Courtney Hayes on Faith, Second Chances and Rising Above Yesterday

Courtney Hayes joins You're Beautiful with Brian Trust to share how faith, family and community support helped him move beyond hardship and stay focused on personal growth. He reflects on growing up in church, his California roots, life in the Alton area and the relationships that kept him grounded through incarceration and reentry.

Hayes discusses the influence of mentors, friends and local church leaders, including Pastor Darren Carson, as well as the lasting role of worship music in his life. He and Brian also consider why encouragement, accountability and checking on loved ones can matter during periods of depression, anxiety and isolation.

The conversation also covers Hayes’ work ethic, education and business goals, including his food truck, Raise Taco—short for “Rising Above Yesterday.” Throughout the episode, he emphasizes forgiveness, humility, prayer and refusing to let the past define the future.