It's gonna happen. It's coming. You're already in it. You just gotta keep walking towards it. It's already there.

[A]

Yeah, Yeah. I feel it. I feel like God is really moving, and I'm just excited when I'm telling you. When I saw this space, I was.

[B]

My God.

[A]

Tears. I was like. Sheree was in the middle of, like, going, okay, this is what we're doing. I was just like, I know.

[B]

Cause it's like, it's all coming together and all the losses you took, even the people, the opportunities, whatever doors were shut. You realize why God allowed it to happen for this very moment. And I just have one request. I just want to ask you one thing.

[A]

Yes, love?

[B]

When you get married, please let me be the flower girl. Crystal. That's gonna be funny. I just wanna.

[A]

That's all I want. I got you. So I would love to know, or my people will want to know, because I probably already know. Yeah.

[B]

You know everything I know. Yeah.

[A]

But is there anything that you have on the horizon that you want to share with us? Because we want to support you in any way we can. Yeah.

[B]

So this is my first time sharing this. I was gonna go to Patreon, but I decided to start my own platform. You are actually a part of it. I can't wait for them to see us on there. But the LTTA app, just community for women, where we share. I'm producing shows for the app, extra content, daily motivation, daily devotionals, daily affirmations, journaling. Just a whole healing. Mentally, spiritually, physically. We even got workouts on there.

[A]

Everything.

[B]

Yeah. So an app for women you can go to. Let's try this. Put in your email and sign up for the newsletter.

[A]

I love it. Thank you.

[B]

Thank you.

[A]

Y' all. Check her out. Yes. One of the reasons I love the conversations we have on this show is they leave me so full, and I learned so much. One of my biggest takeaways from today's talk is everything doesn't have to be talked about. Transparency. Transparency is fine. But privacy is definitely important. Keep the things that are sacred to you close to your heart. Thank you guys so much for hanging out with me today. You can follow me on all social media platforms at lovechristal Renee and you can also follow our show at keepitpositive Sweetie. If you want to write into our Positive Outcomes listener letter, you can send us an email@keepitpost positive sweetie gmail.com in the meantime, in between time, y' all already know what to do. Keep it positive sweeties. See you next time. Love you guys.