In this episode of Living in the Gray with PK, we’re pulling back the curtain on the subtle but dangerous cycle of people pleasing and how it often leads to self-abandonment.
PK unpacks how this behavior is rooted in the fear of rejection, shares personal stories of navigating this tension as a pastor and Black woman, and invites you to take steps toward living more holistically — where your yes aligns with your values and your no doesn’t come with guilt.
This conversation is for the person who’s done disappearing to make others comfortable. It’s for the one learning that peace is not the absence of conflict, but the presence of self. If you’ve ever struggled to choose yourself without apology, this episode is your reminder: your wholeness is holy.
🔗 Share this with someone who needs permission to stop performing and start healing.
Follow us on social media @livinginthegraywithpk
What does it look like to live in the tension of self-doubt and divine assignment? Join Pastor Krys aka PK as she navigates the in-between to discover what exactly God says about why we're called and how we can respond.
Don't forget to tag @thekrysmcdonald and @livinginthegraywithpk with your feedback and takeaways.
Scripture Reference: Exodus 3, Philippians 1:6
🎙️ Have you ever felt like you’re standing in the hallway of life between two doors—one God closed, and one He hasn’t opened yet? That’s the gray.
It’s the space where faith is tested, identity is stretched, and clarity hasn’t quite caught up with your calling but you still know you’re called to and for something. Welcome to "Living in the Gray" the podcast for those learning to trust God in the tension of life.
Scripture Reference: Proverbs 3:5-6
📣 NEW PODCAST ALERT! 🎙️
Life isn’t black and white—and neither is our faith journey.
Introducing Living in the Gray with PK — a podcast for the misfit, the faith-filled, and the ones still becoming. Each episode helps you navigate life, leadership, and healing in the tension between “I’m not sure” and “God is still good.”
👀 Expect real talk.
🔥 Powerful guests.
🎯 Truth that sticks.
The podcast trailer is live now!
🎧 Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, YouTube & wherever you listen.
🔗 Follow @LivingintheGraywithPK for inspirational drops + behind the scenes.
Why does everything have to be either/or? Absolute? Divided?
Join Krys McDonald as she navigates her way through the intersection of Christianity and culture with a conversation centered around what it means to be objective in a world of perceived absolutes. How can we learn to see certain situations from a both/and angle instead of forcing our opinions onto others? In this episode we will unpack what it means to have healthy relationships on and offline that reflect our objectivity and respect for one another.
Recommended Readings:
Let's Get Connected:
Facebook: @shespeakswithkrys
Instagram: @shespeakswithkrys
Website: https://www.whenkrysspeaks.com
People who consider themselves a prophet in the Christian community love to use the phrase "cry loud and spare not" but what does this really mean, especially when it comes to addressing cultural issues? Should we as Christians even address cultural issues from our own platform?
Join Krys McDonald as she navigates her way through the intersection of Christianity and culture to discuss what it means to openly rebuke others in the Christian community especially with the growing access to social media, which makes it easier to spread our rebuke further across demographics.
Recommended Readings:
Listen to More Episodes: She Speaks Podcast
Shop for Faith-Based Merch: shespeaksapparel.com
Let's Get Connected:
Facebook: @shespeakswithkrys
Instagram: @shespeakswithkrys
Website: https://www.whenkrysspeaks.com/
How can our social footprint that we leave on social media and in these streets translate into constructive instead of destructive behavior when civically engaging with others? Especially in times of political and social unrest. And especially as Christian believers?
Join Krys McDonald as she navigates her way through the intersection of Christianity and culture to discuss what it means to "be civil" in an uncivil world, especially when engagement with others is easier now because of social media spaces that provide space for people to share their opinions freely, even if foolishly. How can we have conversations about subjects like #policebrutality #TyreNichols and #riots without disrespecting one another? Let's talk about it.
Recommended Readings:
Listen to More Episodes: She Speaks Podcast
Shop for Faith-Based Merch: shespeaksapparel.com
Let's Get Connected:
Facebook: @shespeakswithkrys
Instagram: @shespeakswithkrys
Website: https://www.whenkrysspeaks.com/
Are you wrong for considering yourself an Empath as a Christian believer?
Join Krys McDonald as she navigates her way through the intersection of Christianity and culture to discuss what the social media streets are tussling about. What is an empath and is that the same thing as having empathy? On this episode we will unpack what it means to be an Empath and how that impacts those who profess to follow Christ.
Recommended Readings:
Listen to More Episodes:
Let's Get Connected:
Facebook: @shespeakswithkrys
Instagram: @shespeakswithkrys
Website: https://www.whenkrysspeaks.com/
Join Krys McDonald on a new episode of #shespeakspodcast where she navigates her way through the intersection of Christianity and culture as she speaks about the reality of respectability politics. Krys will highlight the huge problem with respectability politics in the Black community and share her thoughts on how this manifests in our mental health and in a church context as well.
Have questions, comments, or thoughts to share? Connect with me and let's chat:
www.whenkrysspeaks.com
Instagram: @whenkrysspeaks or @shespeaksapparel
Join Krys McDonald as she speaks about the tragic death of 16-year-old Ma'Khia Bryant who was killed by police on Tuesday, April 20th. Many people have opinions about why the officer is wrong in this case but listen in as Krys shares why the blood of this child is on more hands than that officer who fired the gun.
IG: @whenkrysspeaks
www.whenkrysspeaks.com
Join Krys McDonald on this episode as she addresses the recent death of #EarlSimmons better known as #DMX and how legalistic religious thinking prevents people from seeing that there is room in Heaven for people like him too.
IG: @whenkrysspeaks
www.whenkrysspeaks.com
At what point are we going to stop using spiritual colloquialisms to avoid dealing with complex mental health issues? Huh? Let’s talk about… Join Krys McDonald on this episode as she speaks about the realities of spiritual bypassing, religious trauma, and how to find healing from it all.
IG: @whenkrysspeaks or @shespeaksapparel
www.whenkrysspeaks.com
Join the host, Krys McDonald, as she speaks with special guest Nikia (Nick) Anderson about what it means to cultivate a mindset that enables us to grow successfully, both spiritually and mentally. Krys and Nick discuss how childhood and religious trauma impacts our current conditions and they share ways to overcome those things that may hinder future growth. Be warned, there is SO much to unpack in this episode.
Support Nick by purchasing his book "From Poverty to Prosperity, The Truth About the Wealth of God's Love" available now on his site stepbyfaith.com and via Amazon. Connect with Nick via Instagram: @nikiaa17
Join Krys as she speaks about the racial disparities of mental illness, especially in a culture today where there is so much civil unrest because of police brutality. Krys will address how Black men have been trending in the media lately after deadly encounters with police while they were experiencing a mental break.
This episode finds its way at the intersection of Christianity and culture as Krys seeks to bridge the gap between intervention for Black people and incarceration of Black people. Warning: this may trigger you heavily. Proceed with caution.
Let's chat about it on Instagram/Twitter: @whenkrysspeaks
This episode is centered around the new visual album from Beyonce entitled #BlackisKing. Join Krys as she seeks to bridge the gap between Christianity and Black culture in the light of this new musical release. The celebration of Black beauty, the censorship of Black art, and the idolization of Blackness will be discussed. Tune in!
On this episode, Krys shares her thoughts on why #cancelculture needs to be cancelled and how the way we view public figures like #KanyeWest and #TamarBraxton in this culture impacts the way we uphold values of faith and redemption. Join Krys as she seeks to bridge the gap between Christianity and culture as she unpacks the subject of mental health as it relates to our spirituality and platform.
Join Krys on this episode as she has an in depth conversation with special guest Laura Iverson about the joys and drawbacks of being apart of women influencer communities.
On this Facebook Live recorded podcast, we’re talking all things #sexuality and #sexualpurity for the #Christian #single! If you’ve been single for any length of time since being saved, then you understand the immense pressure and temptation to conform in a sex-saturated world. But, all hope isn’t lost. Maintaining is possible, but it takes more than prayer and a cold shower!
Come hear our stories and testimonies, as well as, practical tips from married and single women on how we navigated or are navigating this season of singleness with our sexuality.