Cyd Tells All

Welcome to the real, raw, and uncut testimony of my life in real-time. If you’re new to the podcast, this unfolding has been happening since June 25th, 2023. Six seasons later and God went, “Yeah, give ‘em another one.”I find this funny because I fought starting this venture for literal years. I told myself nobody wanted to hear me yap. I told myself that I was too soft-spoken but also too animated. I didn’t want to do a script or video, so nobody would probably see it if I didn’t promote it heavily.Clearly, I was very wrong.This is why God forever has my Hallelujah, Yes, and Amen. No matter how bizarre I find something, when I’m obedient and actually do it, God shows up and shows out. God continues to show me that I am a disruptor. I’m supposed to be the outcast and show people that you can lead well, no matter your title or following. I’m supposed to be the one to remind you to work with what you’ve got and let God handle the rest. I’m supposed to make you uncomfortable with the “normal” way of doing things because a lot of us aren’t normal, nor should we be.All I’m saying is, if you get nothing else from this episode, understand this…The blessing is in the pivot you keep avoiding.I’m about to start a new section for gardening, In Her Cosmos, and a for-your-eyes-only one for my book for any of my paid subscribers under this publication, The Year of Audacity in the Name of Good.If you read this far, you a real one, and you got to know first. *giggles and hides* This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cydneyrai.substack.com/subscribe

All I have is 5 minutes for this ending. It’s not because I don’t care to give Season 6 of my tell-all podcast a proper goodbye. It’s because I’m ready to be in the moment again. To get caught up in living.I was a little confused when God asked me to record 3 episodes and release them back-to-back, but I will be obedient nonetheless.So, at 7:07 pm on Monday, March 3rd, 2025, a little more than a year after one loss and end, I want to say…The beginning will come again.Don’t be scared of change. Be scared of never growing.What will the future hold for Cyd Tells All, The Year of Audacity in the Name of Good, and all my other passion projects? Did I mention I was working on my first book and releasing the first drafts behind that paywall? No? Stay tuned. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cydneyrai.substack.com/subscribe

Imma need you to keep an open mind and hear me out. Not even a minute into this, I mentioned praying for our enemies. I know, I know!As an optimist and someone who gives unconditional love from Day 1, I hit my own nerve so you’re not alone. Once you become an enemy of mine, I close that door, deadbolt it, go over it with brick, and the most you’ll get outta me is cordial behavior. I’m kind, not nice.I feel like I’m the more centered version of my Granny Ann in that way. Divine, spiritual, a vibe, but please don’t play with me. Try Jesus, not I. But, back to this prayer!In Jesus’ name, I pray March is so good to you that your whole world opens up to truly how limitless life is in possibilities cause you’re partnered with The One.May your joy be unapologetic and wholesome, the love real and felt from miles away, and laughter find you even when the storm tries to stay. May you feel safe, protected, seen, celebrated, and heard without having to fight for it. May you find the people you can share your dreams, hopes, and challenges with and everything just clicks. It never feels forced. May you always be treated with care and love. Not as if you’re fragile, but as if you’re the most precious treasure someone has found.May you be happy, healthy, and free.May you find the light or be the light every single day.May you be reconciled to your Source first and foremost every morning and evening.May the greatness in you be activated.You + God = The Majority And if you’re carrying grief right now in any way, shape, or form, I pray that you allow the duality of your emotions to exist. May you allow yourself to feel your emotions in your solitude.Amen!I want you to have the best March you’ve ever had, even if I don’t know you like that. I’m so serious. Like you are just experiencing win after win, blessing after blessing, and you get the best sleep each day cause it’s just that good.Ready for the Season 6 finale tomorrow? Subscribe so you don’t miss out! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cydneyrai.substack.com/subscribe

This wouldn’t be the first time one of my videos inspired my writing. I find it funny that someone as soft-spoken as me has such power in her words. I’ve reached more people than I can count by speaking life to a past version of me or my current circle of friends, family, and community.I guess that’s why I’m shocked that “writer” was such a hard title for me to own. Let me explain.It wasn’t that I wasn’t writing. I have vivid memories of using the infamous red marker on the white door in my childhood bedroom (and having to paint over that) and reading my first poem, “Love and Hate”, for the monologue I needed for an audition in middle school as a theater kid.Before you at me, I was 11! Give me some grace, y’all. The titles got better, I promise.I would assign accolades and markers for every label to keep it out of reach for myself. Using the fact that I hadn’t written a book or gone to school for it or because people kept projecting their unsolicited opinions on me as a means to justify my skating around it. Getting just close enough for other people to call me it so I could brush it off or go “I haven’t even done x yet! I’ll be able to call myself that when I do.”I’m annoyed with myself too. It’s fine.This also stems from that pesky fear I had of being perceived for exactly who I was.I’m great. I know this. But the idea that other people saw it too when I was a shy, introverted nerd? Yeah, no. I ran like the plague or stayed in my own little corner in my own little chair.Then, I had a thought before February 2025 came to an end.“What if every writer’s dream isn’t to publish a best-selling book?”“What if every musician isn’t in it for the shiny awards on the shelf?”“What if every artist doesn’t have the same dream?”I know you can answer these questions as well as I can. Every artist in the world, every person who considers themself creative, could not possibly have the same exact dream. Isn’t that the beautiful thing about it?We get to define the labels we wear much like we get to style our outfits every day. As soon as we picked up the pen or camera, went to that class, or acted on the plan, we adorned that label. Cause aspiring is to have a dream and never act on it. But, us? We took a chance and went towards it. That’s inspiring.So yes, I’m an inspiring writer. I’m an inspiring author. I’m inspiring.I’m everything I think I am and I can get paid to exist exactly as I am because how I do what I do may change but creativity runs through this blood like magic. And I get to create a ripple effect that creates the waves that keep this world afloat. I won’t fight it anymore. Instead, Imma flow with it. Enjoy it. Experience it. Set it free.Now, Natasha Rothwell sums it up beautifully too, and the fact that she gave me such confirmation that I slid off the bed halfway… *giggles* Just because your paycheck doesn’t match your ambitions doesn’t mean you’re not those things.Do you see why I had such a physical reaction? Or am I just extra? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cydneyrai.substack.com/subscribe

Hope, The 4-letter word that leaves hearts torn and joy alive.Hope is bittersweet in taste. Often something we’re chewing on while we sit on the intersection of Past Avenue and Present Lane, sometimes in our hometown, waiting on our ride to The Future.We may not always be joined by youngins like Bright Eyes and Smiles, nor old-timers like Anger and Sadness, but that ride never leaves us quite the same.When I first recorded this podcast episode, it was about 10 minutes and I couldn’t tell you what I said even if I wanted to. I just knew it wasn’t quite right.When I recorded it the second time with the sunshine finally dancing in the sky over the Carolinas and I paced around my mom’s garden, I felt my roots grow deeper.It’s like something clicked in my soul and the light bulb came on.This is my full circle moment. Just like I talked about in my piece on February 6th, “Lessons from the Grammys: The Delay is Not the Denial — History Begins Off-Stage When the Cameras Are Off and the Silence is Loud” when referring to Beyoncé and Taylor Swift at the same awards show, and was baffled when I saw Kanye West on the red carpet and wife, Bianca Censori. Not again, Ye!16 years later after that incident, it was evident that God had prepared the table for not just that win, but several. So why does it feel so hard to surrender to the delay?I have several theories. The first is from personal experience because I used to beat myself up for every little delay. As if I controlled all of time and space so I was the sole cause of what was happening. I’m not saying you can’t make your life as magnificent and beautiful as you want to. Please do!I’m saying it’s unhealthy to want to control every little detail down to the timing of it all. I’m telling you that as a Type A planner type of girl too.“I’ll be married by this age, with kids, and a nice house.”“I’ll have this kind of career, work there for this long, retire by this age, and live happily ever after for this many years.”The second? Nowadays, we’re really bad at waiting well.Like, I’m one of the most patient, optimistic people you’ll probably ever meet when talking to everyone else about their dreams and hopes, but how I used to treat myself? Dragging myself through the mud and down into the trenches of “well, if it hasn’t happened by now, it’ll never happen.”It’s like we make a prayer or wish on the star and expect it to appear in thin air at the exact moment with a “ta-da” or a beep and tune like instant ramen being done in the microwave.Some things take the oven. Some things take the slow cooker. Some in the air fryer. Some meals really need to be on that grill in the summertime and breakfast has got to be on the griddle when at all possible. Much like the analogies I typically make with flowers in the garden, every meal needs different ingredients meaning it’s going to take different prep and cook times. Now why would I wait for a meal at a restaurant but not my blessing? Surrender means letting go.Surrendering to the wait. Surrendering to the delay. Surrendering to the unknown and uncertainty of what’s to come: good, bad, or ugly. It also means giving ourselves a whole lot more grace than some of us are probably used to. I know, I felt it too.And still, surrendering is beautiful. It is liberating. It is divine. While it’s not my phrase of the year, it could be my word, right? In fact, I’m going to challenge myself right here and now. While 2024 was truly The Year of Audacity in the Name of Good for me, why not make 2025 about The Year of Surrendering to Divine Joy?It’s not about numbers, accolades, or everything society tries to tell us we should want. It’s about finding as many moments as you can to be childlike in your joy, to wish on a star, to breathe in fresh air, to live out loud. Who’s with me? I’m 100% sure you’re worth the time, energy, and effort. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cydneyrai.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, I unpack the opportunity found in knowledge. Freedom. Beauty. Power. Wealth. What I did not do is touch on the fact that knowledge is often kept behind the gates to protect from the inevitable liberation that comes with seeking the truth and unpacking the trauma bonds that tried to mold us. Capitalism no longer holds me nor does religion. I am stitched together by God’s love and my desire to know the Lord more so I can continue to share the knowledge that comes with this Year of Audacity in the Name of Good kinda life I’m living.God is good all the time and yeah, He wants you to seek knowledge with humility, passion, joy, and integrity. Don’t let anyone convince you otherwise. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cydneyrai.substack.com/subscribe

As I reminisce on today’s events—Atom Blk’s The Eden Experience and Black Media Guild’s “I Love the ‘90s…in Black”, I strive to remind you that your name is being spoken about in rooms you’re not even in yet because you’re you. You’re worth the time, energy, and effort of trying something new, going to that event alone, creating that thing, healing. That doesn’t change just because someone is uncomfortable with your transformation. Keep going. Your time is coming. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cydneyrai.substack.com/subscribe

Before we enter Black History Month in the Year 2025, I wanted to dive into a prayer for my people (IYKYK) and their God Year. In Jesus name, may this Black History Month be full of joy, prosperity, and audacious faith that God’s got you because everything will work out in your favor. Stay prayed up, focused on the present, and go where you are celebrated. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cydneyrai.substack.com/subscribe

On Monday, January 27th, as I was talking to God and going about my routine, a statement hit me that until this day that I had never spoken out loud, “I don’t want to maybe my life away.” In this episode, you will hear the most chaotic (and honest) prayer for all my listeners and learn what I mean by “maybe-ing your life away.” In the words of Natija, “if you wanted to settle, you would have done it already.” Stop allowing your concern that the love will disappear or people will walk away if you choose yourself and what you want for once. If you get it, you get it, cause this isn’t about ego. It’s about actively participating in the life of your dreams, the life you want to live. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cydneyrai.substack.com/subscribe

If you do nothing else this year, find the light or be the light. In this episode, I touch on two books I’m currently reading and what’s next on my to-be-read (TBR) list. I’m less than 120 pages into Blood at the Root by LaDarrion Williams and The Davenports by Krystal Marquis but I’m already excited for their sequels!What are you currently finding joy in this Winter? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cydneyrai.substack.com/subscribe

What started as a conversation about how music is universal, no matter what language the artist is speaking, and my initial reaction to listening to track one (NUEVAYoL) of Bad Bunny’s latest drop, DeBí TiRAR MáS FOToS, quickly turned into a sentiment I shared with Perri Jones about constantly working towards being a part of something greater than ourselves and going outside of the boxes we put ourselves in.Perri is focused on getting more into audio engineering and was helping her sister-in-law with a film project (and it sounds so good already y’all from the little bit I heard!) on Instagram, I’m focused on the areas where my passions intersect like faith and culture (especially entertainment), personal development and village mentality (shoutout to my friends at Capricorn Convos), and being pure, unconditional love while also being (and enjoying) my single season. So, I may or may not have plugged my own projects along with a friend (Happy Birthday, Dev) and new creatives I met. You ready? ​Shae of Blessed CreationzKingdom Unplugged: Where Faith Meets CultureDevyn of Dev’s Cookies and Devyn’s FitsThe Year of Audacity in the Name of GoodNever Without Love: A Journey of Finding Love in All the Right PlacesIt’s important now more than ever for us to focus on mutual aid, village mentality, joy, kindness, love, confidence with integrity, and using our discernment through it all. You with me?​ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cydneyrai.substack.com/subscribe

In Season 6, Episode 3, I discuss the events of January 15th and everything leading up to this moment in the year 2025.I am someone who will always go deeper and connect the dots. Clearly. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cydneyrai.substack.com/subscribe

In honor of the New Year, I thought it was appropriate to list a few things we need to leave behind in 2024. While most people are focusing on resolutions, it’s easy to bypass the baggage you’re bringing in to a new time if you’re not an introspective type or just don’t know how to even start about identifying it and letting it go. These are things, collectively, I pray we’re all leaving behind in last year so we can move forward in this happiest years of our lives yet. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cydneyrai.substack.com/subscribe

Season 6 has officially begun! Still intuitive, still silly, still 100% Cyd. Find out what I’ve been enjoying about my downtime, which gems I’m dropping, what event I’m supporting (not sponsored), and what my notes during my devotional study, and time with God, really sound like. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cydneyrai.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, I’m breaking down the first 30 minutes of Netflix’s Damsel—no spoilers, just sharing the moments that had me saying, “YOU HAVE TO WATCH THIS!” And no, this isn’t a sponsored review that Netflix requested (how cool would that be?); I’m just here to give my honest take on why Damsel flips some old-school damsel-in-distress narratives on their head and brings something new to the table.Join me as I talk through what made this film stand out to me right from the start, why we need more stories like this, and why it’s a must-watch if you love women leading with strength, resilience, innovation, and grit for a fresh take on a classic story. Tune in for a fun and open chat, and let’s celebrate the art that excite us. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cydneyrai.substack.com/subscribe

In Season 5, Episode 12, I hop on over to Threads to read some of my affirmations and posts from this month. I think there are 13 in total and I really don’t give you any breathing room once we start talking about forgiveness. You’ve been warned. 😅 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cydneyrai.substack.com/subscribe

In Season 5, Episode 11 of my tell-all podcast, I dive into a transformative journey through a year dedicated to live music. From the electric energy of Beyoncé’s RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR to soulful vibes at Bonnaroo Festival with acts like Amber Mark and Danielle Ponder or controversial genius like Lil Nas X to longtime faves like Dear Silas and Paramore , and the unforgettable Erykah Badu, who brought on acts Tobe Nwigwe and Yasiin Bey to her tour—these live performances became more than just shows. Alicia Keys with opener Libianca, Ayra Starr, Chlöe (Chloe Bailey), Janelle Monáe with Flyana Boss, and Coco Jones (pre-Grammy but I called that win and promptly filmed a live reaction! Look at God!) further filled my year with rhythm, reflection, and connection. This season of music evolved into a lifetime journey of exploring not just music but culture.Expanding my focus, I found inspiration in the stories brought to life through films like Spider-Man: Across the Spiderverse and the enchanting Beauty and the Beast as they were backed by orchestral accompaniment, a live DJ, or sometimes both. I immersed myself in community-centered events like RENAISSANCE BRUNCH and HIVE HOEDOWN happening this weekend in the RDU area and hosted by Mir of Carolina Waves, DuragFest, Boileryard Brunch, Eclectic Soul Sessions, Jefatona, and FOMO Museum Block Party brought to Charlotte by Better Luck TMRW, all bringing me closer to the pulse of creativity and unity across the country because music is universal. Of course, this wouldn’t be my podcast if I didn’t casually drop gems on cultivating a life rich in experiences, love, connection, and joy whether you’re alone or not, all while building community through the arts. Ready for more? Get to know me, my journey, and my creative world at CydneyIrby.com, and stay connected across socials.You can subscribe to my Lifetime of Music channel to see me recap Year of Music 2023, watch my thoughts on current music drops, or tune into The Creative Memoir Chronicles to discover more limitless creatives I know and how I support the arts, small business, and doing what you love. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cydneyrai.substack.com/subscribe

In Season 5, Episode 10, I was up around 4:44 am and started talking around 05:05 am about my journey as a creative in business, why I do what I do what I do, and dropping gems— a little sprinkle sprinkle if you will — about what you could implement to make entrepreneurship easier on you. I even had the nerve to talk about the digital products I currently offer on cydneyirby.com and hint at what’s to come! The point of this episode was to remind every creative, woman, introvert, and person in business that you don’t have to do it like everyone else. You get to make something new!The digital products I offer are timeless, meaning you buy them once and can reference them forever, because I didn’t want you to be focused on trends around content creation or self-care. With a corporate background in Operations, Training & Development, Instructional Design, Customer Service, Client Success, and Program Direction yet a Freelance/Fractional/Independent background in Organic Marketing, Copywriting, Mindset Coaching, Business Consulting, Brand Strategy, plus the nerve to be The Ever-Evolving Creative, a Content Creator, Mentor, and Thought Leader who does the occasional speaking engagement on top of all that, you were always going to get a unique perspective with an out-of-the-box approach from me. It was only right that I package my knowledge into something tangible you could consume, even if it is digital, cause I know I can’t hop on a call with every single person who want to pick my brain. You can purchase “Wellness That Works”, “How to Craft Limitless Content with Ease”, and more at CydneyIrby.com! New products coming soon cause of course they are. I’m always up to something. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cydneyrai.substack.com/subscribe

In Season 5, Episode 9, God woke me up around 5 am and immediately had me record the prayer for the next year of your life, or your new year. You can start over again, with God, at any point.You can come as you are and embrace the return.You can accept and agree to God-life integration.Let our Father in. He wants to be your friend.He wants to be your consultant.He wants to be your everything and forever. Glory to God for this early morning moment. I love you, Lord. Thank you, Holy Spirit. May this prayer reach every soul it’s supposed to. If you enjoyed this episode and would like to sow into the kingdom God is asking me to build, you can go here or go to $cydneyrai.— Side note: I dropped this at 09:09 on 10/09 because the “number 9 is a highly spiritual number, symbolizing spiritual enlightenment, spiritual awakening, universal love, humanitarianism and service to humanity, generosity, selflessness, inner strength, setting a positive example, and divine wisdom.” Shoutout to God and yourtango.com for that! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cydneyrai.substack.com/subscribe

I bet you weren’t expecting me to ever record an episode during the final minutes of a football game but here we are! As the fourth quarter came to a close — and I dramatically live reacted on Instagram to the Georgia vs. Alabama game — I felt the pull to start recording a voice memo and find the word in two undefeated teams going head to head so early in the 2024 season and why you don’t take it easy in the fourth quarter. Keep pushing!Believe it or not, I genuinely love watching football and most sporting events. I did it way more in my college years so coming back to it in 2023 and even doing a podcast episode for Season 5 isn’t actually that shocking to me. After all, this is a tell-all and you know I’m good for a solid live reaction with the theatrics by now!Take a listen for the message, the gems, and how the true test of great leaders has nothing to do with the title and everything to do with character.If you loved the episode and want to support what I do, donate here to keep it going! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cydneyrai.substack.com/subscribe

In Season 5, Episode 7, I explain the concept of SBS Live or Small Business Saturday Live, how that expanded into a private Slack community called “The C.O.R.E. Collective”, and how these two things are just pieces of a much larger puzzle to the empire, or kingdom, God is asking me to nurture and lead. I also give a special shoutout to Charlotte is Creative, Sophia, Sasha, and everyone at the 7th Charlotte Reciprocity Circle which was the event that inspired me to continue on this path to make The Carolinas something the world has never seen before. Or, at least, not in the way it’s been done cause now God is involved. Stay tuned! If you loved the episode and want to support what I do, donate here to keep it going! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cydneyrai.substack.com/subscribe

In Season 5, Episode 6, I hint as much as I can to what’s coming for my own kingdom evolution and why everything I’ve ever done makes SO much more sense now when it comes to branding and marketing consulting as it relates to small businesses, building communities of connection, my social impact work over the last 15+ years, any user-generated content (UGC) creation, and whatever else I’ve done that I can’t currently remember. I’ve lived many lives y’all and done many a thing! Authentic kingdom living was never giving boring or super comfortable but were worth the time, energy, and effort of embracing this lifestyle and ushering in new things for the glory of God. So, if you see me throwing it in a circle to my favorite music at a party, mind ya business. Ya girl is saved, not a saint. If you loved the episode and want to support what I do, donate here to keep it going! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cydneyrai.substack.com/subscribe

In an unexpected twist, I decided to record Episode 5 of Season 5 while trapped in the parking lost post-Kehlani concert. Yeah, you read that right! For my 34th birthday, I decided to treat myself to an early birthday concert experience and go to see Kehlani who recently gave me another no-skip album to rave about, CRASH. Opening acts Anycia and FLO also did their thing with FLO giving us 90’s R&B-Pop realness in a way I haven’t experienced live but absolutely needed! Stay tuned on my channel, Lifetime of Music, for some recaps. You know, always up to something. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cydneyrai.substack.com/subscribe

While Season 5, Episode 4 was recorded just days before October began. Since it’s the first official episode in my month, it just HAD to be about celebrating all I’ve done, who I am, and that I exist or at least some major things, up until now! This was originally inspired by a word by Luvvie Ajayi Jones I stumbled upon on Threads but I don’t believe in coincidences! She said exactly what I needed to hear and what you may need too. As always, there’s a word at the end of the podcast cause That God Flow is fierce and you know I can’t leave you hanging. By the way, Luvvie says ask yourself:“Who wins in my silence?”“Who benefits in my doubt?”It’s time to celebrate yourself. Don’t hold back!— Side note: And if you wanna celebrate your existence the whole month that your birthday falls in, know I’m celebrating right along with you. I get it. 🤭 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cydneyrai.substack.com/subscribe

As the month of September draws to a close, my Source (God) asked for me to release a prayer over the next month of your life. For me, this was concerning the month of October. For you, you may be hearing it at a different pivotal point of time or you may be listening to it at the end of each month or whenever you need it. Towards the end of this prayer, I was clearly trying to ask God to correct y’all when you’re not resting but not in a harsh way like He does with me. The way it came out was NOT what I was expecting so all I could do was giggle through it. Glory to my Father who remains at the center of my life and keeps me joyous and my heart light. Some of the things He has me say live and does not tell me to edit be throwing me for a loop but we’re cool. This is real, this is me. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cydneyrai.substack.com/subscribe

In Season 5, Episode 2, you’ll hear in real-time what I thought would be a deep dive into allowing God to permeate your life through unearthing the meaning of Psalm 119 and quickly turned into a congregation of conversation around words I’ve personally received for God’s children, kingdom creatives, and daughters of the Lord. Pay attention to the divine digits/angel numbers to see what the Most High wants you to know as I explain pieces of my own spiritual journey that involved private tarot and oracle readings amongst agnostic and faith-based individuals as I felt called. We don’t judge or demonize over here. God is present in everything and everywhere in some way, shape, or form, even if He is the light in a seemingly stray thought to get you out of something, away from someone, or to leave that place.If you can’t find him in that place, person, or thing, are you sure you know every way He shows up for you? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cydneyrai.substack.com/subscribe

Season 5, Episode 01 of Cyd Tells All is here, and we’re kicking things off with a juicy 1 hour, 10 minute, and 10 second conversation all about transitioning into authentic kingdom living. Trust me, this one’s a heart-to-heart you won’t want to miss!We’re diving deep into what it actually looks like to break those pesky generational curses and step into a life that feels real, raw, and aligned with your kingdom purpose. I’m sharing my own experiences and keeping it real as always, because we all know the journey isn’t always pretty, but it’s so worth it.In this episode, I talk about why it’s so important to stay open-minded and live as unconditional love — and no, not the "tolerate everything" type of love, but the kind that’s rooted in truth and grace. Also, if you’ve been waiting for a sneak peek into 2025, well… I’m teasing a little bit about what’s to come, but you know me — gotta keep some things under wraps for now! 😉Along the way, I drop some love for my favorite resources, like my site CydneyIrby.com, my Etsy shop ByCydneyrai.Etsy.com, and the daily journal that’s keeping me grounded, The Daily from AmenitiesShop.co. You’ll want to check those out if you’re ready to take your kingdom living to the next level!So grab your coffee (or tea, or whatever makes you feel cozy) and settle in, because we’re getting real about what it means to live authentically, break free from old patterns, and walk fully into who God’s calling you to be.Let’s get into it! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cydneyrai.substack.com/subscribe

The original final episode of Season 4 of Cyd Tells All, potentially the final episode ever, was 1 hour, 11 minutes, and 12 seconds. And then, God asked me to re-record something much shorter and leave it at that. I don’t know if the tell-all will come back. I do know that what I’ve left in each episode will impact someone. Maybe with a moment of joy or welcoming the surrender or helping them discover their favorite self isn’t as far away as they thought. And honestly, that’s all I ever wanted. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cydneyrai.substack.com/subscribe

An episode under 20 minutes?? Who is she?? All giggles aside, as Season 4 comes to a close, I wanted to commit to at least one shorter episode. The fact that y’all have been listening to me ramble for 4 seasons is baffling to this introverted creative and heartwarming. Yes, even with me having done speaking engagements in the past. May this episode find whoever it’s supposed to. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cydneyrai.substack.com/subscribe

I thought I’d do something a little different with the final 3 episodes of Season 4. If you feel called to listen, press play. If not, trust that this will find you again when it’s time. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cydneyrai.substack.com/subscribe

What if divine support and divine love is how the world goes round? Not just money and power? In the fourth episode of the Daily Motivation series, we do a deep-dive into the concept of “community, not competition” and I give you the affirmations that shook me to my core in this Year of Audacity in the Name of Good. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cydneyrai.substack.com/subscribe

In the 3rd episode of the Daily Motivation series, I touch on the topic that I can’t get enough of since late 2023: You are not for everyone. I first explored this as discerning the type of people in your life — think like a relationship audit. I found my Instagram community was feeling the same growing pains that come with moving into a new chapter but not being able to take everyone with you for one reason or another. Yes, there are some caveats with this statement but the idea is still simple: you are not for everyone and that’s okay. Experience people with no expectations about who they should be and how you should perform to match their energy. You are not them and they are not you. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cydneyrai.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, I talk about rest and why you need to stop equating it to sleep since rest is about recharging in the ways your mind, body, and soul need. I even spoil you with 2 bonus motivational messages to carry you through until next week’s dose of motivation. You ready? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cydneyrai.substack.com/subscribe

In my second daily motivation series — the first being on socials — I dive deep into an intuitive word for you every day of the week starting with Monday and ending with my Sabbath, Sunday. This Monday motivation is going to ask you to be open-minded and ready to receive. You ready? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cydneyrai.substack.com/subscribe

I started the Capture & Connect Initiative officially in 2021 with a few photographs of products created by The New Nostalgia. In this episode, I dive deeper into the original source of this initiative (my mom’s garden) and why I continue to enjoy a philanthropic God-thing in each of my businesses, no matter how much income I’m bringing in. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cydneyrai.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, I dive into the 3 mindset shifts I covered over the weekend live, why I went live 8 times in 48 hours across 4 different platforms (TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Twitch), and where our power actually lies, especially for those of us with a personal relationship with God. Basically, if you’re tired of letting the world run your life and you’re ready to do something about it, this is for you. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cydneyrai.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, I chat with you about how I became a mod for my sis Mishy’s Twitch channel, BlasianButterfly, and how I felt post-12-hour-stream cause yes, I was there the whole time! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cydneyrai.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, I review the concept behind the recent daily motivation video (Instagram reel) I posted on socials and the nuances in living as your full, authentic self while building your community. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cydneyrai.substack.com/subscribe

While a 30 minute episode would not do this concept/movement/mindset justice, I wanted to explain where it was coming from, what’s going on in my world and in my head, and the things I need us to consider when stepping into a year like this. The Year of Audacity in the Name of Good podcast is only available on Substack and the in-depth episodes will only be available to members on that platform. I also may be hinting in this episode to things coming with this project and Dream On Youth’s new direction. See, I’m trying to talk about what I do more! 🤭 as always, you can head to Cydneyrai.com to discover all the ways you can support me. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cydneyrai.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, which was purely for some Friday fun and letting you into the world of what I get to do with this life of mine, I bring you into the genius that is RENAISSANCE BRUNCH, now HIVE HOEDOWN: the ultimate experience for the Beyhive to get together and have a real good time! Even if we are totally unaffiliated with the Queen (Beyoncé) herself. By the time I finished recording this episode, I am a part of the event team…shocking no one…so this just felt appropriate to release right before we begin our summer tour. Who wants HIVE HOEDOWN to go international? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cydneyrai.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, I dive into what led be to becoming a founder at the age of 22, some of my personal testimony with my faith in God, and some affirming words for all the founders out there. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cydneyrai.substack.com/subscribe

In Season 3, I really wanted to dive into more of my intersections and the first one that called to me was being Black and nerdy which is more commonly known as a “Blerd.” In this episode, I talk about what it was like growing up as a Black, nerdy girl (in the South), how I come from a family of nerds, and what I feel like makes me a nerd. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cydneyrai.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, I dive into the truth about committing to your “Me Season” — the good, the uncomfortable, and the dark — while wholeheartedly telling you to go for it because you are worthy of good things. You are worthy of choosing, prioritizing, and loving yourself. I even go as far as to tell you what woke me up and made me go into this Me Season effective the same day as this recording. Shoutout to this Year of Audacity in the Name of Good and the Most High cause we’re digging deep in Season 3 I see. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cydneyrai.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to Season 3! In this first episode, I wanted to dive into what I need us to understand as ever-evolving and ever-curious people — our past doesn’t define us, and still, it can help mold us into better, brighter, more aligned versions of ourselves with that life we keep trying to attract. I also want us to understand that none of us are perfect, our paths aren’t a straight line, and we’ve all been problematic at some point, it comes with being human. Did you learn? Did you give yourself grace? Did you let go in love or are you still holding onto toxic energy? Again, none of this happens overnight. Moving forward is about progress, not perfection. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cydneyrai.substack.com/subscribe

If you are in open and receptive to unpacking money trauma and aligning yourself with your wealthiest life, this is the episode for you! If any of these affirmations do not resonate from the Money Matters deck by Deserved Happiness, I challenge you to reframe it so it does work for you. The only constant is change and better is on the other side of the work you refuse to do by choosing yourself. You ready? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cydneyrai.substack.com/subscribe

It’s funny, I originally told myself I was not recording a podcast episode this week and we’d end Season 2 with the Cowboy Carter episode. Clearly, that’s not what happened. This episode right here is for all the people with abandonment wounds you don’t talk about, the healers who often do thankless work, and those with rejection trauma that started in childhood. If you take nothing else from this: Rejection is protection. There are blessings in redirection. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cydneyrai.substack.com/subscribe

While Beyoncé’s bodies of work like LEMONADE, The Lion King: The Gift, and RENAISSANCE have easily become the soundtracks to my life at various points of my life, nothing could have prepared me for the feelings of coming home and pure chills I got after listening to her album or act ii, COWBOY CARTER. I have left live reactions on social media platforms like Instagram, Threads, and TikTok, but for my genuine impression of how this album makes me feel, I left it all on the mic. Beyoncé, thank you. You made this Southern girl cry, dance, laugh, sing, and so much more. You deserve all your flowers and I hope this suffices for now. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cydneyrai.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, we go through the difference between affirmations and mantras along with 8 rest practices from The Nap Ministry’s Rest Deck: 50 Practices to Resist Grind Culture. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cydneyrai.substack.com/subscribe

This is very much from the point of view of Black women because — hello, look at me — and how we often get told to shrink ourselves to make others comfortable in the workplace, romantic relationships, friendships, and anywhere else where we’re perceived a “threat” to someone’s ego. In this episode, I break down the thread that led to this conversation and how we do better as a society when it comes to being intimidated by someone’s fullness. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cydneyrai.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, we dive into what it means to be high-functioning whether you’re dealing with depression or anxiety, my story as a high-functioning Black girl, and, as always, how when we know better, we can do better. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cydneyrai.substack.com/subscribe