Summary of "Your Will w/ Lee Vassey" – Keep It Positive, Sweetie Podcast Episode

Podcast Information:

• Title: Keep it Positive, Sweetie
• Host: Crystal Renee Hayslett (Kristin Renee Hayslett)
• Guest: Lee Vassey
• Episode: Your Will w/ Lee Vassey
• Release Date: March 9, 2025
• Description: A safe space for women to heal, love, and grow, curated by Crystal Renee Hayslett.

Introduction to Lee Vassey

In this heartfelt episode of Keep It Positive, Sweetie, host Kristin Renee Hayslett welcomes Lee Vassey, a multifaceted artist known for her exceptional talents as a singer, songwriter, and actress. Lee's unique blend of Christian and R&B music has earned her recognition as one of Christian music's most promising new stars, with Amazon Music naming her a 2025 Artist to Watch.

Kristin introduces Lee, highlighting her early beginnings on Broadway as the young Nala in The Lion King, and traces her journey from Fayetteville, North Carolina, to the vibrant music scene she navigates today. The episode promises an intimate dive into Lee's personal and professional life, offering listeners inspiration and insight.

Fashion Week Experiences

The conversation kicks off with both Kristin and Lee sharing their experiences at Fashion Week, noting it was their first time attending the high-energy event.

Kristin: "Girl, when I say exhausting, girl, I'm." [01:17]

Lee: "You really had to, like, the same way you get ready for tour. I feel like you had to be prepared for Fashion Week because it is a marathon." [01:21]

They exchange amusing anecdotes, including Kristin's mishap with lost luggage and how Lee handled similar stress with grace and resilience. This segment underscores the demanding nature of their industries and the camaraderie they share as seasoned professionals.

Early Career and Transition to Songwriting

Lee delves into her early career as a Broadway performer, discussing the rigorous demands of live theater and how it shaped her discipline and passion for performing arts.

Lee: "I did have a great makeup and hair team and dressers and everything. So, you know, I love the production of theater. I love, you know, the pace of it." [05:10]

At the age of ten, Lee's interest shifted towards songwriting, inspired by artists like Mariah Carey. She shares how acquiring a guitar ignited her passion for composing music, eventually leading her to focus more on her musical aspirations by the age of sixteen.

Struggles and Hiatus: Battling Mental Health and Toxic Relationships

The conversation takes a poignant turn as Lee opens up about her mental health struggles, toxic relationships, and the pressures of her career that led her to take a significant hiatus.

Lee: "Life just started life in. And I didn't know how to manage it. Right." [08:55]

She candidly discusses feeling lost amidst her pursuits and the absence of spiritual guidance during turbulent times. Lee recounts how continuous challenges and traumatic family events pushed her into unhealthy coping mechanisms, ultimately forcing her to reassess her path.

Reconnecting with Faith: A Journey of Rediscovery

Lee shares her spiritual journey, highlighting a pivotal moment at fourteen when she gave her life to Christ out of fear rather than genuine understanding or desire.

Lee: "I did do the altar call at a Bible study. And I gave my life to Christ, but I did it kind of out of faith fear, because I didn't want to go to hell." [12:00]

As she progressed into higher education, Lee's initial faith wavered, leading her to rebel against her structured upbringing and lose touch with her spiritual foundation. This internal conflict and external pressures culminated in a profound realization of her need for genuine faith and spiritual grounding.

Transition to Christian R&B: Embracing Her True Calling

After a period of reflection and a significant health scare, Lee describes her rededication to her faith and music, culminating in her pivot to Christian R&B. This transition was not a planned shift but rather a natural evolution as she sought to align her career with her newfound spiritual clarity.

Lee: "I was just setting out to be obedient. And that became my EP. From Me to God." [35:16]

She discusses how ceasing the consumption of secular media and alcohol played a critical role in her spiritual and professional transformation. Lee emphasizes that her music now serves as a heartfelt testament to her relationship with God, free from past destructive habits:

Lee: "And I watched my life change." [21:57]

Managing Faith and Career: Balancing Entertainment with Spirituality

The dialogue focuses on the delicate balance Lee maintains between her career in entertainment and her steadfast faith. She articulates how Christian R&B allows her to express her creativity while honoring her spiritual beliefs, proving that success and faith can coexist harmoniously.

Kristin: "When you really follow him, you can still have a sense of humor, a clean sense of humor, you know, and there's ways to do it where he's still like, that is honorable." [24:02]

Lee elaborates on her commitment to live authentically, representing her faith without compromising her artistic integrity:

Lee: "You can still go live your life and... and have fun and just represent him wherever you go." [23:45]

Rapid Fire Game: Getting to Know Lee Vassey

In a lighthearted segment, Kristin engages Lee in a rapid-fire game of "This or That," revealing personal preferences and favorite Bible verses. Highlights include:

• Praise and Worship vs. Bible Study: Lee chooses Praise and Worship.
• Chanel vs. Hermes: Lee opts for Chanel.
• Lemon Pepper Wings vs. Caesar Salad: Lee prefers Lemon Pepper Wings.
• Sneakers vs. Heels: Lee selects Heels.
• Acting vs. Singing: Lee chooses Singing.

Her favorite Bible verse, Psalm 94:19, serves as a cornerstone of her faith journey:

Lee: "When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul." [39:50]

This segment not only adds a personal touch but also reinforces the authentic connection between Kristin and Lee, underscoring the episode's theme of openness and vulnerability.

Closing Thoughts: Embracing Individual Faith Journeys

As the episode wraps up, Kristin reflects on the invaluable insights gained from Lee’s story. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing that each listener's relationship with God is unique and encourages embracing one’s personal journey without comparison.

Kristin: "A lot of times they see us in the spotlight and think, oh, they don't go through anything. Are you comfortable with sharing anything that you were going through in that moment that may help someone else?" [10:02]

The episode concludes with mutual expressions of support and affirmation, reinforcing a sense of community and shared purpose among listeners.

Key Takeaways:

1. Personal Faith Journeys Are Unique: Each individual's relationship with God is distinct, and embracing one's path without comparison fosters personal growth and authenticity.

2. Overcoming Struggles Through Faith: Lee’s candid sharing of her mental health challenges and toxic relationships illustrates the transformative power of faith in overcoming life's obstacles.

3. Balancing Career and Spirituality: Success in the entertainment industry can coexist with deep spiritual commitment, as demonstrated by Lee’s transition to Christian R&B.

4. Authenticity and Vulnerability Inspire Others: Openly discussing personal struggles and triumphs can inspire and support others on their own journeys.

Notable Quotes:

• Lee Vassey: "You keep going. You keep rolling with it." [06:46]

• Lee Vassey: "Keep going." [06:56]

• Kristin: "You can be inspired by people's journey and their walk, but your relationship with Jesus Christ is yours." [40:18]

• Lee Vassey: "He has grace for it. Right. He has expectations of us as his children. Like, he does want us to live Righteously." [18:26]

Conclusion:

"Your Will w/ Lee Vassey" offers a profound exploration of personal transformation, faith, and resilience. Through Lee's authentic storytelling, listeners are empowered to embrace their own journeys, recognize the importance of spiritual grounding, and understand that balancing career aspirations with personal faith is not only possible but enriching. This episode of Keep It Positive, Sweetie serves as a testament to the strength found in vulnerability and the unwavering support of a faith-driven community.