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For Better Or Best Podcast

For Better Or Best Podcast

Written by: Charles and Shireen Kuykendoll
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 Hosts Charles Beloved and Shireen Kuykendoll talk marriage, family life, Black love, and entrepreneurship. Join them every Wednesday where they share their experiences and give the audience a taste of how they balance chaos with blessings.2023 Relationships Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Not The Only Raye

    Not The Only Raye
    Jan 7 2026
    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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    37 mins
  • What If It All Works Out?

    What If It All Works Out?
    Dec 26 2025
    This Christmas‑Eve episode starts with jokes and ends with real life. Charles and Shireen are no strangers to silver linings, so the two open up the "Kevin Durant episode" talking about about grief, friendship, entrepreneurship, mental health, and the wild ride that was 2025. If you’ve been waiting for a sign to stop delaying your dreams… this is it. 3:19 - What If It All Works Out? Reflecting on risk‑taking, the promises of 2026, and the sudden loss of DJ Commando and why Charles is done bottling emotions. 6:31 -Shireen touches on losing Chyna; reminder that tomorrow isn’t promised and why you should “start today.” 9:02 - Check on your strong friends! It's important to double‑check on your people, reading their energy, and being intentional beyond social media. 12:03 - Stop waiting on your dreams; the Kuykendolls share how grief pushed them both to stop delaying the things they’re called to do. 14:58 - Laying the groundwork; Charles explains why he wasn’t ready for entrepreneurship five years ago — and what changed. 19:42 - Money vs. Power ; Choosing creative control, building the right team, and scaling without losing yourself in the process 24:45 - The podcast almost ended; the metrics said “quit,” but purpose said “keep going.” And then Revolt called 30:11 - Celebrating 2025; Dubai with the kids, Essence Fest, Cannes, McDonald’s, Microsoft, Afrotech, Oxtail Off - and still being nervous about what’s next. 33:56 - Health, fertility, new IPs & hope will be the focus for 2026 Peace, normal blood pressure, new ideas, their 10‑year anniversary, leads us back to consider: What if it all works out? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    41 mins
  • Everybody's A Scammer Part II (The Road To Closing)

    Everybody's A Scammer Part II (The Road To Closing)
    Dec 17 2025
    It's our Shaq/Scottie Pippen episode y'all! This week the Beloveds needed to keep spilling the tea about the chaotic blessings of their big move, sharing how much transparency and patience was required both at the bank and driving the streets in Houston. 00:02:17 – Kuykendolls recall their most stressful season while moving. 00:04:25 – Triple financial strain: From Airbnb rent, old mortgage, and new house costs. 00:05:02 – Exhausting daily school commutes highlight the unsustainable setup. 00:06:27 – Shireen's birthday wish: forget the party, just sell the house. 00:07:31 – The cash buyer’s funds never materialize, leaving them stuck in limbo. 00:10:32 – Shireen’s corporate job/credit secures loan when Charles’s business income disqualifies him. 00:19:36 – Breakthrough: A local Houston lender offers a bank statement loan, restoring hope. 00:23:43 – Multiple low appraisals force tough negotiations and transparency with friends. 00:25:53 – The family finally moves in; kids are thriving, Mama Tina is settled, the vision for their 40s affirmed. 00:27:47 – A rental solution emerges just in time, preventing double mortgage payments. 00:30:08 – Reflection: This Houston era brings relief, new opportunities, and entrepreneurial energy. 00:31:24 – Houston praised for affordability and generational wealth potential compared to LA. 00:32:25 – Downsides: Houston drivers and road rage frustrations. 00:33:50 – Anecdote: Shireen's first cracked windshield from trucks in fast lane. 00:34:35 – Fashion differences: Houston’s stricter dress codes vs. LA’s laid‑back, homeless chic vibes. 00:36:41 – Food comparison: Houston’s diverse, flavorful scene far surpasses LA’s (sorry to our LA friends😂) 00:37:21 – Houston cost of living perks: cheap gas, bigger homes, better quality of life. 00:38:07 – Career reflections: centralized travel, bookings and business connections are still strong in LA, despite them leaving. 00:38:46 – A good friend reminds them they still own their LA house — future possibilities remain open. 00:39:00 – Now comes the excitement for Houston adventures, gratitude, and promise of a new season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    41 mins
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