This week we welcome our first guest of the season: beauty creator, lifestyle blogger, mom, and digital OG It’s My Raye Raye. From her Tumblr beginnings to becoming one of YouTube’s early success stories, Raye breaks down how the creator landscape has evolved, how she protects her peace, and why authenticity still wins in 2026. We also get into the wild story of how we met and became friends, parenting in the public eye, creator burnout, and a MAJOR announcement she drops exclusively on the pod!

0:00–1:30 It's the Rasheed Wallace number episode!

1:30–2:05 “All Black Everything,” lotion jokes & Crown Skin shoutout  

2:05–3:12 Introducing our lovely friend/guest: It’s My Raye Raye  

3:12–5:13 The origin of the name “It’s My Raye Raye”  

5:13–8:13 Becoming a YouTube OG: experimental Tumblr era → repost culture → early success  

8:13–9:32 “There’s enough for everybody” creator wisdom  

9:32–12:13 Charles’ viral R&B Nightfall party moment + the universe made the connection  

12:13–14:14 Realizing we lived two doors down + instant friendship  

14:14–15:54 The pressure of “What’s next?” and the shift in content culture

15:54–17:36 Boundaries, oversharing & protecting your peace online  

17:36–19:47 YouTube → Instagram → TikTok: navigating platform shifts  

19:47–21:37 Parenting, privacy & letting kids set their own boundaries  

21:37–23:18 YouTube comments vs. Instagram comments: which is harsher?  

23:18–26:02 Developing thick skin + the “Joe, you need help” troll story  

26:02–27:46 Glam + goofy: embracing duality and staying true to yourself

27:46–28:21 Why authenticity always wins on social media  

28:21–29:28 Raye’s top 3 creator tips: consistency, representation, be yourself  

29:28–30:14 Competing with Gen Z + why representation matters now  

30:14–30:53 Posting rhythm: Type Z scheduling & avoiding burnout  

30:53–31:13 “Reduce, reuse, recycle”: repurposing content to stay sane  

31:13–31:36 Major announcement: Raye’s launching a haircare line  

31:36–32:05 Inspired by her daughter Zoe + setting her up for life  

32:05–33:31 What she wants to see in 2026: more grace, less judgment  

33:31 Closing out with love, gratitude & where to find Raye

Tap in with our guest @ItsMyRayeRaye on all platforms!

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