What God Has For You Is For You w/ Terri J. Vaughn

Summary

Podcast Summary: Keep it Positive, Sweetie

Episode: What God Has For You Is For You w/ Terri J. Vaughn
Host: Crystal Renee Hayslett
Guest: Terri J. Vaughn
Date: December 28, 2025

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Episode Overview

This uplifting and deeply personal episode centers around faith, purpose, perseverance, and sisterhood, as Crystal Renee Hayslett sits down with acclaimed actress and producer Terri J. Vaughn. Together, they reflect on Terri's multi-decade career in entertainment, the journey to her own show "Ms. Gov’ner," the challenges and joys of building a family, and the importance of trusting God’s timing even through seasons of uncertainty and waiting. The conversation is candid, emotional, and full of wisdom for anyone navigating dreams, transitions, and self-doubt.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Significance of Who’s "On Your Row" (03:29–05:45)

• Crystal shares a story about praying passengers during a turbulent flight, symbolizing the importance of surrounding yourself with people who spiritually support you:
  • "Are they praying for you? Are y’ all praying to the same God? You know what I’m saying? Because there’s a difference." — Crystal Renee (05:12)
• Sets the tone for the episode’s focus on spiritual community and support.

2. Journey to "Ms. Gov’ner"—The Power of Persistent Faith (06:52–12:20)

• Terri Vaughn discusses her 30-year career and the two-decade journey pitching her own show:
  • "I've been pitching my own show for 20 years. Now it is upon me, and I have that show." — Terri Vaughn (08:49)
• She credits divine timing, explaining she wouldn’t have been ready any sooner:
  • "I know why it took 20 years... I wouldn’t have been ready. I would have messed it up." — Terri Vaughn (09:11)
• Shares the impact of sudden career changes and needing to find new ways to stay grounded in authenticity, despite success and external pressures.

3. Sisterhood, Self-Sabotage, and Readiness (12:20–13:35)

• Both women reflect on how important it is to have a tribe to lean on and the tendency to self-sabotage after finally achieving what you prayed for:
  • "You start second guessing everything that God has put in your toolbox to make you ready for that moment. Has anybody ever done that? Self-sabotagers in the building?" — Crystal (12:45)

4. From Bay Area Beginnings to Big Break (13:35–17:35)

• Terri shares her humble beginnings in San Francisco, her struggles and perseverance as a working actress, and the emotional moment she landed her breakout role on The Steve Harvey Show:
  • "It just felt easy. It felt right. She fit on me and in me because I knew her." — Terri (14:51)
  • The joy of finally hearing a “yes” after constant rejection:
  • "In our business we’re used to hearing 'no' all the time. But we keep going because we know we are in line with our purpose." — Terri (17:11)

5. Lessons on Financial Literacy in Entertainment (17:39–19:00)

• Terri laughs about her frugal instincts but addresses a larger issue: talent often lacks financial guidance, emphasizing the importance of saving and planning for the future.
  • "There are things I could have done with that money that would have been smart to set me up better for future. And I didn’t know that." — Terri (18:52)

6. Navigating Post-Show Transitions & Avoiding Typecasting (22:53–24:48)

• Terri speaks honestly about expecting roles to roll in after The Steve Harvey Show but being met with “crickets,” then pivoting to "Soul Food"—a move crucial to breaking typecasting.
  • "You just have to stay true to yourself and just focus, and the things will come... stay the course." — Terri (24:34)

7. Balancing Personal Life and Career (24:48–29:04)

• Terri’s acting teacher’s wisdom: "Never put your personal lives on hold for the business because the business fluctuates, and it doesn’t love anyone." (25:10)
• Crystal and Terri discuss the pressures women face in entertainment around relationships and family, highlighting their own journeys (26:24–28:57).

8. Intentional Rest, Trusting Intuition, and Waiting on God (29:04–32:33)

• Both women stress the need for penciling in rest and trusting inner guidance:
  • "That’s God talking. That’s your intuition. That’s the connection." — Terri (30:04)
• Crystal shares a powerful personal testimony about fertility, journaling, and an unexpected prophetic call:
  • "Expect a miracle... When you really get into your word and cultivate that intimate relationship with God, he literally answers how I call. That’s how fast God will answer you." — Crystal (31:57)

9. Seasons of Doubt and Holding on to Your “Yes” (32:33–37:27)

• Terri admits to deep moments of doubt and wrestling with God, but knows her calling is rooted in purpose:

  • "I kept feeling the yes on the inside. So I’m just gonna listen to that, and I’m just gonna keep going. They can keep telling me no. 'Cause they just don’t know. But I know there’s a yes inside." — Terri (34:45)

• The importance of holding to your inner calling, even when loved ones don’t understand:

  • "My yes inside of me is not in them. So they don’t know... it’s yours alone." — Terri (36:06)

10. Creating Space and Stories for Black Women (37:27–43:13)

• Terri introduces her production company, TJV Enterprises, committed to telling stories about women of color in leading roles. She’s excited about "Ms. Gov’ner" on Netflix and encourages more content through her lens:
  • "I want our stuff to be us telling these stories from our own mouth, laughing at ourselves and all of our flaws and all." — Terri (38:21)
  • "That laughter is healing. It is healing for your soul to laugh. Literally. It’s medicine." — Terri (40:41)
• The show’s inspiration came from London Breed’s real-life historic mayoral victory in San Francisco, merged with Terri’s own experiences (41:04).

11. Race to Freedom—Personal Reflections and Takeaways (43:13–44:54)

• Both women share their “Race to Freedom” intentions for the year:
  • "I want to be free from self-sabotage, the spirit of self sabotage." — Crystal (43:31)
  • "I want to be free from judgment of myself. I’m really hard on myself. So I want to free myself of having to set a certain bar for everybody myself, making sure everybody’s pleased and I’m taking care of everybody..." — Terri (44:02)
  • Both emphasize giving themselves grace and releasing what is out of their control.

12. Closing Prayer & Blessing (44:54–46:33)

• Crystal closes with a heartfelt prayer for the audience, asking for healing, answers, and God’s grace for all listeners.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Divine Timing:
  "I know why it took 20 years... I wouldn’t have been ready." — Terri Vaughn [09:11]

• On Purpose and Perseverance:
  "We keep going because we know we are in line with our purpose." — Terri Vaughn [17:11]

• On Representation:
  "I love that my daughter can turn on the television and see people that look like her … that’s really important." — Terri Vaughn [28:02]

• On Self-Doubt and God’s Affirmation:
  "Expect a miracle... that’s how fast God will answer you." — Crystal Renee [31:57]

• On Saying Yes Against All Odds:
  "They could keep telling me no. 'Cause they just don’t know. But I know there’s a yes inside." — Terri Vaughn [34:45]

• On Releasing Control:
  "I want to give myself grace. I want to release the things I have no control of." — Terri Vaughn [44:46]

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Important Segment Timestamps

• 03:29 – Importance of spiritual community and those "on your row"
• 08:49 – Terri discusses pitching her show for 20 years
• 14:51 – Landing the Steve Harvey Show; the breakthrough story
• 17:39 – Financial literacy and industry survival as an actor
• 24:34 – Navigating life after a hit show and fear of typecasting
• 25:10 – "Never put your personal lives on hold for the business"
• 29:04 – The need for intentional rest and intuitive decision making
• 31:57 – Crystal's testimony of faith and receiving a prophetic word
• 34:45 – Terri on holding onto inner faith through years of rejection
• 38:21 – TJV Enterprises and creating new stories for women of color
• 40:41 – "Laughter is healing... It’s medicine"
• 43:31 – Crystal and Terri share their “Race to Freedom” affirmations
• 44:54 – Powerful closing prayer for faith, healing, and grace

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Recap & Tone

Keep it Positive, Sweetie continues to deliver raw, inspirational, and grace-filled conversations. This episode overflows with honesty, laughter, vulnerability, and faith. Both Crystal and Terri stress the importance of perseverance, trusting God’s timeline, supporting each other, and championing Black women’s stories. The entire exchange is gentle yet powerful—a true affirmation that what God has for you is indeed for you.

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Transcript

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[Terry Vaughn]

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[Chris Renee Hazlett]

Calling all my sweeties to the forefront. I'm your host, Chris Renee Hazlett, and this is the Keep It Positive Sweetie Show. Can we just say thank you, Jesus? That was not loud enough. Can we say thank you, Jesus? There we go. Listen, I was, I had to travel to New York yesterday and I was like on the first flight out to get back so I could hear Pastor Sarah preach last night. And I get on the plane and this woman was. I'm talking about saying a very fervent prayer. She was. And I looked over, she was on my row. And I said, we gonna be all right. We gonna make it. Cause it was storms all over, and since January, the year has been yearing. Can we all agree on that? And I said, lord, if there's a delay, I'm gonna thank you for the delay because I just wanna make it there safe, whatever it is. And. Cause I used to get agitated and I felt that agitation creeping in. After two hours sitting on the ground, we finally get in the air and we're almost to Atlanta. I'd gone to the bathroom on the plane, changed clothes. I was gonna hit the ground running. And the pilot comes on the intercom and so says, well, we're gonna be in a 30 minute holding pattern in the air. So I hit my team up and I said, y', all, we not gonna make it. And shout out to Big west, one of my managers, big fella, he, y' all don't put us in church jail. But he bootlegged the sermon so I could watch it. Cause that's how thirsty I am for the Word. And I know if you're here today, it's because you're also thirsty for the Word. Shout out to that praying woman who was praying like a grandmother on that plane. We made it safely and I still got the word. But it also goes to show who's on your row. You know what I'm saying that woman was on my row. And I want you to always be cognizant of the people on your row in your life. Are they praying for you? Are they there for you? Are y' all praying to the same God? You know what I'm saying? Because there's a difference. And without further ado, I want to welcome one of my sisters in Christ. She is absolutely amazing. You may remember her as Lavita Alize Jenkins on the Steve Harvey show, or you may know her from her new hit show on Netflix. Ms. Governor, ladies, put it together. Put your hands together for my sister, Ms. Terry Vaughn. Yes.

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Hey, y'. All.

[Terry Vaughn]

Thank y'.

[CJ Toledano]

All.

[Terry Vaughn]

Hey, Josh.

[Chris Renee Hazlett]

All right, sis. It is so good to be here with you.

[Terry Vaughn]

When my.

[Chris Renee Hazlett]

We were going over people that I could interview for this moment, and hands down, you were the one.

[Terry Vaughn]

Thank you.

[Chris Renee Hazlett]

And it was because of our recent conversations that I knew I needed to sit down with you. Terry and I, well, we met a lot. We kind of met a long time ago. I just reminded her that it's 2010. We were in a short film called this Time, directed by Matthew Cherry. And I had one line. So I'm like, this kid trying to get into the movie industry, and he's a kid making short films. And here's the Terry vine in this movie, and I found the COVID art for it, and I was like, do you remember this? And she was like, oh, my gosh. I had one line. Your table is ready. And here we are.

[Terry Vaughn]

And look at her now. Right?

[Chris Renee Hazlett]

God is good. But recently, we were at a Sunday brunch at Tyler Perry's house. And Tyler does these brunches where we screen the latest project that he's worked on. And this particular Sunday, we were screening the first episode of your show, Ms. Governor. And when I tell you, Tyler saw it, and I saw it as well, but Terri was so full in that moment, and it was so beautiful to see. And in that moment, Tyler looked at me, and he goes, that was you. When Sisters came out, and he said, y' all need to talk.

[CJ Toledano]

Yeah.

[Chris Renee Hazlett]

And you put it off for a little while, and you kept saying, we need to talk. And then finally you like, I need to call you. And we had this beautiful conversation. And I want to start with that, because we talk about the journey. Don't you start.

[Terry Vaughn]

I know. You see, I'm looking around. I'm like, y' all don't have tissue up here? I'm sorry. It's just that kind of party.

[Chris Renee Hazlett]

It is. I was telling her back Then I've been on the verge of crying all day. I don't know what it is. I do know what it is. Just grateful.

[Terry Vaughn]

Yes.

[Chris Renee Hazlett]

Y' all might need to bring the Kleenex.

[Terry Vaughn]

Yeah.

[Chris Renee Hazlett]

Just have a hand. But in that conversation, I thought it was so beautiful how vulnerable you were to have started off on this hit show. Everyone watched the Steve Harvey show, and we're gonna get to the journey, but to where you are now. It was like a completely new ground for you. And you're like, how do I navigate this? Let us know where you were in that moment.

[Terry Vaughn]

So, first of all, thank you for choosing me. Of course. It's always nice to be chosen.

[Chris Renee Hazlett]

Yeah.

[Terry Vaughn]

So in that moment, I was in the midst of a lot of press for the new show for Ms. Goviner, and it was. Everything was just so back to back to back to back to back.

[Chris Renee Hazlett]

Yeah.

[Terry Vaughn]

And you. Yes. I've been in this business for a really long time, you guys. I've been in this business for 30 years. But yet, though, I've been pitching my own show for 20 years.

[Chris Renee Hazlett]

Say that again.

[Terry Vaughn]

I've been pitching my own show for 20 years now. It is upon me, and I have that show. Thank you.

[Chris Renee Hazlett]

Take it in.

[Terry Vaughn]

And it was a bit overwhelming. And I have several conversations with God. And I know why it took 20 years, because feeling all the things that come with being in this position, I wouldn't have been ready. I wouldn't have been ready. I would have messed it up. I would have freaked out or something. And now is the time, and I'm, like, just looking for a little direction or guidance because I don't want to mess up the moment. Right. I don't want to, because everything just got different. The people that call, the people that don't call, the things being said said, everything changed. And I'm still the same person, though. I haven't changed. Everything is still. So I'm trying to navigate how to change, to move in all the newness of it without losing myself, losing my connection to my tribe, my real friends, my village, and not getting caught up in the newness, the new calls, the new. You know, and so I just was, like, talking to Crystal about how she navigated when she first got her show, and now everything is on her. The light is on her, the calls are on her. And just make it, because it's a huge responsibility. You're. You are responsible for, you know, a lot of people. You're the lead of the cast. So kind of your energy and how you move affects everybody. And I'm a mama bear, so I'm super protective. So I want to protect my cast. I want to make sure I'm standing up for them. Making sure. I'm asking, you know, that they get the things that I, you know, I'm just trying to be fair. We're libras too, so I'm always balancing the scale. So I want, you know, everybody to be treated fairly and all the things. So I just wanted to talk to her and ask her how she navigated when she first plopped into it. Because when you plop into it, it just like everything happens at once. It's not a buildup. And so I was in the. In the midst of everything rushing at me, and I was like, I need to. I need to pause and I need to talk to somebody. And Crystal talked to me and told me, you know, just share things that she did to stay focused and grounded. And, you know, I'm very spiritual and, you know, obviously get in my prayers, my meditation. So I'm like, I know who I am. I know I'm grounded, but I also have to operate in a space that doesn't necessarily move or act like me sometimes and not wanting to. To lose me, but still have to navigate through it, you know, so it was just nice to hear somebody else's perspective, somebody that I could trust, because you can't really have these kind of conversations with everyone. So it was just beautiful that she opened up and we had a really great conversation.

[Chris Renee Hazlett]

I love that. And what I think is so beautiful about that, about sisterhood, is that that you do have a village and your tribe is so important to make sure that you can have those moments where you say, hey, sis, I am struggling with this. Am I ready for this? Because a lot of times we've gone through the 20 years, whatever that looks like. It may not be 20 years for everyone, but you go through it and then you get to the moment and then you start second guessing everything that God has put in your toolbox to make you ready for that moment. Has anybody ever done that? Self sabotagers in the building?

[Terry Vaughn]

Yeah. Yes.

[Chris Renee Hazlett]

Right? I'm a big self sabotager. Like, I can get in my own way. And I think a lot of us do that. But what I thought was so beautiful is that you knew that you could call, you know, and I think that's so important to be someone that your girl can call or if you have a guy friend that they can call and say, hey, I'm struggling with this. And this is the position that I'm in. But I want to do right by it and steward over it. How do I do that? And a lot of times we forget that. Like, we are ready for that, you know, and. Yeah. So I want to go back to when you first started. Let's go to the. We're. We started. It's like a movie where they start at the end and then we're going to go back to the beginning. We're going to rewind so we can go back to the beginning. Tell us about that journey and like the ups and downs, the ebbs and flows of that. Because you started off. What's Steve Harvey show, your big break?

[Terry Vaughn]

Steve Harvey show was definitely my big break. I had. I'm from San Francisco. I grew up in the Bay Area. Yes, Bay Love.

[CJ Toledano]

Yep.

[Terry Vaughn]

And I was living in LA for about five years, just, you know, doing the actor thing, background work, waiting tables. Worked at Benetton. You know, Benetton is so old. People are like, what's Benetton?

[Chris Renee Hazlett]

Is the colors of Benetton.

[Terry Vaughn]

Yes, the colors of Benetton. I know. That's so long ago. Okay. Anyway, so, you know, just the life of a starving actor is. And just auditioning, getting parts. And finally this audition came through for the Steve Harvey Show. And I remember when I got that audition and I read the material, I was like, oh, my gosh, she's so fun. I know her. It was like, so easy, right? I was like, I know her. So I did the audition, got callback and callback and callback and call back, callback. And it was like. It was definitely the easiest up to that point, the easiest audition that I had ever had. It just felt easy. It felt right. She fit on me and in me because I knew her.

[Chris Renee Hazlett]

Yeah.

[Terry Vaughn]

And I really cared about her.

[Chris Renee Hazlett]

We could tell.

[Terry Vaughn]

I really cared about her and so forth. Finally, I got a call from my agents and you guys. So when you're testing for a series like that and you're getting your callbacks over and over, the last audition you go in for is with the directors and the producers and the network. So it's like tons of people and you. And you have to perform like you always have. And to me, that was my worst audition out of the whole Journey of my La Vida auditioning was the last one. Because at that point, and I don't even know if it still happens like this now, but when you do your last test read, they give you your deal. What your deal will be if you get this, you're going to get this many episodes. So it's this much money. So now I have all this information. Before, I didn't have that information, so I was just free. So now I'm like, oh, I gotta get. I can make this much money. Like, I've never seen that much money. So now I got all these other things in my mind instead of staying focused just on her. So I kicked into my training, I was like, nope, focus on her. The only thing that matters is the role. The only thing that matters is the role. And I went in and I just felt like it wasn't my strongest audition. I just felt like it wasn't my strongest. So I go home and I get a call from my agents and they're like, so, how'd it go? And I was like, oh, it was okay. I don't think it was my best, but I feel good. And they were like, well, you must have did something because you got the part. And I just screamed in my little one bedroom apartment, fell on my knees and. And just cried tears, tears, tears wide. The phone was on the floor by this time and I'm just on the middle of the floor crying because, you know, it's something that you work so hard for.

[Chris Renee Hazlett]

Yeah.

[IBM AI Advertiser]

Yeah.

[Terry Vaughn]

And in our business, we're used to hearing no yes all the time. We get up every day till we hear a no.

[Chris Renee Hazlett]

Literally, guys.

[Terry Vaughn]

Literally every day. But we still keep going because we know we are in line with our purpose. And we keep going and we keep showing up for the no's, but still keep going. And to finally get a yes is just amazing.

[Chris Renee Hazlett]

It is.

[Terry Vaughn]

It is an amazing feeling.

[Chris Renee Hazlett]

So you talked about like, you get the deal. You're like, oh my goodness, I'm gonna be making this much money.

[Terry Vaughn]

Yeah.

[Chris Renee Hazlett]

A lot of times we run into lack of financial literacy.

[Terry Vaughn]

Yes.

[Chris Renee Hazlett]

What were some of those moments where you were like, okay, I got this money and what now?

[Terry Vaughn]

I was. I'm cheap. I was cheap. I didn't do anything. I was like, oh, no, I gotta this. I gotta keep this. Nobody gonna take this. So, you know, I didn't really. I definitely didn't have any financial literacy. I just was responsible. I've always been a responsible person. So I didn't really splurge or spend a lot. I know how to live in my means. I had been acting for a while, so I knew that jobs come far and in between. So when you are working, you need to save, save, save for those long months when you're not working. You gotta live off of that money. So it's, you know, it's different. Than people may really think. So I didn't mess up my money. I was able to not ever have to go back and get another job outside of our business. Yes, so that was a blessing. But with the lack of financial knowledge, there are things I could have done with that money that would have been smart to set me up better for future. And I didn't know that I was just in a bank account.

[Chris Renee Hazlett]

Just sitting.

[Terry Vaughn]

Just sitting.

[Chris Renee Hazlett]

Yeah, and that's not good either, y'.

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[CJ Toledano]

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[CJ Toledano]

All right, this week on Point game with me, C.J.

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Obviously, when you have Steph Curry on the team, you feel like you have a chance, but you need a little more.

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[Chris Renee Hazlett]

Steve Harvey show had an amazing run. And like you said, the jobs come far and few between. What was that transition like? Because we hear about, like, athletes when. What they go through when the basketball is done, how do they, like, navigate life? What was that transition like when you guys got the call saying, hey, this is the last season, that last day on the show. And then now it's like, okay, what do I do next?

[Terry Vaughn]

So for me, I was like, oh, the show is ending. That's okay. I'll get another show. I'll just get another show. You know, lavita's popular. People like her, people like me. I'll get another job. Crickets. So it, you know, it just go back to the grind. But again, you know, I have been working, so I'd saved my money. I was actually married at this time. Had my first son the last year of the Steve Harvey Show. I was pregnant, and so I had time, and then eventually I did went on onto Soul Food. Thank God for Felicia Henderson, who. Because, you know, because of the role of lavita, she was very comical, and all the things that she was, which I loved, I still didn't as an actress. I didn't want to just be typecast as that kind of character. So I always thank Phylicia Henderson for giving me that job on Soul Food, which was totally different than lavita. She was an executive. You know, it was. She was just a totally different character on a drama series. So that was a blessing. And I think you just have to stay true to yourself and just focus, and the things will come. You know, I didn't panic. I just stayed the course. Stay the course.

[Chris Renee Hazlett]

That is so good. So you built a family. You have three beautiful children.

[Terry Vaughn]

Yes, I do.

[Chris Renee Hazlett]

You're married. What was that building of the family life for you? Because you. Did you take a little time off between Soul Food and, like, really to really hone in on your family?

[CJ Toledano]

No.

[Terry Vaughn]

So not really. I didn't necessarily need to purposely take time off. It's in our business, we just have time off. Yes. But, you know, I learned a long time ago, and I'm really thankful for this message from one of my early acting instructors. She always told us to never put our personal lives on hold for the business. She said, never put your personal lives on hold for the business, because the business fluctuates, and it doesn't love anyone. It's not protecting you. It's just the business. So you have to make sure that you're living your life. And also, just as an artist, it's important to live your life because it makes you a better artist, because you're experiencing life. So, yes, I knew what it was like to get married. I knew what it was like to have a baby. I knew what it was like to do these new, different things because. Because I'm living my life, and now I can put those things into the characters that I play.

[Chris Renee Hazlett]

That's so good.

[Terry Vaughn]

And so, yeah, that's one thing I definitely tell all aspiring actors.

[Chris Renee Hazlett]

Well, where were you when I started my career, girl?

[Terry Vaughn]

Well, I'm telling you now. But you do live your life. You travel, you do things.

[IBM AI Advertiser]

Yeah, I live.

[Chris Renee Hazlett]

But I've put off the family, you know, because I.

[Terry Vaughn]

On purpose.

[Chris Renee Hazlett]

Yeah. Because I didn't know if I, you know, like you having this in your. I don't know if you guys are like this, but you have in your mind, like, I don't have time to take off to have a child. And it wasn't even until this year seeing my castmate KJ Smith be pregnant work while the, you know how we work. Like we shoot fast at Toddler Studios. And it was in that moment where I actually saw where I was like, wait, I could do this. But now it's like, can I do this?

[Terry Vaughn]

Yeah.

[Chris Renee Hazlett]

You know, so going to the doctor trying to find out if I can even carry, you know, because I put.

[Terry Vaughn]

My life on hold and I have that story. So many of my peers have that story. And so, yeah, it is important because you can, I mean, there are no limits to what God, God is going to do. And if God blesses you with a family and it's not going to stop you from doing, you'll still. You can do both. Yes, I always tell you can do both. You can have a full family life and a full, beautiful, prosperous career. Because I love them both equally, too. I couldn't. I love what we do. I love it for many reasons. The stories we get to tell, the images we get to represent. I love that my daughter can turn on the television and see people that look like her, that talk like her. That's really important that my grandmother, who's 95 5, she can turn on something and, and you know, it resembles her. That's important. And for me in particular, I love to bring comedy into people's lives on purpose because there's so much trauma and heaviness in, in the world, globally, not to mention into our individual lives, the things that people are dealing with. So if I can be a part of bringing some joy, some Life, even for 30 minutes of your day where you just laugh and forget about that bill or whatever, and you forgot and you're laughing and you're laughing and you get those endorphins and you have some sunshine for 30 minutes. That's good. That's good stuff. And then life is still there. It's fine. Then come back next week and watch it 30 more minutes and laugh again. But that's, that's important to me. And it's just important to me as I'm there for my kids and you know, and God gave me, he'll give you the kids that fit your life. You don't have to fit their life. They fit your life.

[Chris Renee Hazlett]

Come on, she preaching to you, Ashana, cuz she's preaching to me.

[Terry Vaughn]

Okay.

[Chris Renee Hazlett]

Oh, man, that's good. Yeah. Because I think a lot of times for me, my career started late in life. You know, my dream career started late in life. So I was talking to Sarah about this Thursday night. She was like, crystal, are you resting? When do you have time to rest? How are you balancing it? And she's like, do you ever feel like you're missing out or like if you don't take. If you take a break, that you're gonna miss out on a moment because you have to strike while the iron is hot? And I was like, wow. Yeah. I have had those moments. Moments, yeah, for sure. But I feel like now I'm more intentional about. Okay. I had to pencil in the rest. You know, God, you have made my plate very full. And I'm grateful because this is what I asked for. But now I had to intentionally schedule in. Okay, these days, I'm gonna go on vacation or. Okay, I can't do it, because sometimes my team will be like, all right, we get in on this day, and we're gonna shoot a podcast episode on this day. As soon as we get back, I'm like, I can't do that. I know my limits now.

[Terry Vaughn]

Very good.

[Chris Renee Hazlett]

And I love y' all for obliging both.

[Terry Vaughn]

No, that's very good. You have to listen to yourself.

[Chris Renee Hazlett]

Yeah.

[Terry Vaughn]

You have to trust your instincts. That's number one. That's God talking. That's your intuition. That's the connection. It's not the talk and chatter outside of you. It's the talk inside.

[Chris Renee Hazlett]

Yes.

[Terry Vaughn]

You gotta listen.

[Chris Renee Hazlett]

That's so true. Yeah. It's funny. I went to the doctor probably two weeks ago. A fertility doctor and a guy who I'd only met one time through Rayonda, our costume designer had sent me a dm, and he said, hey, God gave me a word for you. Give me a call. And I was like, okay, we met, like, one time. What word did God give you for me? So I said, hey, I'll be free at this time. Just call me. So I was journaling that morning, and I was journaling about God protecting me and covering my womb, all these different things, and asking God to. To give me the desires of his heart. I was like, God, whatever you want from me, give it to me. And give me the discernment to know what you don't desire for me. So as soon as I put the pencil down, the guy calls me, and he told me the first part of it. He said, yeah, I was wrestling with this. And he said, because I don't know you like that. And then he's like, but then this morning, I woke up, and he gave me an addendum to the Word. And I was like, really? What's that? And he said, expect a miracle. And y', all, when I tell you. I just started bawling because I'm 42 years old, and I got. Look at my arm. Oh, my gosh. I started bawling, crying, and I said, you have no idea. I was like, I just went to the doctor, and I'm in my word. I'm reading about Sarah and Abraham. And my pastor, Pastor Darius Daniels, always tells us the Bible still applies. You're just the character now, you know, so replace Sarah's name with Crystal, you know, or whoever is out there wanting a child. And I said, you don't know what I just wrote down in my journal. And he was like, what? And I was like, I just went to the fertility doctor, and I said, I got a great report back, but I was asking God to protect my womb. I was like, thank you for protecting my family, but protect my womb. I said, and let it happen in your time, in your way, because I want to do it in the proper order. And I was like, this is just like. That's how quick God answers. Like, I literally had put the pin down, and I was showing it to Chanel, our hairstylist this morning. I said, do you see this wet drop on the page? I said, that was my tears. And she goes, oh, my goodness. And when you really, really get into your word and really have that intimate and cultivate that intimate relationship with God, he literally answers how I call, hey, Terry. Yes, Crystal. That's how fast God will answer you. And it keeps showing up. So you're absolutely right. It'll happen in God's timing for sure.

[Terry Vaughn]

Absolutely. And it's gonna be perfect for you.

[Chris Renee Hazlett]

Yes. Thank you. I received that, and I hope you guys, too. Were there ever any moments in this journey where your faith was tested where you're like, all right, Lord, now things are moving. In that 20 years, were there ever moments where you were kind of like, all right, Absolutely.

[Terry Vaughn]

In the 30 years? Yes.

[Chris Renee Hazlett]

Wow.

[Terry Vaughn]

Absolutely. There's been several times when I was like. Because my entry into this career wasn't something that I pursued. It was something that was offered to me because I was going to school for advertising. I thought I was gonna work in the advertising agency, and I was invited to participate in this pageant. One of the judges of a pageant was a producer of a play that they were Cast the tour of the country. And he asked me if I want to audition for his play. So I had never pursued it, just on my own. It was offerings that I just kept saying yes to. And so in those many, many times where it has been dark moments when I felt like, God, this industry is not for me. I'm not. Why am I here? What am I doing? I didn't even ask to be here. So this is me talking to God. I was like, I didn't even ask to be here. So you brought me here. So you need to fix it. You need to make something happen. Because I didn't ask to be here. I could have been at grades advertising in San Francisco. And so that conversation has happened several times, times along this journey, because it's tough. And I'm telling you, the only thing that keeps me going and actually joyful and fulfilled in going is because I know I'm living in my purpose. I know it. I know it. That's the only way. I kept going with pitching my own show for 20 years. Because even though it. Everybody kept telling me no For 20 years, I kept feeling the yes on the inside. I kept feeling it yes. So I'm like, I'm just gonna listen to that, and I'm just gonna keep going. They could keep telling me no. Cause they just don't know. But I know there's a yes inside. That's good. I know it.

[Chris Renee Hazlett]

I love that. I know there's a yes inside. How many of you all can resonate with that? You don't have to be in the entertainment industry to realize what, wait, this is what I'm supposed to be doing. And I think a lot of times we talked about this backstage, how often and how quickly we give up. And I think sometimes, like you said, that giving up is actually an indication that you may not be running after your purpose. Because if it's something that you are supposed to be doing, we keep going no after no, after no, after no. Because we know there is a yes. You know what I'm saying?

[CJ Toledano]

Yes.

[Chris Renee Hazlett]

Come on. That's right.

[CJ Toledano]

Clock it.

[Chris Renee Hazlett]

You better.

[Terry Vaughn]

I'm preaching, y'. All.

[Chris Renee Hazlett]

But no, there is. And I think a lot of people give up way too soon, you know?

[Terry Vaughn]

Yeah, they do. I mean, and like you said, it's whatever you want to do in life. And again, you know, even our loved ones, people that really love us and care about us, they give us guidance and advice from their best.

[Chris Renee Hazlett]

Yes.

[Terry Vaughn]

From their best. But my yes inside of me is not in them. So they don't know they're just giving me advice based on their experience, their life, their limitations of what they think can happen. And they're being loving and think they're being supportive, but who am I gonna trust? Am I gonna listen? Because my mom said she's never done this. Like, this is crazy. You gotta get a job. You need to go do this. So I stop and go get a job. Cause my mom doesn't feel that burning yes. Inside of me, Terry. No, I stopped. Still gotta follow my yes. So sometimes it's really scary because you're. You feel like you're alone, and you are. You're alone with. You're alone because it's yours alone. Because it's yours alone. It's not for my mom. It's not for my sister. It's not for them. This is mine. And because I followed what was mine, look what I get to do and who I get to talk to and how I get to live. And y' all get to laugh. You know, if I didn't do that, there wouldn't be the things. There wouldn't have been a lavita. There wouldn't be a Miss, you know, if I didn't listen to that burning. Yes.

[Chris Renee Hazlett]

Yes. Oh, my goodness. Ooh, sis, this is good. I love that. Now, you are in a place now where you're starting your own production company. TJV Enterprises.

[Terry Vaughn]

Yeah.

[Chris Renee Hazlett]

Enterprise. Enterprise, y'. All.

[CJ Toledano]

Okay.

[Chris Renee Hazlett]

That means multiple things happening.

[Amazon AWS AI Advertiser]

Okay.

[Chris Renee Hazlett]

I love it.

[Terry Vaughn]

Yes, ma'.

[Chris Renee Hazlett]

Am. Tell us about that. What else do you have going on?

[Terry Vaughn]

So, you know, we, of course, our show Miss Gov' er on Netflix, but we have more shows that I am actively pitching.

[Chris Renee Hazlett]

It never stops.

[Terry Vaughn]

Oh, Lord, it never stops. So we're doing that. Yeah, we're just creating, you know, I don't know. I have a slate of things that I want to do. It's like. I'm sure you do. Like, the list is long.

[Chris Renee Hazlett]

Yes.

[Terry Vaughn]

So you grab about three at one time. And I'm trying to pursue the first three, see what happens. So, yeah, so we have movies and television series. I'm just really inspired to tell stories that feature women of color in leading roles and comedic roles. And, you know, because a lot of times we're the girlfriend of somebody or the neighbor or the. I'm like, no, I want our stuff to be us telling these stories from our own mouth, laughing at ourselves and all of our. Our, you know, our flaws and all, you know, we're not perfect, but that's what makes the world so great and interesting. And I want to be able to feature women of color in those leading roles. So all of our projects pretty much are that.

[Chris Renee Hazlett]

I love that. I love that. Like you, I'm getting more into the producer side of things.

[Terry Vaughn]

Yes.

[Chris Renee Hazlett]

I was having a conversation with my friend Woody McLean from Power, and. Yeah. Shout Out Woody. And he's working on something. He's been public about it. He's working on a rom com.

[Terry Vaughn]

Yeah.

[Chris Renee Hazlett]

And he had done a podcast, and he broke down crime because he has twins on the way. And he was like, I don't want my daughters to see me in that light as the character that I'm playing. And I felt him in that moment because I want to see different content that shines a different light on us, you know? And in that moment, he was like, y' all want you to EP this with me? And I was like, bet, I'm down. But I was like, is crazy. You're calling me because I want to start creating the content that I want to see. It's only so much. I want to see something different, then make it, you know, So I love that you are doing that.

[Terry Vaughn]

Yes.

[Chris Renee Hazlett]

And that's the path that I'm forging next as well.

[Terry Vaughn]

So. Yeah. Yeah. Yes. We have to. It's very important, and it's. It's for us. And that's the thing. It's. It's all purposeful. Right. It's a part of my ministry is to bring this to y'.

[CJ Toledano]

All.

[Terry Vaughn]

I want you to be filled with joy. I want you to laugh. I want you to. To think and be challenged and reconsider or whatever it is that, you know, is needed in the moment. I want to create images that look like you, that are helping you through that. Navigate. I just. I think it's really important, and I totally believe that that laughter is healing.

[Chris Renee Hazlett]

Yes.

[Terry Vaughn]

It is healing for your soul to laugh. Literally. It's medicine.

[Chris Renee Hazlett]

It is. Speaking of LAUGHTER in medicine, Ms. Goviner is a show that. Have you guys watched Ms. GOV. On Netflix? Yes. It will have you cackling. Okay. Yeah. What was the inspiration behind it? How did it feel when you saw.

[Terry Vaughn]

The ratings on Netflix?

[Chris Renee Hazlett]

All the things.

[Terry Vaughn]

So the inspiration. Inspiration actually started about eight years ago. My girlfriend, London Breed, became the first black. Hey, Bay Area. Became the first black female mayor of the city of San Francisco, and the city went bananas. It was crazy. So much pushback and drama. She got being in that position, and they did so many things that she had to, like, jump through these hoops and do a special election and all the things. And she still ended up winning. And when I watched my sister do that, like, and this is a girl from the hood, like, we grew up in the hood. And I'm watching her as she's climbing the political chain. And she became the mayor of one of the richest cities in the nation, the first black woman to do that. I was inspired. And so the character of Antoinette, and Antoinette is named after one of my childhood friends. So I always pull from my real life, my stories. So the character of Antoinette was inspired by London's win for the mayor of San Francisco. And of course, you know, we changed the story to make it more saucy and made it south and need a governor instead of mayor and all the things. But that's where the inspiration came from. So that's been like seven years in the works of pitching, restructuring, partnering, meeting, and finally landing with our Tyler Perry and getting that. Yes. And so. Yes. So now it's on Netflix. And, you know, I love my colleagues. I have an amazing cast. So funny and lovely, great human beings and talented. And we get to tell these stories and get to play with each other. And the ratings were great. So, guys, please keep watching. We are hoping to get a second season. So please watch it, watch it, watch it. Spread the word so we can get that second season.

[Chris Renee Hazlett]

Yes, please definitely watch it. Support, support, support. I love that. So this year's theme is a race to freedom. So in closing, I'm going to tell you what my race to freedom is and what I'm working towards, and then I would love for you to share with us your race to freedom.

[Terry Vaughn]

Okay.

[Chris Renee Hazlett]

For me, when I leave women evolved this year, I want to be free from self sabotage, the spirit of self sabotage. I want to be free of understanding that things that are out of my control, they're simply out of my control because I get worked up.

[Terry Vaughn]

So mine is very similar. I want to be free from judgment of myself. I'm really hard on myself.

[Chris Renee Hazlett]

Yeah.

[Terry Vaughn]

So I want to free myself of having to set a certain bar for everybody myself, making sure everybody's pleased and I'm taking care of everybody and, you know, making people happy, being nice. And, you know, it's the thing in this business. It's like I don't want to lose who I am because that's just who I am. But it can be be very, very stressful carrying that and judging yourself if you feel like you've done something wrong. So it's very similar to what you're saying. I want to give myself grace. I want to release the things I have no control of. I cannot control what people say, think, do. Even though if I put up my best intentions, it doesn't matter. So I want to free myself of that I love.

[Chris Renee Hazlett]

That I love. Do you mind if we close off in a prayer? Because I know everyone who is here, they came for a reason. And I just want to pray over you guys before we leave. Is that okay? All right. May we bow our heads? Heavenly Father, we just want to thank you for this day, Dear God, we thank you for safe travels. We want to thank you for every woman that is present in this room. Who is thirsty for your word, who is thirsty for your presence, dear God, and your yearns for it. I ask that whatever is on her or his heart, I ask that you answer it and be very clear. I ask that you move with swiftness, dear God, whatever it is, if there's a sickness, if there is hurt, if there is trauma, whatever it is, or God, I ask that you heal them from that. I ask that every person leaves this conference change with a new perspective. And knowing that you are a gracious God, I ask that you allow us to give ourselves more grace to say same way that you do. Because I know even myself, I'm hard on myself. But as I studied your word, I know that you are a good God. You are a gracious God. And every time we fall, you are there to pick us up. So I want to just thank you for this moment. Thank you for allowing me to use this platform to spread your word.

[Terry Vaughn]

Thank you, God.

[Chris Renee Hazlett]

I'm so undeserving.

[CJ Toledano]

Thank you.

[Chris Renee Hazlett]

But you let me know every day that I deserve everything that you have put in my life. And I appreciate that. And I want to continue to keep this humble heart. I ask that you continue to bless this platform, that we can continue to spread your message. And I ask that everywhere I go that they see your light. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

[Terry Vaughn]

Amen. Whoa, what a vibe we've got, y'.

[CJ Toledano]

All.

[Terry Vaughn]

As always, it's classic HBCU energy. Non stop action. The band is rocking and the crowd lit. Chants echoing, drums beating, Everybody showing that school pride. Moments like this, yeah, they call for an ice cold Coca Cola. Crisp and refreshing. That's a game changer right there.

[CJ Toledano]

Mm.

[Terry Vaughn]

Yeah, that taste always hit the right note. Just like the band at halftime. Passionate fans, school colors everywhere. And an ice cold Coca Cola. That's a winning combo. No matter the place, no matter the moment, everybody knows fan work is thirsty work. So grab a Coca Cola and keep that HBCU pride. Going. At cvs, it matters that we're not just in your community, but that we're part of it. It matters that we're here for you when you need us, day or night, and we want everyone to feel welcomed and rewarded. It matters that CVS is here to fill your prescriptions and here to fill your craving for a tasty and yeah, healthy snack. At cvs, we're proud to serve your community because we believe where you get your medicine matters. So Visit [e-mail] or just come by our store. We can't wait to meet you. Store hours vary by location.

[Amazon AWS AI Advertiser]

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[Chris Renee Hazlett]

10 athletes will face the toughest job interview in fitness that will push past physical and health mental, mental breaking points. You are the fittest of the fit. Only one of you will leave here with an IFIT contract worth $250,000.

[Terry Vaughn]

This is where mindset comes in.

[Chris Renee Hazlett]

Someone will be eliminated.

[Terry Vaughn]

Pressure is coming down.

[Amazon AWS AI Advertiser]

Trainer Games on Prime Video January 8th. Watch the trailer on trainergames.com did you know Microsoft has officially ended Support for Windows 10? Upgrade to Windows 11 with an LG Gram laptop, voted PCMag's Reader's Choice top laptop brand for 2025. Thin and ultra lightweight, the LG Gram keeps you productive anywhere, and Windows 11 gives you access to free security updates and ongoing feature upgrades. Visit lgusa.com iheart for great seasonal savings on LG Gram laptops with Windows 11. PCMag reader's choice used with permission. All rights reserved.