‘The McBee Dynasty’ Star Galyna Saltkovska Is “Very, Very Grateful” To Kristi McBee For Hearing Her Out: “The Way She Accepted Me Was Unbelievable”

Galyna Saltkovska is in a much better place than she was while filming The McBee Dynasty: Real American Cowboys Season 2. After being betrayed by boss/former paramour Steve McBee Sr. and her treacherous friend Masha, Galyna was thrown for a loop. Luckily for Galyna, she always had an ally in Steven McBee Jr. Even when she was at her worst—lashing out and neglecting her work duties—the younger McBee stood by her, even when his family did not. “It’s been an incredibly rough journey for me,” said Galyna. “For [Steven] to have my back is what helped get me through my darkest days.”

One of the things McBee did to help facilitate Galyna’s healing process was to set up a meeting between her and his mother, Kristi McBee, so that both women could speak their peace. “I feel that I was not properly informed about their marriage at the beginning of my time with Steve,” explained Galyna. “I understand Kristi so much more now.” After the two had a heart-to-heart conversation, Kristi urged Galyna to move on from Steve’s and Masha’s deception and focus on the business. “When someone like Kristi comes in and validates you, it’s everything,” said Galyna earnestly.

Taking Kristi’s words to heart, Galyna was able to enjoy Jesse McBee’s birthday dinner and sit next to her ex without incident during a recent episode even though she had no idea Steve was going to be in attendance as well. “That was a quite a surprise,” said Galyna. While the two were able to co-exist, Galyna admitted she was still “dealing with a lot” at the time. However, she is committed to moving forward and working towards a “friendship” someday. “My hope is to become friends, continue to run the businesses, and enjoy the boys and the grandbabies,” confirmed Galyna.

Galyna stopped by the Decider studio to chat about the season, bonding with Kristi, moving on from her trauma, and more.

DECIDER: The heart-to-heart you had with Steven after that disastrous family trip felt like the breakthrough you two needed. Were you happy that he opened up to you about Calah?

GALYNA SALTKOVSKA: That conversation established the trust between us . Business is business, but when somebody reaches out to me on the personal level—especially Steven—it means the world to me. Steven is an extremely private person.

It was interesting to hear him draw comparisons between his and Calah’s relationship and yours and Steve Sr’s. Do you think there’s hope that Steven Jr will not repeat these learned patterns in the future?

I hope so. Honestly, I’ve drawn that parallel for a long time. I definitely don’t agree with the way he and Calah treated each other at times. Also, I hope he can learn from me and Steve Sr. what not to do in a relationship [laughs]. Steven deserves so much more. He is an amazing person.

Despite how much his family disagreed, Steven defended you during one of the roughest periods of your life. How grateful are you that he stood by you?

It meant everything. It’s been an incredibly rough journey for me. I did some stupid shit that I’m not proud of. However, that’s how I felt in the moment. It’s been a lot. Steven and I are not biologically family, but we’ve been with each other through business and personal issues for quite some time. Him having my back helped get me through my darkest days.

That conversation with Steven was also the first time you really acknowledged Kristi and the way her marriage came to an end. Do you think that played a part in you starting to heal?

A huge part. I feel that I was not properly informed about their marriage at the beginning of my time with Steve. I understand Kristi so much more now. I don’t feel that I did anything to their marriage that wasn’t done way before I came into the picture. I absolutely adore her. She is a great, great person. The fact that Steven, who loves his mom, came to me and wanted us to meet meant a great deal to me.

It shows how important you are to Steven that he would facilitate a reconciliation between you and his mother.

Yes. I am so happy that that happened. I message Kristi all the time. We are in a much better place now than we have ever been before.

I think it took a lot of courage to apologize to Kristi and say your peace. Was that a cathartic moment for you?

Yes, absolutely. I cannot imagine the pain that she went through. It was nice to get on the same page and for me to be able to tell her how deeply I care about the business and about the boys. For me to speak my truth was so incredibly meaningful. The way she accepted me was unbelievable. I’m very, very grateful.

Regarding the Masha situation and your moving past it, Kristi said: “She’s a strong woman, and I need her to be a strong woman.” Did her candid comments about how the situation made the boys feel—especially Steven Jr—give you that final push to begin to move on?

Yes. Her words helped me trust in myself again. When someone like Kristi comes in and validates you, it’s everything.

What do you think about Kristi’s theory that Steve Sr. doesn’t want his boys to be in stable relationships because he wants to have them around to party with?

It was probably was the truth until he had granddaughters [laughs]. I think he’s rethinking a lot of things now.

You were in Nashville on a business trip and met the boys for Jesse’s birthday dinner. Did you know Steve was going to be there?

I did not know and that was a quite a surprise [laughs]. I was still dealing with a lot, but I was in a much better headspace after I talked with Kristi. Honestly, it was a lovely dinner. It seemed like you and Steve were able to peacefully co-exist at that dinner and even have a few laughs.

Do you think it’s possible to have a friendship down the line?

We definitely are working on the friendship. I’m an adult, but I experienced a lot of trauma. I’m going to act out. I’m going to be hurt, and I have the right to be. I’m not proud of my actions in the past, but I’m going to move on. Life goes on. My hope is to become friends, continue to run the businesses, and enjoy the boys and the grandbabies. Ultimately, they are my family here.

Masha texting Steve a million times while at dinner was tough to watch. Can you tell me what you thought of Steve’s hot mic moment?

Well, I thought it was a little bit pathetic [laughs]. For someone who portrays himself the way he does, Steve got very frazzled, but whatever. More power to them. Congratulations, you both got what you want.

Finally, what can you tease about the rest of the season?

I would say you definitely want to stay tuned . There is a lot more to come. Stay strong [laughs]. Watch it.