Keep it Positive, Sweetie - REPLAY - Creating Your Own Path w/ Marco Summers

Episode Date: January 4, 2026

In this episode of the 'Keep It Positive Sweetie Show,' Crystal Renee Hayslett sits down with comedian Marco Summers, also known as Funny Marco, to discuss his unique approach to comedy and life. They talk about Marco's journey from DM'ing Crystal over a year ago after watching a Tyler Perry episode to finally being on the show. Marco shares insights on patience, learning from Kevin Hart, and not letting the industry's timing affect one's passion. He delves into his upbringing, the impact of his father’s street life and the mindset of his mother, and his commitment to being a different kind of dad for his children. Marco touches upon his struggle with dyslexia and how it shaped his comedic style and outlook. We also explore Marco's transition to using his real name, the importance of trusting and learning from his team, and his evolution from doing Walmart pranks to full-scale productions. He provides a candid look into his personal life, including his relationship with his children and his move from Kansas City to Atlanta. The conversation is filled with humor, wisdom, and practical advice on building a career while staying authentic. Connect @luvCrystalRenee @MarcoSummersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Listen to the latest with Lauren the Rosa weekdays on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast. Calling all my sweeties to the forefront. I'm your host Chris Renee Hazett, and this is the Keep It Posit Sweetie Show. Marco Summers. You know him as funny Marco. He's built one of the most distinct voices in comedy. His timing, stillness, and humor have made him a standout in a world that is usually loud.

With his series Open Thoughts entering season two, Marco keeps proving that being yourself is the brand. Sweetie family, please give a very warm welcome to Marco Summers. known as Funny Marco. Marco, how you feeling? Fine. I've been waiting on this moment. You have. So you remember you DM me like probably over a year ago. Yeah. And you were watching the Tyler Perry episode and you were like, I want to come on. Yeah. And I was like, is this really funny Marco? Yeah. I was really shocked that you could DM me, but I was also honored because I'm a big fan of your world. And then you hit me recently and you were like, I want to come on for real. Yeah. And talk like, show the people who I really am. Yeah. So I'm excited to have you on. And you know what I

learn too. I'm learning to patience is key because like even at the time when I they asked you to come on like I'm in a different world now from me and so I feel like we got to learn that and sometimes in the industry when some people don't give you what you want then you can develop a nasty taste yeah but sometimes you got understand right now let that moment and I let them from Kevin Hart because when we were talking and like Kevin Hart is talking to me he's like one thing he told me is like had patience and ownership and it was It's just like, I'm talking to Kevin Hart every day. Wow.

And I'm like, and he telling me, like, all this information. And I'm like, nigger, come help me. Like, come on, you got, like, come. Like, what's it happening? And I'm urging. Like, I'm sitting here. I'm recording, like, you know, like, I'm in that moment living, happy. Like, my life about to change.

And at the time, it just, it starts developing. And then when our interview happened, it happened at the right time. Yes. And, like, when the G Herbo situation happened, when that went crazy, Kevin Hart reached out and said, let's do it. now to get the spotlight off of that you know what I'm saying but if I would have got it then exactly yeah yeah so patient is everything yeah I love that who is Marco Summers the father the son the friend and the lover

she like Oprah referee I love it I receive it look um we'll start with the father who are you The father is becoming something that you never had. My daddy was a street guy. He was known in the streets, and he was real respected. And what I learned and what I got from that is growing up, having, like, a daddy that's known for what he did. All you got when he's not there for you no more is people telling you he was that nigger. But again, I didn't get to see him as a father. So it's just like it can help you and hurt you because I feel like some people try to make their

daddy legacy live on yeah and you want to be like damn i want to see how he felt i want that same type of fame and you only know two things that come with that and it's like jail or dead when it comes with that street fame and i feel like what our legacy is no different from big meech you know and it's like even playing his daddy in a row it probably can in his mind right it can traumatize him like dude i got to move now like how he was and again what if we got a different What if you were supposed to be the star, like the actor, what if you were supposed to be our Michael B. Jordan? Yeah.

And you wouldn't post to be who your daddy was. But when you from that, people push that narrative on you to be who your daddy was. So me not being like a street dude. And then people knew I was funny. He was like, you ain't like your daddy. And it could hurt you like, yeah. Right. You're like, wait a minute.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Like, you're goofy as hell. And, you know, so just being able to create a path from my kids to let them know that you don't have to be where you came from. you could develop a new you so I want to show them something that I never got and being a father I know my daddy really cared because he he made money for us but again sometimes money in a wrong way can lead you into you know bad stuff so him passing away really like made me want to be a better father because I knew he wanted to be there for us and it's like let me be there for them right

was he did he pass away yeah he got set up yeah so it was him and that's another thing I learned a lot from that. Like, my daddy, he got, he was, he was smart. So the person that, like, my daddy's situation was he got killed in the car. And the person who did it was somebody that he was comfortable with. Because my daddy never let nobody sit behind him. So the person who did it was, it was him and his girlfriend in the car. And the thing is, they said they feel like my daddy knew it was coming

because he tried to get his girlfriend out of the car. And he was trying to drop out. no, I want to ride with you. Like, I want to ride with you while you're making plays. And that person killed both of them. And that's why I tell certain people, even for women, you got to watch who you date because just if she wasn't with him, she would probably, probably still be allowed to this day. So on the side, I feel so for her family too because she got what's coming from my daddy.

So you got to watch who you date in the world because you never know what could come your way. Oh, my goodness. How old were you? I think I was like 11 or 12. How did that impact you in that moment as a child? Like, because you're still growing, and those are formative years. Him died, it didn't impact me a lot. I don't know if it's something to me, I'm just numb.

Like, I got a different time. I'm just numb to a lot of stuff. So it just felt unreal, but I understood he was somebody that did what happened to him. He, like, was in the streets and, you know. So you understood the consequences of what can happen. Yeah, because, like, you know, what goes around comes around. And it was just more of that. And, like, even at the funeral, like,

It was funny because my daddy was like a lot of people liked him. Like he was like a sex symbol. Like a lot of people, like he was buffy at Brace. And when he came, he was so funny because he came to my, he came to one of my, he finally got to come to one of my parents' teacher conference. He came and all the teachers was like, you know, like, your daddy's hot. Yeah, yeah, he hot. Yeah, and it was white ladies.

So it's different. Yeah, he's like, yeah, he hot. Like he's really, you know, and they, you know, and they, was trying to dome it down and like, oh, well, he could do better and all this. So when my daddy, after I remember me leaving with him and he was upset about my grades. And I got my ears periods too. I had both my ears periods. You know back then you can't get both your ears periods because they used to say it was feminine.

And my daddy was upset. Like, you need one ear. Like, he got mad, like, roughed me up, took the earring out. He was like, get your grades together. And that was the first time I ever got, you know what I'm going to tell from a man, like, get your shit together. Yeah. So then what happened was I started working. And I don't even think, honestly, I don't, I still didn't have my shit together.

But the teachers liked him so much, they passed me. Like, I swear to God. That's not the influence. Wow. So I got good grades all of a sudden. So I'm calling my daddy. And I'm calling to tell him, like, I got good grades, like, when I'm a report card came. And then he's like, you're not picking up.

And I'm like, nigga, pick up. Like, I'm trying to tell you, like, you know, doing good. So just my mom was watching the news. She always watched the news. and she's seen the crime happen like right then and there like the crime scene and somebody got killed like in the afternoon so and then my mama got the call from her daddy was like yeah like you seen what happened on the news on such such street in Grandview so yeah it's like yeah that was that was your baby daddy so then my mom was like call your grandma so when I called my grandma

she crying in my eye it happened so it was just more of like we just started getting more relationship and then boom that happened because he was eating out of prison yeah so you know what So that was like a thing. And then the funeral was crazy. Oh, my God, it's like a movie. Because at the funeral, we there, and then somebody running there, like, oh, the people here that killed them, they're about to shoot it up. What?

And it was funny as the teachers came, because they came to the white ladies. They like, they're not saying, wow. The teachers are like, oh, my God, I've never been nothing like this. And they're, like, scared. And they're like, they're about to shoot this bitch up. They're like, everybody get down. and the white teachers and the teachers in there are like, oh my God,

this is crazy. And it was just like remembering that in my auntie like, we gotta get you out of here. And then that's when I left. I didn't even get to see the, uh, like the, you do this every time. You remember when you taught your grandma,

you make everything funny. Yeah, it was. It was like, imagine two white ladies. They come, that's their first black funeral. And it's about to get shot up. This is real. Yes, we, yes, it's real. You need to be writing this down.

What? I can't write. I'm not a writer. You tell the story. I'll write it. I'll write it for you. This is a movie. That was that.

You know what's so funny? I'm going to be like, I'm going to call it as we talk about. But my auntie, she like, she's like, yeah, you got to get you up out of here. Like, because she's like, you can't die next because like you, you like, you know. And then, um, just going through all that. It's like, damn life is real. Like, this is real life. So I just feel like you can't be sad about everything

because it would just put a toll on you. Yeah. Like, it was just to move on and you'd be able to talk about what happened. And I just feel like, you know, just those things have like, seeing what my daddy live, it's like I know the street route. Right. I know what come with it.

So, like, how can I really chase my dreams and see that route and let them hear my story? Right. And let my kids talk about me once. I'm no longer here. Right. In a positive way. Yeah.

I wanted to ask you because you, Because you said that your dad never let anyone sit behind him. Yeah. And it was somebody that was really close to him that killed him. How did that affect you and your friends and even trusting people? That's a good question. I never, I feel like that has opened eyes. Like, if anything, my daddy became one of my angels.

And now he protected me through energy. And I was just talking to my friend about this. I can feel, I say my friend, my brother. I'm sitting here. I can feel when something's not right for me. Like, and it just, I don't think about it. It's just if it hit me, like, the same right. And I pay attention to, like, how somebody is what they sell before they are with me.

Yeah, that's real. Yeah. And how they treat their friends. Yeah. So I just feel like I'm more awareness and just paying attention to my surrounding. But I want to go in loving everybody. Yeah, right. Yeah.

Giving everybody a fair shot. Yeah. And to prove who they are. Yeah. Yeah. man I did not know all that yeah it's a lot and this is like when you see me you don't be like oh yeah he came for some shit so I feel like some people it's not good to just judge people because you never know what they've been through it's not yes and you can't judge a

book by us lover that's for sure um you're from kansas city born and raised I actually lived in Topeka Kansas but were you in Kansas City Kansas or Missouri oh yeah Missouri okay so I lived in Topeka yeah we don't claim y'all yeah oh wow that's crazy um who was young Marco Summers, where you, you said you were funny when you were young. Yeah. When did you know you were like, oh, I'm actually funny? That's a good question. I think it, damn, that's really, I feel like when I wanted to defend it with the popular kids,

my personality got me in. That's why I know I was funny. Because I didn't have a close, I didn't have, like, the image. I was funny looking, like, a little bit. So, I was snaggot too, but I used to chew on my shirt a lot. So it was like, once my personality got me, my personality saved my life, like who I am, like from jobs and everything. Like, I'm not good at nothing, for real.

But like, well, I would, I'd be real. Like, because I know, like, when I say not good at it, because I didn't see people be good at it. So I can say, damn, I can't do that. So, like. Did you feel like sometimes that's self-sabotage, you kind of talking yourself out of something that you could actually be great at? I mean, yeah, but sometimes you've got to understand that it's such thing as good and bad, and it's okay to stay in on the bad side sometimes.

Like, it's okay to recognize, like, this ain't my thing. That's true. Yeah, because you can never hoop like LeBron James. Ever. You can't. Or Asia will say. Exactly. Right, so you're bad at it.

So what I'm trying to say is I feel like people try to hide that. And it's okay to admit, like, who you are and what you stand for. And the shit I'm good at, I'm going to speak on it. Like, I'm good at that. For sure. Yeah, so there's it. There's no one to use the good. That's smart.

Now, I struggle, like, into the day, like, people, some people are naturally born with how they brain is set, and you can make it get better. And I feel like my mom, she didn't force me to be better in school. She didn't force me to graduate. She didn't force me to do homework. So me already coming in this life with a disability or, like, not really being able to read or write. Yeah. And my mom are not trying to help me get better with that. Right.

It's like, my mama not making me doing this. So why the fuck I listen to you? Sorry for kissing. but um yeah but like to a teacher like a teacher like trying to help me at but i'm like at home my mama don't care like so you're trying to like she don't she ain't making me do this work she making me come to school because she won me out the house wow you know so it was school was like a like a daycare for me wow like it was just a way a place to get away yeah how did that make you feel as a child knowing i mean that's all i knew were you aware that my mom is just sending

to school to get yeah i mean i understand once i start growing up and thinking about my kids now I'm not thinking about that. Yeah. Like, so it was just go to school. Like, I don't care where you go. Like, go, just get out of here. Like, see you at 3 o'clock. Wow.

So, um, and then, so, but I just feel like I knew I was different in demanding me because I said I'm going to graduate. Because I, uh, I was, I did the same grade. When I tell you, I got held back in first grade. Why are you laughing? I see it. It's the face you made. Because I was like, let me see how she's going to take this. Y'all I'm not laughing at you.

Are you laughing with me, right? You're just so funny. It's what you look to be like. Because I knew what was coming. But I got hell back in first grade. And they were like, what did he do wrong? Right. In first grade.

And mom were like, what do you do right? So, like, getting hell back and stuff like that. It just make you not like school. It's just when you go up through school and people are passing on and, like, teachers, it just, you develop a not like for it. So, but I also just told myself, I'm going to graduate. I don't know why I wanted to graduate, but it was a challenge. Right. One thing I do, like, challenges.

I said, I don't know how I'm going to graduate, but I'm going to do it. Yeah. Even when I graduated, I'm still like, man, they're going to call my name. I was still nervous. Oh. But I had to go to another school, so it was, it was, it was, I graduated because of me because I could have dropped that because my mama didn't care. It was like, you older now. Like, whatever you do is do so.

Wow. One thing I do, like, it's challenges, so that was a challenge that I wanted to do to get a diploma because I feel like people think I wasn't going to get it. So, yeah, I love that you proved them wrong. Yeah. Yeah. I want to ask you, you talked about the disorder that you have and it's dyslexia. How old were you when you realized something was off, even if you didn't have the language to figure out what it was? That's a hard question because, like, when you're having that, it's hard because you don't know.

You don't remember numbers. Like I was telling my brother that I get anxiety with words and letters. Honestly, right now, I don't know how much money I got. Really? Yeah. Marco. I don't want to know. Are you serious?

No, but I'm with some people like, I don't know how much money I got. Like, I know I'm good, but I don't want to know. I have not looked at a bank account since. Last time I overdrive at Bank of America where I was trying to get extra money. That was the last time when I got a bank account. So I didn't see my bank out. My brother. Okay.

brother? No, my brother. Okay. But I'm like, damn, I'm like, damn, he's going to die one day, what I'm going to do? So I need to start getting into it. I'm like, by the end, I hopefully have a wife. I don't like numbers.

Well, you need to, because you're... No, I'm fine. I mean, because, again, I mean, overall, I might be that person that go through life to be like, you know, I've been okay. Or I might be the one like, damn, my shit I know. So it's going to be one side. Yeah, I wouldn't say there this need.

I don't want to know. I don't know. I got a disagree with you. I'm really big, like, I don't... Yeah. I write all the checks. I prove everything. Like, nothing goes out.

Right. And then that's why people like you. That's why we need people like you and I like because like imagine just to say like, oh yeah, we had some kind of we met somewhere and like whatever we became, sister, brother, the wife. It's like, okay, I do that now. Yeah. So you got people that love to do that.

No, absolutely. We have our strengths for sure. I just want to make sure that I know people like Oprah and Tyler have talked about accountants like stealing. Not saying your brother. Yeah, no, it happens. No, it happens. Yeah. steal for me right on your nose and it's people that you trust and that's why for me it happens

it's important to know it is I wouldn't promote but yeah don't know right but I'm just being real with me yeah yeah I'm just saying it's you should know yeah yeah but I don't want to know right now okay but you're good yeah when you were dealing with um dyslexia as a as a child had did you ever I know children can be cruel and mean and be bullies was there ever a moment in your life where you were bullied or were you kind of like did you were you the kid that like I don't ever want to read like don't follow me in class that's what made me uh become like open and not be like I know how to match the funny one people try to pick on me

that's when I know they get like because I came from a funny family so you can't yeah you can't that's where it kicked in because if I got picked on I knew how to get under your skin and then you can't really you can't mess with nobody except who they are I just feel like it's hard when some people in denial or they don't want to face it and then when people pick on you about it it makes you feel bad so you want to run away from it so somebody that can't read they want to run away from it but if I come to classroom I'd be the one coming like I can't read don't pick me I say it for everybody oh wow yeah I lay ahead of it yeah so then it's just like oh but if I don't tell them that and they pick

me to read and it's like everybody looking like well it take us all long like you know and it was a time where I'm like I don't know where we got and the teacher come show me right here I'm like oh my Like, why are you sure me? I just say it out about where we have right now. Language. I didn't say it. I blanked it out.

I blanked it. But, yeah, so, yeah, it was just times where I tried to get away from things that I was weak at. Yeah. And I tried to avoid it, but I still had to face it. Absolutely. Yeah, you still have facial problems. I love that you, even in what somebody may, well, it is a disability, but you made it a positive. Like, you found a way to get ahead of it and combat it in a different way versus a lot.

people to make you feel bad about your circumstance. My sister told me it's another word, and it's a such thing. I don't know how to say it, but I looked it up on YouTube, and some people are to hear other people, and I want to get help from her real quick, but when you hear other people that have stuff that you go through and think how you think, you'd be like, I'm not the only one. You're not. And it makes, it makes a better feeling. I have a casmate that's dyslexic.

And he's thriving, but he does. conferences where he speaks to children that are dyslexic and adults. I have a problem. Like, sometimes my numbers get jumbled up. Like, when I see it, like, I have to, like, really focus because, like, I'll start reading it backwards on numbers. But the more, like, I've gotten better, like, as an adult, but, like, as a child, that was something that I did, too.

So you're not alone in that. Yeah. Yeah, it was one of those things where I had to, like, really look at it because my brain will be, like, start back here versus at the top. And that's why I said, I want to get my daughter a tutor right now before she, like, ever need it. Yeah. It's like, in getting somebody that specializing that and you got money, the fact that I can afford it to do it right now. So it can help her on top of what she already born with.

Yes. Yeah. Oh, I love that. I love that. Hi, I'm Radhi de Vluka, and I am the host of a really good cry podcast. This week, I am joined by Anna Runkle, also known as the crappy childhood fairy, a creator, teacher, and guide helping people heal from the last emotional wounds of unsafe or chaotic childhoods. We talk about how the things we went through when we were younger can still show up in our

adult lives, in our relationships, our reactions, even in the way we feel in our own bodies. And Anna opens up about her own story, what helped her notice the patterns she was stuck in and how she slowly started teaching her body that it is safe now. So when I got attacked, it was very random. Four guys jumped out of a car and just started beating me and my friend. And they broke my jaw on my teeth. I was unconscious. Then I woke up and I screamed.

And I screamed because even though I didn't know who I was or where I was, something in me was just like, hold on, wait. They could kill me and I'm not going to let that happen. I'm not going to let that happen. I'm going to get through this. And I did. Listen to a really good cry on the Iheart radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.

The social media trend that's landing some Gen Ziers in jail. The progressive media darling whose public meltdown got her fired. I'm gonna take Francesco off the network entirely. The massive TikTok boycott against Target that makes no actual sense. I will continue getting stuff from Target and I will continue to not pay for it. And the MAGA influencers

whose trip to the White House ended in embarrassment. So refreshing to have the press secretary after the last few years who's both intelligent and articulate. You won't hear about these online stories in the mainstream media, but you can keep up with them and all the other entertaining and outrageous things

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I'm Dr. Elizabeth Pointer, chair of Women's Health and Gynecology at the Atria Health Health Institute in New York City. On this show, I'll be talking to top researchers and top clinicians, asking them your burning questions and bringing that information about women's health and midlife directly to you. A hundred percent of women go through menopause. It can be such a struggle for our quality of life, but even if it's natural, why should we suffer through it? The types of symptoms that people talk about is forgetting everything, I never used to forget things. They're concerned that, one, they have dementia, and the other one is, do I have? have ADHD. There is unprecedented promise with regard to cannabis and cannabinoids to sleep better,

to have less pain, to have better mood, and also to have better day-to-day life. Listen to Decoding Women's Health with Dr. Elizabeth Pointer on the Iheart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you're listening now. You know the shade is always shady. It's right here. Season 6 of the podcast Reasonably Shady with Jazele Bryan and Robin Dixon is here. here dropping every Monday. As two of the founding members of the Real Housewives Potomac

were giving you all the laughs, drama, and reality news you can't handle. And you know we don't hold back, so come be reasonable or shady with us each and every Monday. I was going through a walk in my neighborhood. Out of the blue, I see this huge sign next to somebody's house.

The sign says my neighbor is a Karen. Oh, what? No way! I died laughing. I'm like, I have to know. You are lying. You, my guess, y'all.

They had some time on their hands. Listen to reasonably shady from the Black Effect Podcast Network on the IHart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. The moments that shape us often begin. with a simple question, what do I want my life to look like now? I'm Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, and on therapy for black girls, we create space for honest conversations about identity, relationships, mental health, and the choices that help us grow. As cybersecurity expert, Camille Stewart Gloucester reminds us, we are in a divisive time where our comments are weaponized against us. And so what we find is a lot of black women are

standing up and speaking out because they feel the brunt of the pain. Each week, we explore the tools and insights that help you move with purpose. Whether you're navigating something new or returning to yourself. If you're ready for thoughtful guidance and grounded support, this is the place for you. Listen to Therapy for Black Girls on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. You move to Atlanta. However, when you move to Atlanta, because Kansas City and Atlanta are two different places. Yeah, I don't remember.

You don't remember how you were? It's another number thing. Okay. But I know I was like probably 2019. Okay, so recently. Yeah. Okay. What made you want to come to Atlanta?

Because I knew I had to grow and I wanted to go somewhere. I was supposed to go to San Francisco and my cousin. It was so funny. My cousin was like, oh, I was doing videos and he was like, y'all, you can come stay with me. And he got me a date. So now I'm like talking stuff on Facebook. Yeah, I'm about to move, y'all.

Like, I'm going to chase my dreams. I may go to San Francisco. Like, yeah, quit my job. And then when that date came, they're not picking up the phone. Like, they're not. Are you serious? No, they're not picking up the phone. And now I'm like, okay.

And give me a job now. Yeah. And I quit this one. Yeah. Oh, my goodness. But God is always working because I got a random DM. And it was just a stranger in Atlanta. And he was just like, would you like to move to Atlanta?

And I'm like, yeah. And I didn't know him. He flew me out here, and I started working with him. And just that, it's just energy. Yeah. And I didn't know him, and my family didn't care. I was like, I'm going to Atlanta. I took one bag, and I came out here, and the rest is history.

I just kept working. Yeah. And the thing is, in life, when you got a goal, you got to make sure you complete it, you can get distracted. Because I met, shout out to Ray Daniels. I met somebody that was so successful. Ray picked me up. Ray Daniels. He picked me up.

Ray picked me up. And when I seen how Ray was living, I remember the dopest thing I'd seen him. We was out to dinner. He paid for everybody dinner. And I said, I can't wait until I could do that. Like, I was looking like, what? He was paid for everybody.

I ain't used to seeing him. I was like, I would have got something better. Like, I think I should have got the stuff. Yeah, yeah. I felt like a baddie. And when he did that, and just overall, just seeing how he's moving, like, sprinters and all this. And when he sent me down and he was like,

what do you want? And I said, I want to work and I want to get better. He said, what stood out for you, Mark? When I wanted to work with you, was you never mentioned money. He was like, people sitting in his chair and, like, I need money to get me to this level. And he was just like the fact that you see in money before your vision, it's hard to work with people like that. So, but when I was with Ray, I'm seeing his lifestyle, his cars, his sprinters. And now I'm like, I'm like.

Now you got to. Now I'm like, I'm like, I'm letting my town all year. Like, I'm on. So now I'm taking pictures like with his cars and his house. He like mansion got my own room. And he's like, this is the life. I'm like, this is the life. But I woke up and I was like, this ain't it.

Like, this is his stuff. Like, you need to get your own. And I, you know, left and I randomly, I don't know how to dissing myself in a good way. I didn't leave the best way with me and Ray. I just wanted more for me. Yeah. And I started doing that. And it was like I just kept and I went through all the phases like being homeless again, being in hotels.

and leaving, like, where I could have been at and having this. But I was just like, I got to see it and touch it, so I know I can do it. So overall, just with me working and now have my own house built from the ground, it's like. It's beautiful, yes. Yeah, but I've never seen myself doing that at all because when you've grown up, you're just getting apartments and then you say I want a house, like, well, you got to get slapped to your mouth. Like, you ain't, you ain't getting no house. Right.

Like, so just overall seeing a vision that I never got to see growing up. some things don't make sense life don't make sense sometimes but you just got to live through it and create so that's the best thing I like to create and even with me graduating I never seen it happen when I did it so you got to understand life

you got a blank piece of paper just write on it every day write and don't stay on that same paper turn it come on again yes that's good now that you've built your own house from the ground up how's your relationship with your mom is she proud of you that's it's still hard to connect with her because my mom was always like a person it's about me

I grew up off a survival and I love so my mom is a survival mode and I'd be trying to help her now like like I told her like pack your stuff up I got you your own apartment like out here and I like had it front and she's like well I just can't leave I got to I got to do this and I got to get this male divine I'm like so it just it kind of like she's still in that phase my mama got to move how she sees stuff and sometimes it don't make sense I'm like all that don't matter like I just sometimes you got to leave some things to get new things absolutely so it's hard for me to like have a relationship with somebody that's trying to keep up with a life that they see and sometimes life ain't what you see is what you make it so it's hard and it sucks

yeah but I love my mama at death but it's just like she's in this place where it's just like I guess it's got it like honestly I just got to make sure it's just like when you got a mom like that you just got to make sure like her last day here you got to make it the best day and make sure you make sure that it's said because while she here it's hard for me to bring her to this real because she's stuck in she stuck yeah literally yeah um i'm from a really small town and i see it often where people just get stuck in that mentality their life and they don't that they're really blinded to or they're not exposed how when you moved in with ray you were exposed to something different we were like oh wait

I can do this. I can have this. And sometimes that's all people need, but if they've never been exposed, they can't see past where they are. Yeah. Yeah. And it's hard.

And it's a system because she only doing what her mama did. Yep. It's the food stamps, government assistant. And then it's just like food stamps, get like section 8. Yeah. And then when you see that, it's like you don't see more. It's a vicious cycle. And it's like, why would I move and rent $32?

And that's one reason like me and my first child mother didn't work out because my mom was like, you can move out here and get food stamps in. Like, she gave her to plan and then she's like, okay. And then I'm like, all right. You know, I moved in with her,

me and my baby mama stand together. But I'm like, all right, let's get jobs now. And then, but you can't make a certain amount of money. And stay on the food stamps, yeah. So she's like, I ain't ready to get no job. So I was. So I had to move on from that. So me and my first baby mama didn't work out because.

Because of that. Yeah, she wanted to. Yeah, she wanted to. Yeah, she wanted to. Yeah, I already seen that. before. Yeah, I see this. It's okay to, like, had it as an open door, but let somebody else enjoy the full substance section night. Who need it? Like, just don't, yeah, just don't sit on. Like, let that be a stepping stone to move on. But I feel like some people get comfortable.

Like me, I was working out of warehouse. And then I'm in there working with, he's like, yeah, he's like, what's you in here for? Like, what you do? I'm like, nothing. I'm just working. Like, you ain't have no feeling? I'm like, nah, he's like, nigga, you can get up out of here. Like, these are all felons because we can't get jobs. So when you grow up. You're taking a job. And you, yeah. So he's like, yeah, he's like, yeah, get a on up out of here. I was scared. I got it on up out of here too. Well, yeah. So I'm just old raw is like when you grow up, you just think those jobs are it. Like they put you in I ain't a lot of it depends where you're from too because I'm from Kansas City. A lot of, you know,

I've seen a lot of whites with the successful jobs, the airports. And then all the black people in warehouses, like we put up underground working. But when I came to Atlanta, I'm like, y'all got black people at the airport working. Oh, I never seen that before. So I never seen like so many like people have successful jobs because where I come from but I seen out here Atlanta is so beautiful because it gives opportunity to a lot of people and it's like we don't discriminate this is a same way yeah so but some people do but it's still it'll give you more dreams and open it up that you can do your own thing that's so true um you started with doing pranks in the store what was that video that changed everything for you where you're like

wait a minute we've got something uh when i came up with a strategy of using artist lyrics and they started reposting it so it was promotion for their songs yes so i started doing that and artists were posting it and then uh ray he seen that and he got me a deal with record label so it's like all right little baby about to drop a song go do the while my video and run up on people and then drop at the same time to promote it And it was making, like, you know, a Walmart video was making like $20,000. Wow. Like, each video, I'm just going in there.

And I'm just like, you know. And I'm just in there working. You learn a business, too, because, like, Ray was setting up deals. And then I'm thinking, like, okay, I got $20,000. And he had to take his percentage. I don't know math. I'm like, what is that? Right.

And I'm like, where's the $20,000? Like, my percentage, because, you know what I'm saying? He worked and he's busting deals and taking his time. So I start to learn that too. So I'm like, I didn't know nothing about percentages. Right. That's another good question because I have a team and that is a part of the business. They take their percentage, but they're bringing so much to the table.

What are some of the lessons that you learn even in business and financial that as you continue to rise? I mean, now that the government shut down, I'm about to figure how much money I got. Better. I'm seeing like billionaires, sell assets. Something is happening. I don't know what it is. But I'm seeing people sell stuff, yeah. I'm learning for business, like ask for help,

and it's okay to get help. And don't go looking for it, but ask God and he's going to send it to you. I was asking for help, and I was looking for it. And I found some people that I shouldn't have ran into. But I started finding my team once I started doing me and I tell, like, my friends, I feel like a lot of people are in the phase that I need help.

But you just got to ask yourself, you get if you set yourself up right people will want to work for you yes so I feel like you got to ask yourself like if I see my company when I quit my job they're going to work for you so yeah I'm like nah because that was me I was asking for help while I was doing Walmart videos I'm like well why would somebody quit their life and come work for me but now did I start adding more to my life it's like I love to work for you you know and same thing like withrewski like he has a great program when you see how he moving and if you say I need an assistant it's like I'm ready to work for you because what he got set up

Yeah, they've seen it. So I feel like sometimes people are trying to stop what they got right now. Just keep going to let it grow. Right. And everybody you need going to come and work for you. It's like you got to build your image or your brain. That's so true. You built a whole style around pauses and tension.

Like you'll just sit there and stare like you did earlier when you said you had to repeat the first grade. You just, it was on the pauses. Yeah, thanks for saying that again. When did you realize that silence could hit harder than a punchline? when the teacher used to call me to read and I just had to sit there and I look at her I was then started when she like it did crazy how like yeah and he'll look at her like you know I came so it starts from that instilling too I'm still in a lot when you get caught we just got to look at them so a lot of it came from that like

because I ain't good at lying so it really start from like you know that like all right and when I used to do all my videos and I say some crazy stuff I knew I was saying some crap I knew I was like

because I used to talk to customers normal and I blah what is this toothpaste and it's really good for your teeth and it's you know it has no blah blah blah blah and then I just say a young Miami lyric and then it's just like

I said you said what right So people think I was on drugs When I was doing other videos And then I was dressing like a good wheel Clothes out and everything So overall just sitting in that moment That's how that's where that came from

So like good or bad So that's where it came from I love it Like all right No I'm telling you I watch your videos And those pauses I would just die laughing Like it's just it's so much That's not said

We call it an inner monologue in acting But it's so much through the silence that, like, literally makes everybody laugh. Yeah, yeah. It's genius. I love it. Your videos almost feel like experiments. Like, how have you seen the evolution of starting in the stores doing pranks to where

you are now with full productions? I honestly just got a full production, like what, two months ago. With Wave, this is the... Yeah, with Wave. But I had people helping me. But the thing is, when people was helping me and they come with ideals, I wasn't listening, and I wasn't taking advice, and I was so ready to put out content, it was hurting me. And even with my podcast, I'm shooting it.

I'm dropping when we done editing. Like, I'm dropping clips when I feel like it. Or I was so urgent. I didn't let the build up and let it be, like, let's come up with the proper plan. Like, we post at 8 o'clock, we post that 3. Even when I did the Nikki Minaj interview, she was like, all right, we did the interview. I want to see every clip. I want to see everything.

I was so urgent. I put that reel out. Before she. Yeah, I thought she went off on you. Yeah, she did on the page, on the real. You're because of us. She commented on there.

She was like, she was like, I didn't approve this. And she was like, and the interview might not come out now. Like, she said it on there. Everybody was like, and I'm like, yeah. Did you take it down? No, I did. Because our team herself said, thank God it was a good clip that she did. But if it was something she didn't like, and I was just so urgent to get it out.

It was, because I'm like, overall, I'm seeing Kossinette clips because she did consonant right to that. So his clips are going everywhere. So you're like, yeah, I need to get in like, yeah, I need to get in there and get something too. So overall, even that, when you look at certain people, like, don't worry about their success. Like, let it be theirs because you can hurt yours trying to watch theirs. That was a word, Marco. Yeah. That's so good. Some people get, you know, it's okay to get motivated, but when you're trying to keep up with somebody, it can hurt you. Oh, absolutely. You just get motivated, understand. Yes. It's time when your time will come. And if it don't come, it don't come. It didn't come.

Exactly. What did you learn in that moment with her ining up and putting the video out and then Nikki going off? Like, what did that teach you? I can wrong relationships. Yeah. Even her saying that comment, people are like, oh, why ain't going if you don't listen? So I'm not used to people. When I do interviews, I'm not used to people saying I need to watch it because nothing happens or I make sure I know what I talk about.

But again, when you are talking, you know, women are. different. I like this angle. I like this. I don't want to like, I don't like that. You know what I? I don't like that. So I got to understand that. Everything ain't about me and what I want. Wow. That's maturity and growth. I love that. And it's important, especially in our industry.

We, like, we have other people's images we have to worry about. It isn't just about us. And then the professionalism. You also said you had a team that was giving you ideas, but you weren't listening. Have you been able to, like, get a team that you actually listen to now? I'm learning to listen now. That's good. Yeah. Because you are the

creative you know but it's also good to like have a strong team that can pour into you as well so you're not carrying the load on yourself yeah yeah that's good he's i'm learning now yeah i'm learning day by day he ain't looking too convincing yeah no i'm learning i'm learning i'm learning a lot now and you got to sit back and you got to let them create and understand this is what you've been asking for and i learned that from steve harvey he says sometimes people ask for a car ask for new things while i broke down cars in a driveway pull that out get that garbage i except a new car right so i was asking for a lot but i wasn't ready to receive it that's a real thing i um recently i'm not gonna say what i pray for but i pray for something and then i

said god this is what i'm ready for if you feel i'm ready for it because a lot of times like you said we think we're ready for something and then it comes and we blow it it's like okay i wasn't ready for that yeah so now i'm like if you think and when you think i'm ready then bring it but this is what my heart wants right now yeah um so that that is so true what is one of the biggest lessons you learned so far that you can think of besides because I feel like that was a big lesson with Nikki but is there anything else that stands out that you're like that was a big lesson um I mean a big lesson is it's hard to when you're passionate about something and you feel like it ain't going how you wanted to go yeah but overall it's like

every day matters when you putting something towards your dreams And that's another thing I talked to my brother about. He's a designer and he got dope ideas and I see the vision. Like, you can be the biggest. But the world got to see it. A lot of people work hard, but they don't show the world that they work hard. And now people are coming more successful when people see in the work. Yeah.

And they're like, they become a fan. And people love to be like, I remember when I was there when you was, you know, you got them people. Packing up the work yourself. Yeah. And you don't know how I feel sometimes because I don't know how to take it. Because some people like, man, I used to watch you and like, what you mean? Why you stop? So, but again, it's still like they were part of a journey.

And some people just grow, like, you know, some shows you used to watch that you don't watch no more. That's so true. Yeah. You know, I used to watch power when they came out. But now I'm like, man, Tarreek, I remember I used to watch you. But he's like, why you're not watching the scene? Yeah, it's like, but it's like, it's okay because you got new fans there too.

So again, except that you're going to lose people and you're going to gain people. So I got to accept that, just understanding. And it's going to be some people that grow away from you. That's so true. You said the biggest part of comedy is reading the room. What is one of the lessons you learned just, because you've been in many rooms. What is something that you learn from people just by just sitting and watching? That's a good thing.

Reading the room is important. And sometimes you can probably say, I don't belong in this room. And sometimes you can create a spot in that room. So it's up to you to, like, figure that out. Yeah. In some rooms, I've been like, I need to create a spot in here. Even doing stand-up, Desi allowed me, he gave me a spot to open up. And that was my, I had no experience.

It was just the fact that I bought my ticket. I flew out there and got my own hotel. If you did that, then come. And I kept telling myself, I was like, I want to come. And when he allowed me to go on stage and I felt it on stage, and people were excited to see me. It was just like, I need to be in this room. Like, I need to create my own room now.

Mm-hmm. And instead of me asking Desi, can I go on tour with you, I was like, let me go. Create your own. Create a room. Yeah. And thank you for allowing me to come in your room. Absolutely. It's okay to come in people's room, but go create one, too.

Mm-hmm. Exactly. Yeah. And some people are not meant to create the own room. It's okay to help your room build it, too. Right. And it's okay. That is so true. Yeah.

Yeah, that's so true. I love that. You're doing your own comedy show now. Mm-hmm. Did you, like, you said you had no experience. listening it. So when you left opening for Desi, did you get back in there and, like, okay, now I got to figure out how to really do this.

What was that process like for you? It's still going. It's still going with learning comedy. You got to learn comedy and you got to care. Every time I get off stage, they'd be like, oh, you did good. And it's like, I could have did something better. Are you like your own worst critic and, like,

really hard of yourself? I don't like listening to myself over on tape. I don't like watching myself. Oh, my gosh. I only watched two interviews I done done. And I was Orlando Brown and Nikki. Are you serious? I hate like hearing my voice. Yeah. Oh my gosh. It annoys me. I don't do it at all. And it's at Mojo Brooks, it's a comedian out there.

He said, you got to listen to yourself. Yeah. Because you got to know what you mess up on. Exactly. Yeah, you do. And I talk. If you listen to me, like, and, but, and like, it knows the gap feelings. Yep. Mm-hmm. Like, if you pause. Yeah. And you talk. Yes. And let words come to you. Come on, Mark. Mark. You sound something more professional.

That is like, nah. But Kevin Hart got it good. Kevin Hart can speak. When you listen to Kevin Hart? Yes. It's like, who raised you? Like, God, I love that. Like, he has a great brain.

Like, God took his time. Yeah. Like, it's just in him. Kevin Hart can speak. He's brilliant. He'd say some words and you don't know what he's talking about. Like, he can speak and just watching people to know their communication level. It's like, ha.

It's like amazing. I love that. That is amazing. Hi, I'm Radie de Vukia and I am the host of a really good cry podcast. This week, I am joined. joined by Anna Runkle, also known as the crappy childhood fairy, a creator, teacher, and guide helping people heal from the lasting emotional wounds of unsafe or chaotic childhoods. We talk about how the things we went through when we were younger can still show up in our

adult lives, in our relationships, our reactions, even in the way we feel in our own bodies. And Anna opens up about her own story, what helped her notice the patterns she was stuck in, and how she slowly started teaching her body that it is safe now. So when I got attacked, it was very random. Four guys jumped out of a car and just started beating me and my friend. And they broke my jaw on my teeth. I was unconscious. Then I woke up and I screamed.

And I screamed because even though I didn't know who I was or where I was, something in me was just like, hold on, wait, they could kill me. And I'm not going to let that happen. I'm not going to let that happen. I'm going to get through this. And I did. Listen to a really good cry on the IHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast. The social media trend that's landing some

Jen's ears in jail. The progressive media darling whose public meltdown got her fired. I'm going to take Francesco off the network entirely. The massive TikTok boycott against Target that makes no actual sense. I will continue getting stuff from Target and I will continue to not pay for it.

And the MAGA influencers whose trip to the White House ended in embarrassment. So refreshing to have the press secretary after the last few years who's both intelligent and articulate. You won't hear about these online stories in the mainstream. media, but you can keep up with them and all the other entertaining and outrageous things happening online in media and in politics with the Brad versus Everyone podcast, hosted by me, Brad Palumbo. Every day of the week, I bring you on a wild ride through the most delulu takes on the internet,

criticizing the extremes of both sides from an independent perspective. Join in on the insanity and listen to the Brad versus Everyone podcast on the Iheart radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. You know the shade is always Shadiest right here. Season 6 of the podcast Reasonably Shady with Giselle Bryan and Robin Dixon is here dropping every Monday. As two of the founding members of the Real Housewives Potomac were giving you all the laughs, drama, and reality news you can handle. And you know we don't hold back. So come be reasonable or shady with us each and every Monday.

I was going through a walk in my neighborhood. Out of the blue, I see this. huge sign next to somebody's house. Okay. The sign says, my neighbor is a Karen. Oh, what? No way. I died laughing.

I'm like, I have to know. You are lying. You, my guess, y'all. They had some time on their hands. Listen to reasonably shady from the Black Effect Podcast Network on the IHart Radio app. Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Welcome to Decoding Women's Health.

I'm Dr. Elizabeth Pointer, chair of Women's Health and Gynecology at the Atria Health Institute in New York City. On this show, I'll be talking to top researchers and top clinicians, asking them your burning questions and bringing that information about women's health and midlife directly to you. A hundred percent of women go through menopause. It can be such a struggle for our quality of life, but Even if it's natural, why should we suffer through it?

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Apple Podcasts, or wherever you're listening. now. The moments that shape us often begin with a simple question. What do I want my life to look like now? I'm Dr. Joy Harden Bradford. And on therapy for black girls, we create space for honest conversations about identity, relationships, mental health, and the choices that help us grow. As cybersecurity expert, Camille Stewart Gloucester reminds us,

We are in a divisive time where our comments are weaponized against us. And so what we find is a lot of black women are standing up and speaking out because they feel the brunt of the pain. Each week we explore the tools and insights that help you move with purpose. Whether you're navigating something new or returning to yourself. If you're ready for thoughtful guidance and grounded support, this is the place for you. Listen to Therapy for Black Girls on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcast. podcast or wherever you get your podcast. You said that you never chase approval, only consistency.

How do you keep focus when the algorithms and opinions of others are constantly shifting? Don't read. Don't read because it can get to you. And I just did a podcast and it was a different type of set and different type of fan base. And no matter how much I sing good, I've seen the bad. and it's no way for you to be able to read that sometimes if it's like okay I can take this and change it

it makes you better but they were saying some stuff like I disagree with but I was only reading that and installing it to me so I said let me get out of this you know what I'm saying it's already done and they're going to have an opinion whatever they type they already said it and they are a viewer

and that's their job to say how they feel that's why comments or such thing that's real unless we open ourselves up to when we open them out Yeah, don't read no comments. If you start making it and it gets you, just don't read it. Read a little bit right when they post.

I like to read the beginning comments because it'd be nice. Yeah. After a hundred, it's like, oh, I'm like, yeah. There's no truth starting to come in. Yeah, so I'm like, yeah. As long as you get five good comments, like, okay, I did something good. Right. Yeah.

Just read like five good ones and get out of there. Because you'll be stuck in there. Yeah. And then you start to think, you know, and then, you know, it was comments, like on my skin journey. It was like, you know, it wasn't the best. But people made me feel bad. And it's like, okay, I'll start wearing makeup. Then I start wearing makeup.

I'm covering up who I am. It's like, now he wearing makeup. So no, no matter what they say, you try to fix it. Now, like, even with my skin now, it's like, they try to like, you know, oh, what is he doing now? What is he getting surgery now? So no matter what, it's like you got to understand you are somebody that they're going to have a, that's a public figure. Exactly. Where they're going to have good and bad things and say about you.

Right. You just got to know who you are. Know who you are and whatever you do, do it for yourself. Yeah. Because that, I mean, I think all of us can attest to that. We all have flaws and things that we want to fix. And we hear people, like for me, even for me, like, my weight fluctuates. So people are always talking about my weight.

And they can get to you if you're reading the comments. I have to stay out of those comments. Everybody in its wrong. Do not read no comments. Yeah, stay out of it. So I totally get that. And I'll tell you, like I tell myself, do what makes you happy. You know what I'm saying?

Whatever it is. And that's not something that you can help. You know what I'm saying? Like, your skin is not something that you can be like, just magic. Yeah, God gave it to me. Yeah, you know. I can fix it. I can do my best. That's all you can do. Yeah. That's so good. That's for somebody else who may be dealing with some type of insecurity or something that they may want to change or can't help. Just do what you can do for you and not the opinions of others for sure. I love that. Yeah. You had so many opportunities and so many

deals, I'm sure. Is there a deal that you can remember that you said no to and it was the best no that you could have? Because, you know, sometimes you're like. Oh, yeah. I really want to say yes, but no. It was a movie role I had. And they said the character was, yeah, but you have no gender. You don't like nothing. You don't know what you like.

And I'm like, no, I'm okay. Yeah. Like, and overall, it's somebody out there that would love that row. So now I don't want to take something for money because I'm uncomfortable with it, but it's somebody out there that I would love the money. in that position but I didn't want to lead into nothing that didn't make me feel comfortable yeah and they're not wrong for offering it to me but give it to somebody that I love it yeah and they can commit to that yeah but just to say like I'm reading the script and I'm going

in and it was like tell me more about this character it's like but you don't have a gender you like and I'm like what I'm like wait a minute was it yeah so there's people out there that don't like anybody or is it fluid where you like yeah but I'm just saying certain stuff can lead into something else because if it's serious it's like okay now you like uh-huh yeah and you like that and i'm got you yeah so it's like overall it's like i didn't want to figure out i didn't want to find out you know what i'm saying yeah and let me do a role that even if it's not me like i can grow into that road but that's not something i want to grow into absolutely but overall let me not stop somebody else that would love that road so i feel like sometimes in this spotlight and who you are they're giving

stuff away to people just because of the following. Absolutely. And that's like no difference for people that's doing stand-up. It's people out there that's great comedians, but they don't have a following. Yeah, so they don't get the same opportunities. Yeah, but again, it's like, just pray for them and I hope they get that spotlight because they really deserve it because now they're going off of

your face card. Life is changing. It is. Where talent used to be everything. Now is just about how much we see you. And how much money can you bring us? Right. Yeah, because they look at followers as dollars now. Yeah. Yeah, that is so true. Maybe that's something that you can do on your standards. up like breaks figure out who those

no i try to get people open like in the city i gave you know like come and get through your time kind of how desi did for you yeah yeah yeah yeah that i love that i love that um open thoughts started online as an online idea and now is in full production with wave um your second season just dropped yeah last tuesday october 21st and you have new episodes to drop every tuesday on youtube

and spotify video that's amazing um approaching this new season And how does you approach it differently? Getting help. Getting help. Go on now. It's a team. We have team meetings now. I got to show up.

Good. I got to talk. And I got to learn to put my pride to aside because sometimes I'm like, that's not funny. And I try to tell them, but I got to learn. Like, even take the challenge. Even if I don't think it's funny, it's my job to make it funny. And that's no difference from Kevin Hartney got a script before. And he probably, but let me say it in a Kevin Hart way.

Yeah. And now it's funny. Yep. So that's something I got to do. And now, as, you know, talking to you and me saying that, I got to stand on that end. Because I'd be so picky, like, nah, nah, no. And also, too, I mean, credit yourself, you are the brand, you know, and God bless you with this gift and talent to know what it's true to yourself.

So, yes, take on ideas, but also staying true. If it doesn't sit well, you have to stay true to who you are because that's what people love, you know. So I get that, though, yeah. But also, you got to accept the challenge, too, because, again, that thing, And I thought when funny was probably going to be the biggest moment. Yeah. Because people, like, God gives everybody different ideas. Yeah.

If we all thought the same, it would be so boring. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Yeah, because there's stuff that Wes and Ashana come up with that I may and I didn't have thought of them like, oh my gosh, yes. I never thought of that, you know. And it ends up being huge. Yeah. So that's so important.

I love the, you're becoming a mogul. Do you understand that? No. You really are. Yes, like all the different brands, you got podcast, you have a tour now. Like, these are things that you're building and brand partnerships, having those meetings and standing in the president. Yeah. It feels good.

I know it does. Yeah. There's a lot of responsibility that comes with it, but it's definitely rewarding. Yeah. Yeah. I love that. You said that every conversation teaches you something. What is something that you learn from someone?

I know you speak of Steve Harvey and Kevin Hart. What is something that you've taken away from them? Oh, it's a lot. because I listen on podcast, positive messages in the morning a lot. I have taken a lot. I also, let me see, what's the best one I can tell people? Like, I haven't picked up because it's so much. And, oh, that's a good question.

I wasn't, and that's, like, even I got to sit back and I watched the, I think it was on Hulu, and I watched the Tyler Perry story like that. And when I watched that, I learned. so much and it was just like from the plays when you feel like they didn't do that

like the grind the grind is so beautiful yes like the grind is beautiful and when you get to go back and look at it and you say this is my documentary

it's everything but some people stop that documentary because that one stop but again that was supposed to be a part like that was the headache

that people were like oh you made it through that yes when nobody was showing up yeah the Iversing laying us on it like which is everybody talking about and what he'd been through so i feel like sometimes we got to understand that ugly i appreciate the ugly to get to the good

like the ugly is is the best part yeah it just to say i had an ugly moment i had to learn like when i first started my season i had a i had an ugly situation but that woke me up and made me a better person through my my first season of my show when i started doing interviews and i needed that? I didn't get that. So now moving forward, we're reading, we're reading contracts. We're doing stuff right and we're not rushing it and we getting on the same page. Yeah, I love that. That is so good. You recently started using your real name. Yeah. Marco Summers. Yeah. What was the shift? What happened were you like, no, I need people to know who I am. I don't want to just be funny, Marco. Other challenge. Another challenge? Everybody is. When you think a

Medians, you got Chris Rock, Daychapel, Kevin Hart, Bernie Mac. Jimmy Fox, not his real name. Jamie Fox, you're wrong for that. But he's the only one that's probably making it through, like, Martin Lawrence. So when you think about that, people are known by their name. Eddie Murphy, yeah, everybody. And then just for me to have funny in front of it, it's like, let me mold and get the respect that this is Marco Summers.

And it ain't going to be easy. Yeah. Because some people, like, they don't look at my page. My engagement had went down. Really? Like, it was a lot. Yeah, it was a lot. just changing that because it's like you're so used to CNN it's no difference when

when bad while shine it changed his name to shine off so you understand it where I'm bigger than that like I'm a real life person so it was that I was just letting people know like I'm ready for that challenge because I got to earn that respect too I got to earn it to be like okay we just keep going and I'm thankful to still have viral moments and still be funny with this name carrying on right yeah you know and just believe in God because he's going to work for you as you're working come on now

yeah he's preaching y'all I love it now you talk about staying grounded and protecting your peace what does that look like for you because I'm really big on protecting my peace because it gets loud talking about protecting peace my peace is unlimited

I feel like it can't it goes through so much I got one time I feel like I got one time a month to get upset or get mad and I start learning like don't give everybody your energy that make you upset

just imagine there's somebody out there that's getting upset by everything I went to McDonald's they got my coffee roll I'm driving they cut me off now I'm at work huh I'm at work I just got a call from

the school my son acting bad and I get home I got to go to the grocery store just listen to all that All this through one day and it's draining you. And sometimes you got to accept that we're living. So if you're living, you're going to have to have these moments

and it's happening to you. Because when you die, you ain't experiencing nothing. So life is an experience. So you got to enjoy everything that you go through. You just can't get mad at everything. And I got to, you know, I got to save my anger for like, you know, like, got to save it. Like, don't mess with my kids.

I got to save it. I got to save it. Reserve your anger sometimes. I just feel like everybody. give it to you give it out too easy it's like you like a angry you know like and you just can't be that yeah you can not be that yeah it's like save it like save your energy because it's going to be a time where you can have a bad day but if you have any you can't do it every day so easy yeah like everybody getting your feelings protect it no for sure I love that um you talk about your children

you are the dad of three beautiful children and you've been pretty private about your private life what has fatherhood done for you as you continue to evolve? It's done a lot. I wish I can have my kids living with me and they all indifferently. We got one and my son is in L.A. and my daughter's in Kansas City and I want more for them because I have, I'm grateful to be where I'm at and I'm like telling their moms, but I understand how women they want their kids like, this is the nest. So I got accepted and that's why us as man, we got to watch who we create with and be with the parent, go through marriage. and you know it's I got to understand that I went to these places and I created a home knowing like we might not work out together so I got to understand too like next go around you have another kid make sure it's we we together

because I don't like that experience but I can't get mad at them because they're doing what's best for them and they don't want to you know pass it too so sometimes it like you know don't feel good because I would love to get them like putting them in school putting them in PIPA school because I can afford that and I can show them I don't want my daughter growing up in Kansas City because it ain't nothing there like let me bring it to Elena Yes but her mom don't see what I see it's not nothing to get upset with her about Because it's like she see what she see as I see what I see yep and like no seeing is wrong but I just be like you know like I can build a brand around my daughter right now Oh my goodness yeah like let me like you know so but I don't want her growing up thinking like getting a job like like if you want to get a job like like if you want to get

get it fine but I want to show you that you can be your own person you can be whatever you want to be in a road you got to see it because I didn't see it grown up right so sometimes are next to it that exposure because I don't think Kevin Hartson is saying I got to go to Walmart I'm gonna work at Walmart no because you see how his dad is and if he do it cool exactly yeah do it but I don't think like we mold our kids to like like this is what you can be but do what you want to do right same with LeBron James son he playing ball yep you know but sometimes when you grow up I just feel like when you're so used to seeing people getting jobs yeah but I got to get a job like that's all yeah so I've never seen my mama or like my daddy selling drugs some people I got to

sell drugs so when you grow up and you see this program you think this is all I can do because this is what I'm in the apartment all I can get is an apartment yeah that's all I see yeah so everything ain't about what you see sometimes yeah I pray that you're able to influence your daughters from afar Yeah, you know, and you're saying, yeah, because I know that is important. And as a parent, you want the best for them. Yeah. You want them to see all the opportunities that they have, especially that are afforded because you are who you are.

Yeah. So I get that. Yeah, I get that. Next up, you have Open Thoughts National Comedy Tour. I'm excited about this. Yeah. I need the Atlanta date. Yeah.

No, I'm going to get Atlanta date. And that's why I had to learn, too, because I had Atlanta show, and they gave me a theater. Theaters are different. So I got to work on my promotion because how my shows are they are selling out last minute. So like the box, the tickets are not saying so that, but people are doing walk-ups. So me, I'm like, I don't come into Atlanta, people will show up. But when you got a business and people are opening and they hold theater for you and they're paying their employees, you got to have a send them out sold.

So I'm like, you know, Atlanta coming, they're like, oh, we can't do Atlanta show because tickets are looking tight. I'm like, no, people are going to pull up. Trust me. My cousin said he pulled up at the door with 50 people. You know, his 50 people got, like, a girlfriend, boy, so we're good. They're like, nah. So learning business. So I learned with this shows, do promotion and do well to understand that.

Like, you know what I'm saying? And I needed that moment to realize, okay, this is serious to sell tickets. It is so serious. It's like push it, like keep it in their face. So me, I was so used to like, I'm okay. I ain't got to promote because they're going to hear about it and they're going to come. so you know and shout out to Floyd Mayweather because he'd be big on his promotions like come on yeah like you know I'm fighting but I'm still pushing it yes yes yeah that's the thing

don't don't become your own enemy and that's what I did in that part where I'm like I'm okay or get too condo of the thing like I'm yeah yeah you know because that's how we feel like that they're gonna come and then Kelly Kales as a comedian shout out to her I you got tap in her you'll love her okay for sure is somebody that's like keep going like you know and I got her opening up in front of me. Kelly is a beast that's stand up and she's so good and some people would like, how can you have like, open

her so good coming and you're still learning comedy? You're not scared? And I'm like, nah, I needed that, like to put me on fire. And it was times where people like, yeah, Marco was good but Kelly was a beast so overall to hear that and it never made me feel jealous as like get on that page. Like, you don't need to have, you know,

people leave your show and say the opener was better than you. Comedians can't take that. For me, I'm like. I give props to Kevin Hart for that because a lot of people, Naim Lim is the one that goes on right before him. Yeah. I've heard so many people say it. They love Kevin. They come for Kevin. That's who's on a ticket.

But they love Naiming. Yeah, yeah, yeah. And he is, I mean, I love Naim. He's so funny. But it takes a very confident person to let people come that are just as good as you are or better to come up before you. That's, yeah, it's, it's, it's easy.

But when it's in you, like I don't have a jealousy bone. I want to see everybody win. Yep. And I've been seeing people win since I was broke. So I was like, if you got it, I got it. Come on. So, like, my brother had money, I had money. My brother had clothes, I had them. You know, they didn't want me to. He had the, he

got the New Jordans, I got it. So me having that mentality, like, it helps me. Now, say, right, mentality? Oh. It's okay. Do what you get. The silence. I got to master that. No, because you're embarrassed me. You should have just told me, like, yeah, you was right. But then you were like, Chris is allowed to be.

didn't go. I would have said it on another podcast. You can't be killing people with dreams. That's like telling somebody, Santa Claus ain't real. Marco, you are so funny. Yeah. Really. This is amazing. I'm so happy we finally got to do this.

I wish you the best with everything you have coming up. Definitely going to catch you on the road for Open Thoughts Tour. Make sure you guys check it up. Get your tickets now. Don't wait. to the day, get them in advance. All right, we're going to sell them out. Yeah, and that's it.

And shout out to you, because you've been doing it. Like, shout up to your team. This is amazing. My team is, you feel like I'm in L.A. right now. So it's something, feel like we, like, you know, the hat at Bob is different because Atlanta's Atlanta. Atlanta's Atlanta, baby. And L.A.'s L.A.

But when you go to L.A., you feel like. Yeah. Like, even New York, I was just in New York. And it makes you feel in work mode. I say that all the time. New York is, like, work, like, L.A. It feels like Miami, too. So, like, Atlanta just feels.

so comfortable like so to come in here and feel the energy of your team and work because like they ain't playing it makes you be like okay and it's good like it matters because you know it passed on and when your name get brought up and we credit a moment because then life you know

life is short so now it's done so it's this moment to be able to go back and look at something. Thank you so much I appreciate that because we work really hard I have all these big dreams and visions like you as well and it's my team that helps it come to life. You know, so many things I want to do. And I want to do it excellent, you know,

because like you said, the name and the, the, the, the, there I am losing the word, reputation precedes itself. So I want to make sure that everything I do is top tier. You know, when you come in here, you got water, your ginger, whatever you need, we got you. You know, I want you to feel at home because I start this in my house and then it got too big because you can't hear about everybody in your space. Yeah, yeah. But I still wanted people to feel safe when they come in here. Yeah. And everybody, you know, in a room, your spot is a place for a reason and understand that your role is important. And it's like, you know, the game don't go on without no referees. Like the game don't go on without a basketball.

Yeah. You know what I'm saying? Like as well, the game don't go on without LeBron James. So, and I might not be LeBron James, but that ball is important too. So understand that your spot is important no matter what you're doing and show up and do the best. And I told my brother, cameraman, that I always know somebody would love to have your spot. and all you can do is perform well and do your thing

and what you got. For sure. Whatever you're doing, if you're the moper, be the best mopper you can be. You better be listening, you know? Okay. And then you'll be able to learn it

and, you know, it's not, I don't look at people at positions at the end. I look at how they care their person. Same. That's what I said. I go to McDonald's, I try to make them feel, you know, like, I'm with, like, you still,

you're somebody in a uniform, like, you're a for a company, but you're a real, like, person outside of that, So I'm not going to treat you wrong because, you know, I know you got a job. I'm not going to talk crazy. I don't agree with people that do that. No, me neither. Because, again, it's, yeah, before we go, I think it was somebody that said it, like,

if we took money away from everybody, then what? Then what? Yeah. Exactly. That's all it is. That is so true. Those things are powerful when you realize that we all want and just appreciate good people because, you know, it's some people out there that's bad.

So we just got to appreciate the good people and be part of that good. people. Yeah. No, that's so good. You're not bigger than the program. That's it. That is it. Kids family, please give it up for Marco Summers. Marco, please tell the people where we can find you. If you change your name on Instagram, we need to let them know. Yeah. Overall, just, I'll be at home, so it's going to be hard to find me. I'll be at home with my kids. So, I'll be at Target, too. It's okay to say that. Okay, why be at Walmart? Well, okay, T.J. Max?

Is he a black man? I have no idea who T.J. Max and Marshall sound like two guys, two black dudes. Yeah, T.J. Yeah, I didn't even think about that. And they cheap, too, you go on there. Yeah. It's like, and like, T.J. Max is not, it's somewhere you got to work on. Like, you'll get a shirt today. Probably get a pants next year.

So it's like, it's like black people. stuff like you're like going to get everything right now you got to work with me yeah yeah it's like you might not be like a bill said today probably tomorrow so yeah yeah it's so silly what should do instagram oh yeah yeah yeah oh marco summers and yeah and yeah that's it really on youtube what's is it under marco's youtube yeah open thoughts you go to open thoughts open thoughts yeah so tap in subscribe and go get your tickets for the open thoughts national Oh, and if you watch the episode this long, she's giving away $1,000. So thank you for watching.

All you got to do is DM her and send her why you need the $1,000, and it got to be good. I will read it, and it might take some time, so I take a little bit to read, so we'll get back to you in a couple months. I love that. Yeah. So you could be lucky. You could be. Yeah. So you got to watch it all the way through.

If you didn't get to this part, then you only know. Social Security number two. We need everything. Yeah. You did in your bank card so we can send it over. With your money. Yeah. That's it.

Well, thank you guys for tutoring then. Yes. And we're here with the one and only. Marco Summers. No, you. You say your name. Crystal Renee Hazlitz. That was so good.

That was dry. I love that. Okay, let's it again. All right. We're here with the one and only. Crystal Renee Hazlake. And shout out to the team. Team, make some noise.

It's real like people out there. We got a lot of studio. Yeah, it is. This is rich. Back to you. dad. Oh my goodness. That was such a dope conversation

with Funny Marco. Also, I remind you that being different isn't something you have to fix. It's something to master. Thank you for tuning into another episode of the Keep It Positive Sweetie show. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode

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Each episode explores a different chapter of Atlanta's ride. featuring conversations with Ludacris, Will Packer, Pastor Jamal Bryant, DJ Drama, and more. The full series is available to listen to now. Listen to Atlanta is on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hi, I'm Radhdi Dvlukaya and I am the host of a really good cry podcast. This week, I am joined by Anna Runkle, also known as the crappy childhood fairy, a creator, teacher, and guide helping people heal from the lasting emotional wounds of unsafe or chaotic childhoods that talking about trauma isn't always great for people it's not always the best thing about a third of people who are traumatized as kids feel worse when they talk about it get very

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