Entertainment
Crystal Renee Hayslett Promotes Healing and Growth with the ‘Keep It Positive, Sweetie’ Podcast
AUSTELL, GEORGIA – MARCH 30: Crystal Renee speaks on stage at Keep It Positive Sweetie, LIVE! at the Riverside EpiCenter on March 30, 2024 in Austell, Georgia. (Photo: Derek White/Getty Images)
Last 12 months, singer and actress Crystal Renee Hayslett added one other step under her belt podcast. Through introspective dialogue and thoughtful discussions with celebrities comparable to Will Packer, Pretty Vee, Kirk Franklin and several others, the weekly audio series has turn into popular amongst various demographics. This past weekend, Hayslett got to experience the success of her idea in real time during the show’s first live taping in Atlanta, Georgia.
“I still can’t find the words to describe how amazing it was,” says the star. “It was just the most amazing moment – really.” by specializing in fun topics and having necessary conversations, Haylett created a protected, informative space for everybody in attendance. The evening began with Crystal talking to her therapist, Delena Zimmerman, where they talked about self-love, growth, and finding your purpose. She was then joined by David and Tamela Mann, Eva Marcille and Devon Franklin. The group delved into relationships at different stages and phases, with Eva and Devon talking about the way to navigate life after divorce, while the Mann couple reflected on their thriving 36-year marriage.
Following the roundtable, Hayslett showcased her dynamic artistry in a charming performance with a live band. She began her performance with a piano solo of Alicia Keys’ “If I Ain’t Got You,” followed by performances of Muni Long, “SZA and Beyoncé. The medley ended with Cece Winans singing Crystal. To end this unique experience, Hollywood mogul and Sistas creator Tyler Perry took the stage to wish for Crystal and express his pride in her recent and future success.
With a guest list that included Skyh Black, KJ Smith, Todd Galberth, Dharius and Shameka Daniels, Kimberly Blackwell, Isaac Carree, Nzinga Imani and Chido Nwokocha, the live podcast taping created the perfect atmosphere for the sold-out audience. To have fun this momentous occasion, Hayslett spoke to ESSENCE about the impetus behind her popular show, its impact, vision for the future and more.
ESSENCE: Since you are so busy with your profession straight away, what influenced your decision to create podcast last 12 months?
Crystal: It was actually my manager, Dinorah Peña. She actually gave me the idea. And at first I didn’t need to do it. I asked, “What do I have to say that is different from all the other podcasts? There are tons of podcasts.” And she said, “I think it’s time for you to tell your story.” So I thought of it and in the Black community, in the case of being open about numerous things, sometimes there are particular topics which can be really hard to discuss. Because we’re taught, “Hey, you shouldn’t really talk about this or what’s going on, just leave it in the past.” Through therapy, I gained the courage to actually open up and be more transparent with the public, so we decided to just do that.
Tname actually comes from a lady who was negative on my Instagram page. And I often don’t even reply to people. But I had time that day. Sometimes you’re thinking that, “I have time today.” But that day I said, “Instead of being negative, you should see that I’m supporting another young woman’s business.” Then I added #keepitpositivesweetie and my fans just ran with it. When we were fascinated by the name, I believed, “We should do a little episode called Keep It Positive, Baby.” And they said, “No, that’s the name of the show!” So that is how we got here up with it. But it was my manager who said, “It’s time, Crystal.” I wish to be more reserved, but it surely definitely forced me to be more open and perform in front of individuals. Because even while you’re on TV, you are hiding behind a personality. You really do not have to disclose who you’re.
What do you’re thinking that it was about your story that intrigued Dinorah enough to push you to start out the podcast?
Lots of things – my journey, just attending to where I’m today from a really small town. I talk over with these young girls who may come from cities that will not have as much to supply as your larger cities. My upbringing; There were things I experienced as a toddler that I didn’t really discuss. Even to the point that he desired to commit suicide as an adolescent. Things that we have really swept under the rug and you only keep going and parsing it forward, which I believe is something that, from generation to generation, leads all the way back to slavery. We just had to maintain pushing, pushing. Nobody has time to take a seat and cry. Life goes on, keep it moving. And as I began opening as much as things, I believed, “These are the things I want to talk about.”
And at that time I shot an episode called “Get to Know Me” where I took off all my makeup and stripped down so people could actually see me. I opened up and didn’t go into details. But this episode opened me as much as numerous things. And then I noticed how many individuals really suffer and how much we’d like healing. But greater than that, I noticed that individuals have to see someone like me who has all of it together to appreciate that I’m identical to them.
The The podcast will not be even a 12 months old, but it surely is already so popular. So how do you are feeling about his incredible success in such a short while?
It was absolutely amazing to see how the audience truly moved and resonated with each episode. I usher in so many individuals who feel protected enough to share their stories with me and the audience. And I say we heal, we laugh, we grow together and we love one another. You see people week after week. They will write and say, “You modified my life. You saved my life.” When I get letters like that, I say, “Oh my God, we’re really making an impact with this.” It’s greater than just standing in front of a microphone and a camera and just talking about hot topics. What we’re really specializing in is the things that they’re real to people and we share what we actually undergo every day and what we have now undergone to get to where we’re in our lives. Just seeing how quickly it has grown and how popular it has turn into is just amazing.
How was the reception for the live podcast on March 30, and how does the energy differ from the normal recordings you do?
From the moment I woke up that day, I felt completely different than some other day. I get there and the energy is great, but then I start hearing people chatting saying, “The line is around the constructing. Crystal, you will not consider this. Some of my team would exit into the lobby and record videos, and you can just get energized. But when the DJ announced me and I heard the screams, screams and tears from the crowd, it was incredibly electrifying. I’ve been to live shows and done it for other people, but hearing it and feeling it for me was just… It was an out-of-body experience. I’ve never felt anything like this. And I tell people all the time that I’m still getting used to this thing called fame, coming out and people recognizing you.
To sell out a spot like this for the first live show and hear everyone screaming like that was just crazy. When I shoot at home, it’s just me, my cameraman, my manager and the guests I bring over. So it’s super chill. My house is amazingly calm and quiet. Sometimes I’m very drained. But there was a lot energy that day that I believe it was only yesterday that I felt drained. I used to be literally on a natural high for 2 days.
Now we have now accomplished the successful recording of your live podcast – and you’ll be able to actually talk not only about future live performances, but about the way forward for your show basically – what’s your vision Is the podcast moving forward?
You know what? Ultimately, my vision is to have my very own daytime TV show. I’m going to maintain posting it there. I would like to have my very own daytime TV show. I see myself creating, continuing to create space not only for girls, but in addition for men. When I have a look at the audience, the core of my fan base is women. But I also saw men there. I would like to open it up and really bring us all together so we are able to truly heal together.
Entertainment
Coco Austin sparks outrage over ‘weird’ holiday photos as fan notices someone ‘puts hand on her butt’
The latest photos of Ice T’s wife, Coco Austin Marrow, capture the previous reality star within the holiday spirit, but she could also be on Santa’s naughty list.
On Thursday, December 5, Coco posted cinema featuring her daughter Chanel and clan visiting Santa on the Polar Express within the small town of Williams in central Arizona. In her caption, Coco stated that the holiday was what her daughter “wanted to spend on her birthday.”
A big group celebrated Chanel’s birthday by the Christmas tree and took photos with Santa Claus, wearing matching gingerbread men. However, as the family was decorating the halls, fans noticed that Ice-T was not around for the holiday cheer.
Several followers asked, “Where’s the ice?” while some insisted they’d “love” to see the previous gangster rapper in matching family pajamas.
One fan replied convincingly that he was probably busy “filming our favorite TV show.” Ice has played Detective Odafin “Fin” Tutuola on NBC’s “Law & Order: SVU” since 2000. This might be his twenty sixth season within the cop series.
While some focused on the indisputable fact that Coco’s husband of 23 years didn’t make it to the North Pole together with his family, most questioned her being photographed in an intimate photo with a mystery man.
One picture showed the previous video vixen and her sister sitting with a person placed between them. Coco wrapped her legs across the man while his hand appeared to rest freely on his back.
One person asked: “It doesn’t matter if you happen to’re all over it. So that is your latest man? Another observer quickly cleared up the mystery and revealed that the person was Coco’s father.
Finding out that this man was her father made their pose even stranger to some.
“MF, there’s nothing, I’m weird, MF. “Last time I checked you were sitting on your dad’s lap as a grown woman and you sure as hell aren’t taking pictures with his hands comfortably resting on your ass and the other on your sister’s back,” one follower said in response someone tells them to “stop being weird” and “analyze” things.
This Instagram user also had a laundry list of questions. “Who is that guy you took a picture with? And why is his hand on your butt and why is he holding your back tightly in the second photo?”
And this follower shared his perspective on the family photo. “So, as an adult, you sit on your dad’s lap. We’ll hang the whole lot on his legs, and we’ll place our entire hands comfortably on your ass. It’s clear as day because his other hands are directly on your sister’s back. So why would not he respectfully place his hand on your back as a substitute of all over your ass. Weird as hell.
This is not the primary time Coco’s photos have raised eyebrows and mixed feelings amongst fans. She continually posts photos with her daughter on social media, which are sometimes criticized for Coco’s dangerous clothing decisions and poses during “mommy and me” photo shoots.
In October, the family went on a getaway to the Bahamas when Coco posted photos of herself and Chanel in matching swimsuits.
The duo took a couple of photos together, and Coco’s decision to adopt one in every of them in her signature “butt model” pose turned what might have been a cute mother-daughter post into complete chaos.
Coco and her daughter Chanel in matching swimsuits within the Bahamas! #TSRStaffBD pic.twitter.com/96q5bHfqnY
— TheShadeRoom (@TheShadeRoom) October 27, 2024
One Instagram user commented: “Why isn’t any one surprised that she takes a butt picture with her daughter within the photo? That’s fucking weird.
And one other chimed in: “If a black woman had done this, she would have been called all sorts of names.”
Entertainment
Ina Garten denies Martha Stewart’s claims about their downfall after fans accuse the Food Network chef of abandoning her friend
Celebrity chef Ina Garten explains how her friendship with Martha Stewart ended.
On December 5, the TV chef and writer had a private interview with People magazine, during which she was asked to speak about why she and Stewart are not any longer friends.
Stewart initially claimed that Garten abandoned their friendship when Stewart went to prison, but Garten claims this will not be true.
In front of a live audience, the former Food Network chef responded to Stewart’s claims, stating: “Well, let’s just say her story isn’t entirely accurate. And you know that was 25 years ago. I think it’s time to let go.”
The friendship between Garten and Stewart blossomed in the Nineteen Nineties. In fact, Stewart was largely answerable for making “The Barefoot Contessa” as successful because it was. In 1990, after purchasing a house just south of Garten’s, Stewart published her first issue of Martha Stewart Living, which included an article about Garten.
Stewart was also friends with the head of Crown Publishing, which proved useful when Garten sought to publish “The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook.”
In 2000, Stewart’s production company gave Garten a show for the Food Network called “Someone’s in the Kitchen with Ina.” Unfortunately, because of a rift with the TV crew during filming, the series was discontinued. Garten returned to her roots and published 13 more cookbooks with Crown.
As for her relationship with Stewart, Garten says it’s just distance. Stewart spent more time at her estate in Bedford, New York, which led to them losing contact with one another.
But Stewart believes their relationship became strained when she was sentenced to 5 months in prison in 2004 for lying about selling shares.
She he said The New Yorker: “When I was sent to Alderson Prison, she stopped contacting me. I found it extremely disturbing and extremely unfriendly.” Stewart’s publicist called back to offer an announcement on her behalf, insisting that she was “not bitter at all and there was no dispute between them.”
Now that Garten has given her answer, it’s as much as fans to come to a decision which TV personality they think is true.
Some believed that Stewart was telling the truth. One person wrote on People’s website“I believe Marta. Martha started her, and when Martha went to prison, she abandoned her. Moving to a neighboring country does not prevent the continuation of a valuable friendship.”
A Stewart supporter on E! Facebook News page he said“Ina was a trader. Better not be friends with her.
On Instagram, several people commented on Stewart’s alleged malicious writing: “Marta can hold a grudge” and “Marta doesn’t let go.”
Others supported Garten’s answer in a People Instagram clip. One fan said: “Marta told the truth! But Ina behaved well and showed respect.” Another added: “Not everyone likes everyone. Ina is true, move on.
Calling her bluff, a 3rd added: “Come on, you just don’t want to hang out with prison birds. I fixed it there. I love the documentary about Marta.”
After her 2004 conviction, Stewart served five months in prison, as detailed in her Netflix documentary, which hit streaming platforms last month. “Martha” charts the lifestyle impresario’s rise to fame, her money-making friendship with Snoop Dogg, and the painful personal details surrounding her marriage to ex-husband Andrew Stewart.
Entertainment
Master P’s son Hercy can escape punishment when arrested for theft amid family drama between dad and older siblings
Master P’s second youngest son and Romeo Miller’s younger brother may soon be free from charges despite the criminal charges against him.
According to ABC 4Hercy Miller, 24, was arrested last month together with Brock Felder, 20, and Peter Dadson Jr. (25) on charges of stealing two fridges from the campus of Southern Utah University in Cedar City, Utah.
The arrest of three Thunderbirds basketball teammates occurred the day before Thanksgiving, and each student was charged with theft.
Arrest documents say that on Nov. 11, surveillance video captured Miller, Felder and Dadson Jr. taking two fridges from the loading dock of a campus bookstore and putting them into two vehicles. Each refrigerator was valued at $1,500.
Upon arrival at their residence, police observed one refrigerator in Dadson Jr.’s apartment. and Felder. Miller had a second refrigerator in his garage.
TO the TV reported that Felder told police that one other suspect had the thought to steal the fridges. He also claimed that he had just helped load it into the automobile. Dadson Jr. is reported to have and Miller assumed the fridges can be thrown away.
One statement says Dadson Jr. “he believed they were thrown away and could be taken away.” He claimed the fridges had been sitting on the loading dock for “almost a month.”
Neither of them asked permission before taking the coolers.
The three men were booked into the Iron County Jail and released on Thanksgiving Day. All three were cleared to proceed playing college basketball.
SUU head coach Rob Jeter, he said TMZ calls the December 4 incident a “big misunderstanding.”
Fans reacted to Hollywood Unlocked’s coverage of Miller’s shock and disappointment.
One one that had speculation about Miller’s older brother and his apparent absence from the family wrote, “So Romeo has distanced himself from this family and is now focused on his own family.”
Someone else couldn’t help but mention his father, born Percy Robert Miller.
“Dad’s worth millions and you’re stealing refrigerators! these star kids really need to study.”
Another fan defended Miller, saying: “It’s crazy because it might have gone within the trash anyway. This is so petty, lmao.
Although neither his father nor his brother said anything concerning the incident, Hercy himself sent a message of thanks on Thanksgiving – the identical day he was released from prison.
Reposting the meme that he said“When life seems troubled, as a substitute of resisting, ask God what he’s attempting to teach you or where he’s leading you. Trust that His plans are at all times for your good, even when the trail seems uncertain.
Additionally, Hercy also posted a series of photos together with his family members on the court, including one together with his father, mother Sonya C, older brother Vercy Miller and others.
In the caption, he wrote: “I’m grateful for all of this. Ups. Short. Blessings. Lessons. Failures. Returns. All.”
Hercy Miller is a senior transferring from the University of Louisville. The 6’3 guard has an estimated net price of $2 million due to NIL deals and brand partnerships with Steve Madden, Amazon and more.
TMZ reported that prosecutors filed a motion to dismiss Miller’s case in court on Dec. 6, a spokesman for the Iron County Attorney’s Office said.
This could allow Miller to be free from any charges, even though it’s unclear what’s at stake for his teammates. “Life is good,” Hercy wrote on her Instagram Story later that day.
After hearing the newest update, one social media user he said“master p sent this check” and one other added: “Baby Master P is a businessman. He definitely sent that check.
In addition to Romeo and Hercy, Master P and Sonya have a complete of seven children, including 33-year-old son Vercy, 31-year-old daughter Inty, 25-year-old daughter Itali and 19-year-old son Mercy. Their daughter Tytyana Miller died at age 30 from a fentanyl overdose in May 2022.
Tytyana’s struggles with addiction and depression were documented on We TV’s reality show “Growing Up Hip Hop” and put her eldest brother and dad at the middle of the drama.
In a June 2022 interview with Atlanta Black Star, Romeo revealed that “recently,” he told his father that he was expecting his first child.
“Honestly, me and my dad, our relationship shouldn’t be what people think. We are so close, but it surely relies on respect. It’s based on the indisputable fact that he’s a fantastic father,” he said.
Like father, like son. #tb pic.twitter.com/LlTsRlWwMK
— Romeo Miller (@RomeoMiller) January 20, 2017
Later that 12 months, Romeo accused Master P of drawing attention to the suicide of Stephen “tWitch” Boss, who had gained fame as a dancer and former DJ on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”. The former child star blamed her father for failing to acknowledge his own daughter, who was affected by depression or suicide.
Romeo and Master P also exchanged words in a series of now-deleted Instagram posts, including the No Limit Records founder sharing a post about breaking generational curses that omitted to say his firstborn.
Master P was also accused of “trying to gaslight and break” Romeo, in addition to “not taking responsibility for his mistakes/greed.”
“I promoted the company for free for over 15 years, based on my daddies’ word, without being allowed to see any contracts or even meet the team, and I remained loyal… but now I’m entitled to it and I’m ungrateful?” Romeo said in a post after revealing he received his first check from Master P’s Rap Snacks brand.
Hours before the jump to 2023, Romeo reassured fans by revealing that they were on a journey to “start healing” after Some “very difficult conversations.”
It’s unclear where exactly Romeo and his dad are actually. However, Master P responded to questions on their dispute during a separate interview last summer, insisting that “every family goes through this.”
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