When grief tried to choke the life out of him, he wrote a song that sounds like pure joy. 🎹

Worship leader and recording artist Kentrell Ragin sits down with Lish Speaks on I'll Just Let Myself In to talk about the funky new single "Testified" — and the devastating year of loss that birthed it. From losing his mother, father, and grandparents in a single season to battling depression head-on, Kentrell shares how testifying became the very thing that set him free. This is a raw, honest, and inspiring conversation you don't want to miss.

In This Episode:

🎵 The story behind "Testified" — the Prince-inspired, funky gospel joint that almost got thrown away (twice!)

💍 How marriage transformed the way Kentrell worships and finally taught him how to live outside the studio

🙏 The power of testimony as a "lost art" — and why vulnerability from the pulpit and the stage matters now more than ever

💰 Real talk on ministry vs. the music business: navigating favors, knowing your worth, and hearing God on when to say yes (and no)

✂️ "Clock it and block it" — Kentrell's mindset for silencing the critics and accepting the gift God gave YOU

🎤 From a three-year-old on a toy piano to leading worship at Change Church in New Jersey — the journey of a self-taught worshiper

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What happens when gospel royalty gathers under one roof to honor one of their own? I got a front-row seat—actually, the RED CARPET seat—at the 2026 BMI Trailblazer of Gospel Awards celebrating the legendary Kierra Sheard with the Impact Award. And let me tell you, this night was pure inspiration, emotion, and undeniable REAL vocals. 🎤✨

In this episode, I'm taking you behind the velvet ropes so you feel like you were right there with me. From tear-filled tributes to jaw-dropping performances, this recap is one you don't want to miss.

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What if you didn't have to choose between living for God and living out loud? In this powerful conversation, fashion content creator Tiara Jones reveals how she built a thriving brand with over 100K followers—all while keeping Christ at the center. From cutting off her hair to landing major brand deals, this episode will challenge everything you thought you knew about faith, fashion, and following your God-given purpose.

Lish sits down with Tiara Jones—fashion influencer, "Meet Boston" host, and unapologetic woman of faith—for a real, unfiltered conversation about walking through your God-given doors without waiting for permission.

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Communication can be the difference between a peaceful life and a life filled with avoidable tension. We’ve all felt it: the moment where you meant one thing, but it came out sideways and suddenly the conversation is about tone, timing, or attitude instead of the real need underneath. That gap costs people closeness, trust, and even opportunities at work, and it often leaves us calling it “peace” while we’re still carrying the same hurt.

We walk through five practical pillars of communication skills you can actually practice: clarity, active listening, mutual understanding, relevance, and assertiveness. We talk about why clarity starts in private, when we sit with ourselves long enough to name what we feel, think, and need. We share how active listening lowers defensiveness, why open-mindedness is required for mutual understanding, and when it’s wise to stop talking if someone is accusing instead of asking. We also get specific about relevance: staying on topic, using the past only when it truly explains a trigger, and choosing the right time and setting so your message can land.

Then we bring it home with assertiveness, because unspoken needs don’t disappear, they turn into resentment. We also share a faith-based perspective on Pentecost as empowerment to communicate across different “languages,” including emotional ones, and how prayer can strengthen each pillar. If you want healthier relationships, better conflict resolution, and stronger emotional intelligence, hit play, then subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway.

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One scroll can make you forget what your real life is made of. So we’re hitting pause and putting our focus where it belongs: on the blessings that are already here, and the God who keeps showing up even when we’re tired, worried, or stuck in “not yet.” If you’ve felt your joy slipping because you’re comparing your lane to somebody else’s highlight reel, this conversation is your reset.

We talk through a simple but powerful practice we call “blessing blinders” a way to block the noise that pulls your mind toward envy, doomscrolling, and imposter syndrome. We get honest about how easy it is to fixate on the opportunities we didn’t get, the timelines we wish we had, or the version of ourselves we think we should be. Then we flip it: your blessings are evidence. Evidence that God has been good, that waiting has purpose, and that you have more to work with than your anxious brain will admit on a bad day.

We also break down a second shift that changes everything: letting your blessings motivate you to behave. Gratitude shapes your habits, your attitude, your stewardship, and your relationships. We share practical ways to start a daily gratitude journal, redirect your energy toward what feels like light, and find one solid “starter blessing” even in a hard season.

If this encouraged you, subscribe, share it with a friend who needs a mindset reset, and leave a review so more people can find the show. What’s one blessing you can name today?

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The New York Knicks just made history—winning the 2026 NBA Championship after 53 long years! 🏆 But this isn't just a celebration episode. What if the Knicks' incredible playoff run could teach you everything you need to know about chasing YOUR dreams, silencing the doubters, and walking through your God-given doors?

In this episode of I'll Just Let Myself In, your girl Lish Speaks breaks down 5 powerful life lessons hidden in the Knicks' championship victory—from being underestimated during your "regular season" to fighting back when you're down by 29.

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Are you so busy doing "good things" that you're missing Jesus completely?

In this powerful solo episode, we dive deep into one of the most misunderstood stories in the Bible: Mary and Martha. When Jesus said "Martha, Martha," it wasn't just a correction—it was a wake-up call for all of us drowning in busyness, distraction, and doing things that "need to be done." If you've ever felt like you're running on empty while serving God, this message will gut-punch you in the best way possible.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL DISCOVER:

• Why Jesus calls certain people's names TWICE in the Bible—and what it means when He does (Abraham, Moses, Simon Peter, and more)

• The real reason Martha was distracted (hint: she was doing what culturally HAD to be done, just like many of us today)

• Three things that happen when we ignore the presence of Jesus—even while doing "ministry work"

• Why being busy for God is NOT the same as being close to God, and how to tell the difference

• The one thing Jesus says is needed above everything else—and how to actually prioritize it in our chaotic lives

THIS MESSAGE IS FOR: The saints AND the ain'ts. Whether you're deep in church ministry or questioning if following Christ is even for you. If you're exhausted from doing all the "right things" but still feel distant from God, this episode will help you find your way back to His feet.

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A year of moving, shifting plans, and deep loss forces us to define what love looks like when life is not easy. We talk through trust, faith, roles, grief, and joy, and how our marriage grows stronger when we treat everything as “us against the world.” 
• moving from Atlanta to New Jersey and how transition changes a marriage 
• what it feels like to lead a household and why integrity matters 
• wrestling with short-term uncertainty and learning surrender to God 
• rebuilding spiritual rhythm through church community and daily choices 
• what “till death do us part” means after losing a mentor 
• why compatibility and respect matter more than chemistry 
• how defined roles reduce conflict and build trust over time 
• building a business with your spouse and counting the real costs 
• staying joyful through storms and feeling more ready for motherhood 
Be sure to subscribe and hit the notification bell so that you do not miss any of my upcoming episodes or content.

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Are your thoughts holding you hostage? 🧠💭 In this raw and powerful solo episode, Lish gets real about the mental trap of rumination—replaying the same painful thoughts over and over until they paralyze you. If you've ever felt stuck in your own mind, second-guessing yourself, or overwhelmed by anxiety about the past or future, this message is for YOU. Grab your Bible and settle in, because we're going straight to the Word to break free from the enemy's mind games.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• The Rumination Nation – What it really means to ruminate and why the enemy wants to keep you stuck replaying past hurts, rejections, and disappointments instead of moving forward

• Biblical Mindset Reset – Deep dive into Philippians 4:8, Colossians 3:1-2, 2 Corinthians 10:5, and other powerful scriptures that give you the blueprint for taking control of your thoughts

• The Truth Test – How to identify which thoughts are actually TRUE versus the lies you've been believing about yourself, your worth, and your future

• Repentance vs. Rumination – Why the enemy wants you sitting and thinking instead of taking action, and how to know when to work through something versus when to cast it on Christ

• Practical Tools for Anxiety – Real talk about dealing with rejection, disappointment, comparison, and the anxiety of living in uncertain times—plus scriptures that bring actual peace (Isaiah 26:3, 1 Peter 5:7, and more)

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From $67 to Multi-Million Dollar Empire: The Salt XO Story That Will Change How You Think About Starting a Business

What happens when a college student with just $67 decides to solve a problem no one was talking about? Jhalesa Seymour didn't wait for permission – she created Salt XO and built a feminine care empire that has Tracy Ellis Ross as a fan and millions of women as loyal customers.

00:00 Introduction - Welcome and introducing Jhalesa Seymour, founder of SaltXO
03:55 Creating SaltXO - The $67 startup story and campus beginnings
05:27 Scaling the Business - Growth mindset and elevation through customer demand
08:40 Breakthrough Moments - Tracy Ellis Ross endorsement and viral success
10:17 Overcoming Slow Seasons - Navigating business challenges and 137% growth
13:38 Marketing Strategies - Creative campaigns and social media advice
20:28 Healing and Growth - Father-daughter relationship and personal transformation
23:54 Power of Sisterhood - Importance of female friendships and support systems
28:34 Product Deep Dive - SaltXO product line and holy grail recommendations
33:57 Legacy and Purpose - Healing gifts and generational impact goals

In this episode, you'll discover:

• How Jhalesa turned $67 into a multi-million dollar brand by giving free samples to the "right girls" on her college campus 
• The mindset shift that took Salt XO from campus sensation to the highest-selling feminine care brand on TikTok 
• Why getting "comfortable" almost killed her business – and the conversation that saved it 
• The healing power of difficult conversations with fathers and how it transformed her as an entrepreneur 
• Her exact strategy for scaling during slow seasons (hint: it's all about getting back in the lab)

This conversation gets REAL about the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, the power of sisterhood in business, and why authenticity always wins. Whether you're sitting on a business idea, struggling through a slow season, or ready to level up your existing brand, Jhalesa's story will remind you that you already have everything you need to start.

From coochie queen to clip queen (you'll understand when you watch!), this episode is packed with practical advice, vulnerable moments, and the kind of inspiration that makes you want to take action immediately.

Ready to let yourself into your God-given doors? Hit that subscribe button and notification bell so you never miss the conversations that could change your life. Drop a comment below and tell us what business idea you're ready to stop sitting on – your $67 moment might be closer than you think!

Like this episode if Jhalesa's story inspired you to think bigger about what's possible when you stop waiting for permission.

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