PODCAST & BLOG

I happen to be in Arkansas visiting my family, and my parents were so excited that I'd be able to join them in going to their neighbor's Memorial Day get together. My dad, especially, gets a kick out of the fact that his neighbors are Doc and Ashley, and some of my friends have nicknamed me...

Confession time. I was a dedicated Cosmo reader as a young adult (and YM before that). One of the regular features that I looked forward to most was the quiz. I realized, even then, that there was absolutely no validity to them. Still, it was fun and interesting to take the...

One of the luxuries of my job as a practicing psychologist is that I get to hear the behind-the-scenes, real deal, inside scoop from so many people. That allows me to see how truly similar we are - our fears, our joys, our longings, and our needs. Every so often it seems that...

It's that time of year again...Mental Health Awareness month.

As a practicing psychologist, I am quite literally in the business of mental health. 

And yet, I hate it.

Not my job. I am fascinated by the brain, and I love helping others learn how their minds work and using that...

Despite recognizing that mental health has tanked in the past 3 years, our efforts to make meaningful and significant gains in how we support employees remain insufficient. 

We've all seen the startling statistics:

• Dramatic increases in anxiety, depression, and stress
• Burnout...

Don't worry. Be happy!

Ah, those illustrious words of Bobby McPherrin (it's a classic 80's song, in case I'm dating myself here). 

"In your life, expect some trouble. but when you worry you make it double."

Wise words set to a catchy tune.

Just Don't Worry

I'd argue (and often do)...

"Are we there yet?" I asked/whined. 

"Ashley, it's been like 5 minutes since you asked last time. What's with the ants in the pants?" she replied, with only the slightest touch of detectable annoyance. (Her patience was commendable.)

I wish I could say this was a conversation...

"Are you willing to die for that job?"

Oof. That question is a punch in the gut. 

I was recently catching up with a dear friend who is in the field of education. The last several times we've spoken, she's shared how incredibly stressed she's been. Her anxiety has been through the roof....

I recently shared the TEDx talk I gave a few months ago. What I haven't shared yet is the way I prepared for it. I got some strange looks from friends when I initially described my methods, but I think they were brilliant...and they worked. 

Before I fill you in on the what...

Yesterday, I recorded some video content for a project I'm working on. I did dozens of takes of various segments to give myself lots of footage to choose from. After a couple hours, I called it a wrap and headed home. I started reviewing clips only to realize that my hair was sticking up crazy in...

Despite loving audio books and being a big fan of the work Dr. April (my counterpart here at Peak Mind) does through the Building Psychological Strength podcast, I don't really listen to a lot of podcasts. Unless someone sends me a specific episode, promising me that I'll find it interesting, or...

Go with me for a minute. When you think of a strong, powerful tree, what images come to mind? Do you envision an oak? Something solid and sturdy? 

What about a palm tree? 

I'd venture to say that a palm isn't what comes to mind when you think of strong trees, but I'd argue that it is,...