Keep it Positive, Sweetie

Pastor Philip Anthony Mitchell, founder and lead pastor of 2819 Church and New York Times bestselling author of Contend: Standing Boldly for Biblical Truth While Winning the War Within, joins Crystal Renee Hayslett for a conversation that becomes much more than an interview. Philip and Crystal talk about why truth can initially feel extreme, the urgency behind his preaching,  and what it really means to suffer well. The conversation moves through singleness, marriage, holiness, ambition, influence, purpose, and the danger of allowing the things we pray for to become more important than the God who gave them to us.  And in one of the most personal moments of the season, the conversation turns toward Crystal’s own surrender, the responsibility that comes with influence, and a reminder Philip returns to throughout the episode: the fruit may be beautiful, but God is still the reward.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kirk Franklin has spent more than three decades changing the sound of gospel music, connecting with generations of listeners, and making choices that continue to push culture forward. But after 20 GRAMMY wins and a career most artists could only dream of, Kirk says he still approaches every record like he’s a new artist. In this episode, Crystal sits down with Kirk to talk about where that hunger comes from, knowing the difference between evolving and chasing relevance, and what he’s learned after more than 30 years of creating and leading. They also get into his new album I AM WHAT I AM, working with GloRilla again, writing about hope when life has shown you how hard things can get, and what success can make both easier—and more dangerous. This is a conversation about hunger, wisdom, and purpose—and what happens when you’ve already made history but still believe there’s more ahead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chandler Moore has spent years helping people find language for faith, surrender, and worship. But in this season, he’s using that same voice to tell a much more personal story—one that includes treatment, recovery, and the parts of healing that don’t fit neatly into a testimony. In this episode, Crystal sits down with Chandler to talk about why he chose to share I Checked Into Rehab, what he thought honesty might cost him, and how getting healthy has reshaped the way he sees strength, surrender, and his relationship with God.  This is a conversation about truth, healing, and surrender—and what it looks like to choose yourself, trust God, and keep doing the work while the story is still being written.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time GRAMMY Award winner Lucky Daye joins Crystal Renee Hayslett for a conversation about freedom, emotional growth, creativity, and what comes after you’ve already proven that your gift works. With more than 2 billion global streams and a new album, ALOUD!, Lucky is entering one of his most expressive chapters yet. In this episode, he opens up about what living without permission means to him, how he knows when to trust his vision, and how vulnerability continues to shape the way he writes about love. He and Crystal also talk about staying focused when comparison is everywhere, resetting when things don’t go as planned, and what still feels exciting after the accolades. This is a conversation about freedom, self-awareness, vulnerability, and growth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lauren Speed-Hamilton’s love story may have started in a way the world watched unfold, but the life she’s built since then has required a different kind of faith, growth, and intention. In this episode, Crystal sits down with Lauren to talk about becoming a mother after years of waiting, making room for joy and grief at the same time, and what marriage looks like years after the cameras stop rolling. This is a conversation about love, identity, and answered prayers—and what it means to live fully inside the life you once hoped for.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.