A provocative podcast that looks at all things taboo in society, such as suicide, grief, sex, addictions, cultural codes, and more. Each week, I talk with experts who successfully investigate their areas of interest.
wounds, dawn, grief, really enjoy listening, certainly, challenging, relationship, engaging, idea, light, issues, deep, understand, highly recommend, insightful, topics, interesting, think, great job.
Listeners of Into The Dawn that love the show mention: ashley does a great,Steve Leder is the senior rabbi of Wilshire Boulevard Temple in Los Angeles. After receiving his degree in writing and graduating cum laude from Northwestern University, and spending time studying at Trinity College, Oxford University, Leder received a master's degree in Hebrew letters in 1986 and rabbinical ordination in 1987 from Hebrew Union College. He is the author of five books: The Extraordinary Nature of Ordinary Things, More Money Than God: Living a Rich Life Without Losing your Soul, the bestsellers More Beautiful Than Before: How Suffering Transforms Us, and The Beauty of What Remains, and his latest For You When I Am Gone: Twelve Essential Questions to Tell a Life Story.In this episode we discuss:12 essential questions to ask self for your life storyWhat is an ethical will and why it's imperative we all have one for our loved ones at any ageWhy we need to know if we are living our truth or are we just professing toWhy these 12 questions are vital to open up a person's life story and help you get to the truth of your lifeWhy most people regret what they don't do verse what they do doWhy it's never too soon to examine your life and align it with your truthWhy life would have no meaning if there was no deathWhy excepting dualities as dualities is healing and can lessen anxietyWhy the power of truth and vulnerability is an unburdening of selfConnect with Steve:Instagram: @steve_lederWebsite: www.steveleder.comBuy his book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09FNZMPFJ/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i2Connect with Ashley:Instagram: @intothedawnpodcastPersonal: @ashleydrivardWebsite: www.ashleyrivard.com
Aurélie Galois is a painter and a writer.While studying literature (at Sorbonne University) and history of art (at theSchool of the Louvre), she learned every traditional technique of painting,drawing, and engraving in a private studio in Paris. As a young editor in chief forseveral magazines and freelance writer, she started to paint the portraits ofthose she was interviewing. Faces and bodies become her favorite landscape,and erotism has also been a frequent inspiration.Christian Lima, is of Portuguese origin and was born in Paris and lived his entire life.As an entrepreneur, he owns two cheese shops called “Fromages et ramage”and is passionate about gastronomy and wines. He plays piano and pétanquefor many years and is renowned for being loud. He's a lover of music, cinema, and human beings.In this episode we discuss:•What are the culture codes in France•Why pleasure is the driving force behind their choices•How the French view love/ romance/ sensuality and why the stereotype isoutdated•Why it's important or true that the French like to show off with nice clothesand nice cars•Why French have a different kind of openness than the American opens•Love is friendship with sex•Why men are just as vulnerable as women in France•What sex means to the them•France is deep in culture- but is it deep in self-awareness•Why real artists are full of doubt and knowingness simultaneously•What other countries could learn from the French culture•Why a good conversation must have good food and good wine•Why French think they are the best and why the men have huge egosConnect with Aurelie:Instagram: @aureliegaloisWebsite: www.aureliegalois.comConnect with Ashley:Instagram: @intothedawnpodcast/ @ashleydrivardWebsite: www.ashleyrivard.com
Janae Marie “Kroc” Kroczaleski is a transgender woman who also identifies as gender fluid and non-binary. Prior to transition, she was a world champion and a record-holding powerlifter, and a national-level bodybuilder. Also, she is a United States Marine, who was selected to work in presidential security under President Clinton, a cancer survivor, a published author, a licensed pharmacist, a public speaker, and a proud parent of three sons. Janae was the subject of the award-winning documentary, Transformer, which is currently available on Netflix and many other streaming services. She hopes that by openly sharing her experiences, she will inspire those who can relate and help educate those who don't understand.In this episode we discuss:When Janae realized she didn't identify as her gender and why she identifies as fluid, non-binaryWhat the biggest misconceptions are around pronouns and the gender binary systemWhat Janae thinks about transgender women competing in sports competitionsWhy labels can cause misunderstandings and yet, labeling is inherent in all of our natureWhy it is a detriment to resist who you areHow culture is progressing to embrace androgynous individualsWhat Janae wants most as a transgender womanConnect with JanaeInstagram: @janaemariekrocWebsite: www.janaekroc.comConnect with AshleyInstagram: @ashleydrivardWebsite: www.ashleyrivard.com
Dr. Meredith Broderick is a triple board-certified sleep physician and founder of Sound Sleep Guru, a telehealth sleep clinic serving WA, CA, and AK. She attended medical school at The Ohio State University, completed a neurology residency at Case Western Reserve University, and a sleep medicine and behavioral sleep medicine fellowship at Stanford Medical Center. She is board certified in neurology, sleep medicine, and behavioral sleep medicine. She is one of the only physicians in the country to hold this combination of board certifications. Dr. Broderick practices the full scope of sleep medicine treating conditions such as insomnia, narcolepsy, circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders, restless legs syndrome, and sleep-disordered breathing, including all forms of sleep apnea. She has a special interest in treating insomnia without medications utilizing a state-of-the-art treatment also known as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I).In this episode we discuss:What is a medical-grade sleep disorder Common sleep disorders: insomnia, circadian sleep disorders, narcolepsy, restless leg syndromeWhy men have a higher risk of developing sleep apneaWhat are some solutions to solve the problem of snoringThe factors that perpetuate insomniaHow cognitive behavior therapy helps cure insomniaWhy sleep aids don't give you the sleep your body actually needsWhy not everyone needs 8 hours of sleepWhat is lucid dreaming and how it worksWhy most doctors don't know how to treat insomniaConnect with Meredith:Website: www.soundsleepguru.comInstagram: @soundsleepguruConnect with Ashley:Website: www.ashleyrivard.comInstagram: @intothedawnpodcast
Pam Oslie is the Founder of www.AuraColors.com a site designed to help you create success, joy, and fulfillment in EVERY area of your life. She also developedwww.LoveColors.com, this site is designed to help you find love and friendships by matching you with people who have compatible aura colors.Pam has written four successful and popular books, Life Colors, Love Colors, Infinite You, and Make Your Dreams Come True. Pam has spoken at the TEDx Talks, the International Forum on New Science, Fortune 500 companies, and many seminars for professionals in the psychology, education, health fields, and more.Pam has appeared on The Dr. Oz Show, The View, The Ricki Lake Show, and many other television and radio shows.In this episode we discuss:What are aura colors, how they work, and what they teach us about our purpose and relationshipsHow knowing your colors and loved ones can help you understand and grow deeper with the otherHow quantum physics match where we are going as a speciesWhat COVID is here to teach us and how something bigger is coming in the near futureWhy getting quiet and going within will quicken this process we are all going through and the importance of not feeding into fearWhy the ego has limited perception and why we need to go inside to know truth and connect with our knowing What are parallel universes and how to use them to manifest what you wantHow Pam used a parallel universe to attract the man she desiredHow parents can empower their childrenA GIFT FROM PAM TO MY LISTENERS:Quantum Leap Discounted eCourse-Make your life easier. Once you understand how the universe really works and you learn about the true principles of creation, you can design your life and create with little or no effort.https://www.auracolors.com/quantum-leap-ecourse-with-pam-oslieLink to free gift:https://www.auracolors.com/abundancefreegift/
Alli Waddell stands for radical honesty, self-awareness, and self-love and believes that "Only when we heal ourselves can we heal the world." She has been recognized as an expert in the wellness industry for nearly two decades, empowering people to create and maintain healthy and happy lives. As a coach, speaker, and co-founder at Illumma, Austin's premier ketamine infusion clinic, Waddell is a lifeline of healing and holistic wellbeing.“Everyone is put on this earth with a purpose and a mission, to express your light. But many times trauma and life circumstances can cause that light to dim, to be blocked out by fear, depression, and anxiety.” At Illumma, Waddell helps people shine bright again. Patients rediscover, remember and reconnect with the amazing spirit that was previously just beyond their reach. Illumma provides tools for lifelong personal transformation.In this episode we discuss:Science behind ketamine therapyHow ketamine affects the brain/neuroplasticityHow Ketamine can help PTSD, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, OCD, and bipolar disorderKetamine and its uses for chronic painWhat are the negative side effects of ketamineThe importance of integration of other therapies and how we support people along that pathWhat led Alli to open a ketamine clinicConnect with Illumma:Instagram: @illummaclinic/ @alliwaddellFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/illummaWebsite: www.illuma.comConnect with Ashley:Instagram: @ashleydrivardWebsite: www.ashleyrivard.com
John Gray is the author of the most well-known and trusted relationship book of all time, Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus. USA Today listed his book as one of the top 10 most influential books of the last quarter-century. In hardcover, it was the #1 bestselling book of the 1990s. Dr. Gray’s books are translated into approximately 45 languages in more than 100 countries and continues to be a bestseller. Dr. Gray has written over 20 books. His most recent book is Beyond Mars and Venus.John helps men and women better understand and respect their differences in both personal and professional relationships. His approach combines specific communication techniques with healthy, nutritional choices that create the brain and body chemistry for lasting health, happiness, and romance.In this episode we discuss:Why and how your behavior affects your hormonesHow men who get angry have too much estrogen and what to do to correct thatHow a woman can teach a man to listen to her feelingsWhy blaming others is a way to not deal with your disturbed feelings insideWhat a conscious woman who has sex looks likeWhy estrogen is so important for women who want great sexHow strong emotions in women should be handled with your partnerHow to feel deep painful emotions and the tools to heal for moving forwardHow to communicate with your partner so you can keep a deeply loving relationshipWhy it's imperative to be happy independently of your partnerWhy men should not watch pornConnect with John:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mars.Venus.John.GrayTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/marsvenusInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/johngraymarsvenus_official/Connect with Ashley:Instagram: @ashleydrivardWebsite: www.ashleyrivard.com
John Gray is the author of the most well-known and trusted relationship book of all time, Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus. USA Today listed his book as one of the top 10 most influential books of the last quarter-century. In hardcover, it was the #1 bestselling book of the 1990s. Dr. Gray’s books are translated into approximately 45 languages in more than 100 countries and continues to be a bestseller. Dr. Gray has written over 20 books. His most recent book is Beyond Mars and Venus.John helps men and women better understand and respect their differences in both personal and professional relationships. His approach combines specific communication techniques with healthy, nutritional choices that create the brain and body chemistry for lasting health, happiness, and romance.In this episode we discuss:Taboos around male and female relationshipsWhy monogamy is the way to have true happinessHow to have a deep connection with the opposite sexHow a man releases negativityWhy marriages fall apartWhat the cave concept is and how the rubber band effect worksWhy testosterone is produced in cave time for men and how women should view itHow a woman can grow into her sensualityWhat biologically is needed for a man to feel desire and what is needed for a womanWhen and how testosterone goes up and downJohn’s time as a monk and what celibacy has taught himWhat men don’t know about great sex and successful relationshipsWhat is a soul mate versus a role mateConnect with John:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mars.Venus.John.GrayTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/marsvenusInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/johngraymarsvenus_official/Connect with Ashley:Instagram: @ashleydrivardWebsite: www.ashleyrivard.com
Steve Leder serves as the Senior Rabbi of Wilshire Boulevard Temple, a prestigious synagogue in Los Angeles with three campuses and 2,700 families.In addition to his many duties at the Temple, Rabbi Leder is a regular contributor and guest on The Today Show, writes regularly for TIME, Foxnews.com, Maria Shriver’s Sunday Paper, contributed a chapter to Charles Barkley’s book Who’s Afraid of a Large Black Man?, and has published essays in Town and Country, the Los Angeles Times, USA Today and the Los Angeles Jewish Journal where his Torah commentaries were read weekly by over 50,000 people. He has just released his 4th book, The Beauty of What Remains; How Our Greatest Fear Becomes Our Greatest Gift was published by Penguin Random House in January 2021. Newsweek Magazine twice named him one of the ten most influential rabbis in America but most important to Steve is being Betsy’s husband and Aaron and Hannah’s dad. He is also a Jew who likes to fish. Go figure.In this episode we discuss:How his new book dives into the art of living learned through deathWhy anxiety is for the living and peace is for the dyingHow his father’s death changed his perspective on all thingsHow this intense work has affected himWhat grief looks likeWhy tough conversations are imperative to healingHow he has dealt with suicide in the Jewish communityThe struggle between Steve the son, Steve the Rabbi, and Steve the humanWhat people should know who are grieving or going through a lossConnect with Rabbi Steve:Instagram @rabbistevelederConnect with Ashley:Website: www.ashleyrivard.comInstagram: @ashleydrivard
Creative his whole life. Depressed for part of it. Successful for most of it. And formerly down for throwing it all away. Paul Chamberlain emerged from years of physically and financially draining passion projects reckless, suicidal, and struggling as a husband, father, and creative. It was from a low point of separation from his family and virtual bankruptcy, that he recognized his story of victimization and chasing illusory overnight success was terminally toxic; especially for creatives. Today, thanks to love, grit, and a blend of traditional therapy, plant medicine, and holistic fitness, Paul lives a happy balanced life with his wife and two children. He is the co-founder of the Cerebral Itch Creative Agency, a boutique creative shop that specializes in brand design and social media strategy serving a roster of high-profile entertainment clients. He is also the creator and host of the upcoming podcast, Smart Funny Tortured that engages with creatives on when they broke down, broke through, and how they now peacefully(ish) coexist In this episode we discuss:what caused his breakdown and how he moved forwardwhy a job and financial stability would not be the solution after his breakdownwhy being creative can cause sufferingwhy the old modality of business and creativity does not work and how the new modality will sustain youthe difference between logo and brandinghow he works with people to help them understand how to operate and work from a healthy spacewhat shame looked like for him and what makes him vulnerablewhat actions you can take to balance business and creativityConnect with Paul:Website- smartfunnytortured.comCerebralitch.comConnect with Ashley:Website- Ashleydrivard.comInstagram: @ashleydrivard
Lisa is a world-renowned comedian and writer who shares her experience with sobriety and bipolar disorder. Her uncanny wit helped her get through the dark chapters of her life. In this episode we discuss:How comedy can defuse tense situationsHow trauma leads to addiction, and why the child-parent/caregiver relationships are crucial for healthy developmentWhat does spirituality have to do with stand upThe solutions that saved her from the suffering associated with bipolar disorder and addictionsHow unhealed trauma trapped in the body can contribute to other psychological and physiological concernsWhy woman, in particular, may consider standing on stage to embody their truth as “Pretty Funny Women”Connect with Lisa:Website: www.prettyfunnywomen.comInstagram: @prettyfunnywomenConnect with Ashley:Instagram: @ashleydrivardWebsite: www.ashleyrivard.com
Tina “Kat” Courtney, The AfterLife Coach, is a traditionally trained shaman and plant medicine guide with 15 years of experience working in altered spaces. Kat also works as a psychedelics integration coach, helping people make sense of transformative experiences and spiritual crises. She has the honor of working with people facing the reality and sacred truth about death. She is passionate about bringing joy and levity to shadow work, the expansion of consciousness, and death itself. In this episode we discuss:What is ayahuasca’s origin and what is it designed forIs ayahuasca a drug or a medicine?The difference between ayahuasca and western medicinesWhat are the possibilities with plant medicinesWho is the right and wrong candidate to drink ayahuascaWhy having the right intention going into ceremony is importantHow to find a safe space to drinkHow to prepare for the ceremonyWhat are the negative effects of ayahuascaMisconceptions of a shamanWhat is integration and why it may be more important than drinking ayahuasca itselfConnect with Kat:website: http://www.afterlife.coach. Instagram - @theafterlifecoachFacebook - http://www.facebook.com/afterlifecoachYoutube - https://www.youtube.com/c/TinaKatCourtneyCoachConnect with Ashley:Website: ashleydrivard.comInstagram: @ashleydrivard
Dr. Anna Salter received her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Harvard University and was on the faculty of Dartmouth Medical Center for five years, where she served as director of a number of programs in the Department of Maternal and Child Health. Salter lectures and consults throughout the US and abroad, and in 1997 won the Significant Achievement Award from the Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers. She is the author of Predators and seven other books.In this episode we discuss:What drives people to sexually abuse children and the signs to look out for when spotting a predatorThe misconception of predators and pedophilesWhy sex offenders perpetuate the narrative “ I was a victim when I was young”How she treats serial killersHow the perspective on pedophilia differs culturally around the worldAdvice for parents with young kids and why parents need to be actively involved in their children’s livesWhat is a deviant arousal patternWhat are the modalities that are being used today to treat predators and is there a cureHow the internet supports and perpetuates predatorsWhat the common theme is with incest offendersConnect with Anna:www.annasalter.comConnect with Ashley:Website: www.ashleyrivard.comInstagram: @ashleydrivard
Elana Horwich is a speaker, chef, and author of Meal and a Spiel: How to Be a Badass in the Kitchen, a cookbook that uses humor and wisdom to teach intuitive cooking. Born to parents who defrosted Lean Cuisine for dinner, Elana taught herself to cook because the kitchen was the only place in the house her mother couldn’t find her. In her 20’s she had an epiphany that took her to Italy for 5 years. There, she worked in bars, fell in and out of love, ate her way through the peninsula, and garnered life experiences she would one day write about. While devouring every aspect of local culture, she learned to cook from an Italian mamma in a Tuscan villa. A former high school history teacher and comedienne, Elana started the Meal and a Spiel cooking school to empower people across the country to cook passionately with confidence, intuition, and love. She has a B.A. from Brown University and a Masters from Middlebury College in Florence, both in Jewish Italian Studies. She has been featured in Real Simple, Huffington Post, and GoodDayLA. Her ultimate dream is to live in a world where everyone shares love with one another through cooking.In this episode we discuss:How “doing nothing” gave her the direction she neededHow her OCD complex presented itself and how cooking healed itHow to connect with your foodHow she shifted her relationship with food, from shame to loveHow she learned to love her body through cookingHow psychedelics guided her onto her pathConnect with Elana:Instagram: @elanahorwichWebsite: www.elanahorwich.comConnect with Ashley:Instagram: @ashleydrivardWebsite: www.ashleyrivard.com
Jasvinder is a survivor of a forced marriage. She is the founder of Karma Nirvana, a national award-winning charity that supports both men and women affected by honour-based abuse and forced marriages. She is a highly acclaimed international speaker and an expert advisor to the courts in matters of child, civil and criminal proceedings, is a chair of domestic homicide reviews and was instrumental in ensuring that all UK police forces are required to improve their understanding of honour-based abuse and forced marriage by inspections conducted by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary. Her memoir ‘Shame’ was a Times Top 10 Bestseller and described in the House of Lords as a ‘political weapon’. Jasvinder is recognized as bringing the issue of forced marriage into the public domain and Prime Minister David Cameron stated that her work ‘turned my head on the issue of forced marriage’. Her work is recognized as being pivotal to the creation of a specific UK forced marriage criminal offense in 2014. Her successful claim of sexual harassment against a peer in the House of Lords was the first in its 479 year history and has already led to an increase in reporting and resulted in significant changes in the House of Lords policy and practice including greater debates and reforms, resulting in a House of Lords independent inquiry into sexual harassment and bullying. She has received numerous awards including the prestigious Woman of the Year 2007. She was made an Honorary Doctor of the University of Derby in 2008. She was awarded The Pride of Britain Award in 2009 and was named Cosmopolitan Ultimate Woman of the Year in 2010. In 2011 she was listed in the Guardian's top 100 Most Inspirational Women in the World and in 2012 received the Global Punjabi Award. She was awarded Commander of the British Empire in 2013 in recognition of her outstanding contribution for the victims of forced marriage and honour-based abuse and in 2014 was awarded Legal Campaigner of the Year. Jasvinder is also listed as an entry in the 2016 edition of the book Who’s Who and in the same year received the International Woman Award for human rights from the Italian media. In 2018 she was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Law by De Montfort University, Leicester, Woman of the Year by Leeds City Council and in 2019 she was awarded the Robert Burns Humanitarian of the Year Award and also the Sikh Woman of Substance Award.In this episode we discuss:The difference between forced and arranged marriages What the consequences were for Jasvinder running away at 15 years old and standing up to her mom by not going along with a forced marriage Why women have no say in who they marry What is an honour system, how it works, and why it’s more important than loving and doing what’s best for your child What a caste system is What her life looked like after her family disowned her How guilt, shame, isolation plagued her, and how her sister’s suicide was the turning point to her positive transformation When Jasvinder knew she made the right decision to run away Her life now as a campaigner and advocate to ending forced marriage What are the solutions to ending forced marriage and honour abuseConnect with Jasvinder:Website: www.jasvindersanghera.comNonprofit: www.karmanirvana.org.ukTwitter: @Jas_Sanghera_KNConnect with Ashley:Website: www.ashleyrivard.comInstagram: @ashleydrivard
Lauren is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Sex Therapist, and a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist-Supervisor. Lauren’s professional focus is helping to reduce stigma around mental health issues and bring awareness, healing, and recovery to those in search of a more fulfilled and meaningful life.Her areas of expertise are trauma and addiction, as well as intimacy and relationship issues. Trained in Somatic Experiencing, Neuroaffective Touch, EMDR, Trauma Sensitive Yoga, and Neurofeedback, she works somatically with a wide range of issues. In this episode we discuss:What dynamics covid has created with couples; less connection, more addiction, or more addiction, less connectionHow behavior addiction has been on the rise and coping mechanisms to combat itHow to keep a relationship thriving after covidWhy novelty in a relationship is a mustHow to deal with children who are distant learning from homeThe concept of permissionTools on how to navigate depressionConnect with Lauren:Instagram:Email: laurendummitschock@gmail.comhttps://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/83245Connect with Ashley:Instagram: @ashleydrivardWebsite: www.ashleyrivard.com
A former Apple software engineer turned international sex and intimacy educator, turned relationship coach. Ken is in his 20th year helping couples bond, co-create, have great sex, thrive, and live happily ever after. His work has garnered mentions in Business Insider, Playboy, Cosmopolitan, and Medium. Ken is also a frequent contributor to The Good Men Project.In this episode we discuss:Why men want sex and women want love is wrongWhat men are truly looking for and don’t consciously knowWhat men need to be focusing on during sexWhy women need to have the courage to speak up and be willing to hurt the male's ego in order to get to the common goal, great sexWhy men usually miss the mark in the sexHow to take your sex life from good to greatWhy the financial provider and emotional provider roles don’t work anymoreWhy pacing has a lot to do with sexHow to keep sex alive in a monogamous relationshipConnect with Ken:https://kenblackman.comhttps://medium.com/straight-talkershttps://www.facebook.com/KenBlackmanPersonal/https://goodmenproject.com/author/kenkenblackman-com/Connect with Ashley:ashleyrivard.comInstagram: @ashleydrivard
John and Jackie Melfi are swingers in an open relationship. Together they are the driving force behind coletteclubs.com, a swingers' club brand with locations in Dallas, New Orleans, Houston, and Austin. John has been in the swinger club industry for 20 years, and when he and Jackie met, they expanded the business in order to reach and educate more couples and singles curious about the lifestyle. Their first venture together was the award-winning lifestyle blog, Openlove101.com. Today this swinging powerhouse coaches couples on the lifestyle, provides video content, blogs weekly on the topic, and have been the recipients of numerous industry awards.In this episode we discuss:What it looks like to have a play partner How jealousy and fear don’t enter the equationWhat are the benefits and repercussions of this lifestyleWhat betrayal looks like for Jackie and JohnHow being in an open relationship and swinging lifestyle has created far more emotional intimacy in their relationshipHow the taboo of open relationships can create unfair treatmentHow their kids view their lifestyleWhat the different levels look like in an open/swinging relationshipConnect with John and Jackie:coletteclubs.comopenlove101.comworldlovesummit.comhttps://www.instagram.com/openlove101/https://www.facebook.com/openlove101https://www.youtube.com/user/openlove101https://twitter.com/openlove101Connect with Ashley:Website: www.ashleyrivard.comInstagram: @ashleydrivardTwitter:@ashleyrivard
Franky Carillo was convicted in the 1991 shooting of Donald Sarpy. His conviction was reversed by the Los Angeles County Superior Court March 14, 2011, after he served twenty years in prison. He is married, has three children and is planning to run for the California State Assembly. His story is also told in the Netflix series, The Innocence Files.In this episode we discuss: What happened that led Franky to being convicted of a double life sentence for murder How he was framed to be the murderer How his faith of being free wavered, but he was always able to find the strength to keep going How he worked through his anger, depression and isolation in prison What the misconceptions are of prison How the Innocence Project was an ultimate catalyst to helping him get free What he learned in prison and how he utilizes those lessons todayConnect with Franky:Facebook: Franky Carrillo Instagram: FrankyCarrillo_Twitter: @carrillofrankyConnect with Ashley:Instagram: @ashleydrivardWebsite: www.ashleyrivard.com
Asha Ismail is the Director of ONGD Save a Girl Save a Generation. She was born in a town in Kenya called Garissa, near the border of Somalia. Since 2001, she has been living in Spain. She started advocating against female genital mutilation (FGM) and other practices, such as forced marriages and different forms of abuse and violence against girls for the past 30 years. She has worked at a grassroots level in Kenya, Somalia, and Tanzania, where she raised awareness and promoted education to eradicate these practices. She continues her work in Spain, through the organization that she co-founded, helping women who have been affected in one way or another by these practices.In this episode we discuss:Why her people practice female genital mutilationHow culture, tradition, and religion play into FGMWho is performing FGM to these young girlsThe average age FGM is practicedWhat the effects are on a woman emotionally, mentally and physically from undergoing this practiceWhy the sexuality of a woman is a threat and why FGM removes that threatWhy some women cannot pinpoint where their depression and anxiety come from and when they doWhat Asha feels the solutions to eradicate FGM areWhy social norms play a huge role in perpetuating FGM and reinforcing why women aren’t good enough just the way they areConnect with Asha:http://www.saveagirlsaveageneration.org/Twitter: @save_a_girlFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/saveagirlsaveagenerationConnect with Ashley:Instagram: @ashleydrivardWebsite: www.ashleyrivard.com
Dr. Kate Wolitzky-Taylor is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences at UCLA. She is a clinical psychologist with nearly 20 years of expertise in anxiety and related disorders. She obtained her Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin in the Department of Psychology's Laboratory for the Study of Anxiety Disorders. Dr. Kate completed a postdoctoral research fellowship at UCLA in the Anxiety Disorders Research Center. She has been funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) continuously since her graduate career and is currently the Principal Investigator for several studies in which she is developing and evaluating behavioral treatments for co-occurring anxiety and substance use disorders.In this episode we discuss:What is anxiety and where does it stem fromIs anxiety predisposed and is it curableHow do we know if we are anxious or depressed and what are some solutions in getting through it?Why suppressing our anxiety makes it worstWhat to do when we are down a rabbit hole of emotions and need to get outHow to work through OCD, hypochondria and PTSDHow exposure therapy and cognitive behavior therapy work and why they’re beneficialConnect with Ashley:Instagram: @ashleydrivardWebsite: www.ashleyrivard.com
Paul is an author, investigative reporter, documentary film producer, syndicated columnist, journalist, and screenwriter. He has covered war zones, natural disasters, and presidential campaigns, including a well-received article for the New York Times regarding mental and emotional health.In today’s episode we discuss:Why being a natural iconoclast can breed separationHow to get comfortable being uncomfortable and why it takes a lifetime to learn, it takes a lifetimeWhy alcohol almost ruined his God-given talentsWhat his addiction looks like and how he got throughWhy growing up in a love-based culture made it challenging for him to move to a fear-based cultureTools and solutions to living a grounded life and what it takes to feel good in your skinConnect with Paul:Facebook: Paul VanDevelderwww.paulvandevelder.comConnect with Ashley:Instagram: @ashleydrivardWebsite: www.ashleyrivard.comLinkedin: Ashley Rivard
Ginger Pullman is a Los Angeles based tarot card reader and reiki/ spiritual healer. She comes from a long lineage of tarot card readers.In this episode we discuss:How our intuition plays into who we areHow intuitive energy healing helps remove “clingers” that hold you backWhy knowing your past lives can help you move forward in this lifeTools and solutions you can do for yourself to clear your energy field of anger, sadness, jealousy and moreWhat we can do for self-careHow tarot can help alleviate anxiety and depression, and why some therapists are recommending their clients to supplement with tarotConnect with Ginger:Instagram: @tarotwithgingerWebsite: seekeymelrose.comConnect with Ashley:Instagram; @ashleydrivardWebsite: www.ashleyrivard.comTwitter: @ashleyrivardLinkedin: ashleyrivard
Jayne Amelia Larson is an actress and voice-over artist, a creative content producer, and the author of the New York Times bestselling memoir Driving The Saudis published by Simon & Schuster. When she was a young teen she lost her eldest brother to suicide. She realized almost 40 years later that she had not dealt with the grief until she started writing her novel, Solving For X. It is about the painful aftermath of a son suicide in the shell-shocked family left behind and his sister’s search to make sense of his decision to take his young life.In this episode we discuss:How shame, guilt, and isolation played into her experience after her brother took his lifeHow societies stigmas/misperceptions impacted her griefWhat she and her family did to copeWhy it wasn’t okay to talk about how he died and how she pretended it didn’t happenWhy it took her 40 years to deal with her grief The self-care tools she practices todayWhat her grief looks like now versus when he took his lifeWhy if she would have addressed the grief earlier on, her life would have turned out betterHow the novel she just finished writing was a healing tool to move through her griefWhat she wants people to know, who are grieving a loss of a loved one to suicideConnect with Jayne:Website: Jayneamelialarson.comTwitter: @jadal Instagram: JayneamelialarsonConnect with Ashley:Instagram: @ashleydrivardWebsite: www.ashleyrivard.com
Children of the Night is a privately funded non-profit organization established in 1979 by Dr. Lois Lee, who is the worlds leading expert in rescuing child sex trafficking victims. Dr. Lee holds a Ph.D. in Sociology and Anthropology, a Juris Doctor in Law and is an active member of the California State Bar. COTN’s mission is to provide intervention in the lives of children who are sexually exploited and vulnerable to or involved in prostitution and pornography.Dr. Lee maintains a 70% to 80% success rate with her life-changing work that mobilizes children from prostitution to successful adult life. Children of the Night graduates go on to become Homeland Security, teachers, bankers, social workers, firefighters, and other professionals. In this episode we discuss:Why she began in 1979 rescuing child prostitutes off the street, housing 250 kids in three years in her apartmentHow the hillside strangler in Los Angeles was prominent in her movementWhat every child who is trafficking usually has in common at an early ageWhy prostitutes love their pimps and how the pimp strategizes in order to “hook” the girlsWhy she doesn’t believe child trafficking should go to jail and why testifying against their pimp should be a healing process for themWhy she ended housing for children a few years ago and moved her program digital, therefore can help children around the worldWhat she believes is the solution to sex traffickingWhy children prostitutes have a lower rate of suicide than the average child who is troubledConnect with Dr. Lois Leewebsite: www.childrenofthenight.orgConnect with Ashley:Website: www.ashleyrivard.comInstagram:@ashleydrivard
Detective Jerald G. Pryor has been a Federal Police Officer for 15 years and is currently a Detective Lieutenant in Los Angeles, California. In this episode we discuss:What his experience has been during this time as a Black Man in the police forceWhat he thinks about the protesting and looting, and why he would be doing the same if he wasn’t a police officerHow media is portraying police officers in a certain light in order for ratingsHis opinion on why certain police officers could fear Black individuals and what he believes the solution isWhat the training is like for police officersHis opinion on what will happen if the police departments are defunded and what is the real solutionWhy he doesn’t want people to group/label police officers together, because of certain individuals who have done wrongConnect with Ashley:Instagram: @ashleydrivardWebsite: www.ashleyrivard.comLinkedin: ashleyrivard
Elizabeth J. Carlisle is originally from Silver Spring, Maryland. She was trained in classical ballet before becoming an actress. She is Emmy Abernathy on the new TV series, Rich and The Ruthless, airing on the Urban Movie Channel. She has appeared in numerous television shows, including How I Met Your Mother, House M.D., Bosch, Parenthood, and Pretty Little Liars.In this episode we discuss: Her journey growing up as a ballerina to developing anorexiaHow the social pressure of a being a ballerina affected herWhat different types of eating disorders look likeWhy at age 12 she barely ate but still thought she was fat at 68 pounds.Where the eating disorder stemmed from and why being seen, heard, respected and the need for control, had a lot to do with itWhy she feels that if it wasn’t for her eating disorder, she would be further along in her careerHow she uses her “wise mind” to overcome the “eating disorder voice” How the pressures of Hollywood play on her self worthWhat disordered eating looks like and how Hollywood’s culture fuels itConnect with Elizabeth:Instagram: @elizabethjcarlisleConnect with Ashley:Instagram: @ashleydrivardWebsite: www.ashleyrivard.com
Kerry Rhodes is a former All-Pro NFL football player, as well as an actor, writer, and producer. Currently, he is starring in Tyler Perry’s, IF LOVING YOU IS WRONG, on the OWN Network. He also has a popular podcast called TACKLING LIFE, which he calls an outlet for men to openly express themselves in a safe zone, without any judgment. Kerry oversees The Rhodes Foundation, a charity that provides opportunities for college-bound youth in impoverished communities. He continues to push boundaries and to knock down the stigmas with athletes and their propensity to excel at life after football.In this episode we discuss:What is the culture code inside the NFL and how it breeds toxic masculinity Why he started asking himself the right questions after the NFL and how systemic oppression and depression stem from that cultureWhy asking yourself the right questions leads to helping yourself move forward in emotional, mental and physicallyHow his concussions from the NFL brought him to ayahuasca and what he learned from itWhy he wanted to be in touch with his feminine side and how that transformed him, once he was able to tap into thatHow toxic masculinity looks for men outside of the NFL and what can be done to start to transform thatWhy men need permission to speak up and say, “I’m not okay”How women can help toxic masculinity from perpetuatingHow vulnerability shows up in his personal and professional lifeConnect with Kerry:Instagram: @kerryrhodesConnect with Ashley:Instagram: @ashleydrivardWebsite: www.ashleyrivard.com
Dr. Jeffrey Barke is a Board Certified primary care doctor in private practice in Orange County, CA. He has served as a Board Member of the Orange County Medical Association and is a past Associate Clinical Professor at U.C. Irvine Medical School Department of Family Medicine. Dr. Barke is also a reserve deputy for a local law enforcement agency and serves as a tactical physician for the SWAT team. Dr. Barke is an outspoken advocate for the free market in healthcare. He has published several articles in The Hill and The American Thinker, as well as appearing on Fox News Special Report with Brett Baier.In this episode we discuss:Why he thinks this lockdown from a medical standpoint has gone on long enoughHow people are dying from despair and the inability to get elective surgeries that are neededThe incentives healthcare professionals receive regarding COVID-19 Why this is now a fear-based issue and not healthHis take on hydroxychloroquine and why he thinks it's effectiveThe purpose of antibody testing and understanding if you’re a candidate for itHis take on masks and why most masks aren’t effective or necessary, except N95Why children are least vulnerable and should be back at schoolWhat to do and how to prepare if the virus comes backConnect with Dr. Jeff:Instagram: @rxforlibertyWebsite: www.mypersonalcarephysician.comConnect with Ashley:Instagram: @someday_ill_get_thereWebsite: www.ashleyrivard.com
Lisa is a TV Host, Author, Business & Life Coach, Global Influencer, and Social Engineer. In this episode we discuss:The IMPOSTER MODEL and how it breaks the ego into different categories to better understand how we’re operating.On coming from a repressed background and being able to break free from that programing which created an empowered, thriving, soul blazing career.The way she uses guilt and shame to her benefit her and how she moves forward.Why you shouldn’t hold back on what you want for the illusion of comfort and safetyHow she learned the importance of silence through her 90-day transformational documentaryWhere vulnerability shows up in her life and how she embraces itConnect with Lisa:Instagram: @lisahaishaWebsite: www.lisahaisha.comConnect with Ashley:Instagram@someday_ill_get_thereWebsite: www.ashleyrivard.com
Dr. Jeff McNairy, Psy.D., M.P.H. has been working in the health care field for 25 years. He is the former Director of Passages in Malibu, CA. Presently he is Chief Operations Officer and Chief Medical Director of Rythmia Life Advancement Center. Rythmia is one of the few places that serves the ancient medicine, ayahuasca, under medical supervision. Through Dr. McNairy’s intense experience with the most desperate patient populations (addition, acute mental health, and trauma), he has seen that the only real healing can come from within.In this episode we discuss:What happened after 20 plus years in western medicine and why it’s important to bridge western medicine with ancient modalitiesHow working with a wealthy drug addict introduced him to ayahuasca and why he knew this would be a game-changer for mental healthWhat is ayahuasca and how it works in the conscious, subconscious and mental, emotional bodyWhat the biggest stigmas and misperceptions are around ayahuascaWhy the medicine is not addictive, but the process can beWhat some of the negative side effects are of drinking ayahuascaHow do you know if you are a candidate, and is it okay to drink if you are a recovering addictThe difference between western medicine and plant medicineHow to know if you’re going to a fake shamanic ceremonyShould children drink ayahuasca if they are struggling with mental health issuesConnect with Jeff:Website: www.jeffmcnairy.comFacebook: RythmiaConnect with Ashley:Instagram: @someday_ill_get_thereWebsite: www.ashleyrivard.com
Darrell knows spycraft. He retired in October 2018 as the most senior black officer in the CIA’s Directorate of Operations. In his 32-year career in the intelligence community, Darrell achieved the rank equivalent to a 3-star general in the Senior Intelligence Service. Twice, he served as a Station Chief and senior CIA positions, including Chief of their iconic training facility, Deputy Director of the Counterterrorism Center, and Chief of Africa Division.Darrell is currently an ABC News Contributor and Chief Operating Officer of MOSAIC, a strategic crisis management advisory firm. He is collaborating on several projects with EntertainmentMediaVentures and on Season 2 of CONDOR, an MGM/Skydance Production.In this episode we discuss: • What are the misperceptions in the general public about jobs such as military intelligence, intelligence operations, "spying" and what it is and isn’t • How does being an intelligence professional impact a person's inner emotional life, as well as mental health • How the CIA is working side by side with other countries, chasing targets and why the CIA is the most collaborative job one can have • What are terrorist's motivations and why they became radicalized • How they tracked down the leader of ISIS and why building trust with spies is the number one component to get their target • How terrorists recruit people to be in their group is by seducing them that they will be taken care of and validated within a community • Why curiosity, connection, being able to establish and build trust, while being a great listener are the most important elements for an intelligence officer • How it's so hard to kill an ideology and why ISIS will exist 120 years from now • Why the CIA put together a program to support those who are struggling with mental health, due to the stress of the job • What his life looks like after the CIA and how giving back is of the utmost importanceConnect with Darrell: Linkedin: Darrell M BlockerEmail: dmb@mosaicsec.comConnect with Ashley:Instagram: @someday_ill_get_thereWebsite: www.ashleyrivard.com
Melissa Barker is the founder and CEO of The Phoenix Project, a social impact startup in the Bay Area, focused on empowering survivors of sexual violence, while connecting survivors to healing resources and community. Melissa is a survivor herself and is building Phoenix to make trauma-informed healing and care more accessible to survivors everywhere. She knows firsthand how hard healing can feel at times, but she also knows sometimes the only way out is through. She wants to create a space where all survivors can have access to high-quality healing and care, so that they may (re)find their joy. Melissa holds a B.A. from UC Berkeley in Interdisciplinary Studies, an M.A. from Saint Mary’s College in Leadership Studies for Social Justice. She is pursuing her Doctorate in Educational Leadership. Her doctoral research focuses on how survivors are finding healing in this post #MeToo world.In this episode we discuss:How sexual assault affected Melissa emotionally, physically, and psychologically.How she went into trauma response after her assault and what that looked like.Why it’s normal for survivors to blame themselves and how challenging it is to move through the shame.Why she felt at the time of her assault, it was a better option to consider suicide than speaking up and sharing.How her unhealed trauma revealed itself through the years and how it impacted her relationships.How she healed through trauma therapy and came to the conclusion there needed to be more resources out there for survivors. From that realization, she birthed the Phoenix Project: a digital space for survivors to come to be seen, witnessed, and empowered.Connect with Melissa:Website: www.iamphoenixproject.comInstagram: @iam_phoenix_risingConnect with Ashley:Instagram: @someday_ill_get_thereWebsite: www.ashleyrivard@gmail.com
Janae Marie “Kroc” Kroczaleski is a transgender woman, who also identifies as gender fluid and non-binary. Prior to transitioning, she was a World Champion and world-record-holding powerlifter, United States Marine that was selected to work in presidential security under President Clinton, cancer survivor, published author, licensed pharmacist, public speaker, and proud parent of three sons. Janae was the subject of the award-winning documentary, Transformer. It is currently available on Netflix and many other streaming services. She hopes that by openly sharing her experiences, she can inspire those who can relate and help educate those who don’t understand. In this episode we discuss:How Janae identifies as non-binary and gender fluid and what that means.How guilt and shame played into her identity for three decades because of her secret, how she considered suicide from the despair she felt from living a lie.How hiding behind sports and becoming a champion powerlifter helped her suppress herself and get through the day.Why “passing” in the trans community is the number one thing they all desire and why it’s so hard to be out in public if you don’t pass.How transphobia/ shaming shows up in her life and how she navigates it.Her decision to have vocal surgery prior to genital reconstruction and why that was most importantWhat it was like to come out to her parents and why her mother felt her son had died. Why speaking out is the most important thing she can do for the community and her mental health. Her experiences with straight men and how they desire to be with trans women.How being transgender is a physical condition and not a psychological one.With her new platform, parents of transgender kids who once didn’t accept their children now can understand them more, after hearing Janae’s story.Connect with Janae:Youtube: Janae Marie KrocInstagram: @janaemariekrocFacebook: Janae Marie KrocWebsite: www.janaemariekroc.comConnect with Ashley:Instagram: @someday_ill_get_thereWebsite: www.ashleyrivard.com
Fran is a certified grief recovery specialist and founder and president of healgrief.org. In today’s episode we discuss: The difference between men and women and the way they grieve.1st step to dealing with grief is acceptance and the steps to getting there.5 stages of grief # 1 Taboo around griefHow to support someone you know who is grieving.How unresolved grief will rear its head- Jade Recovery institute has found in research that addiction stems from trauma and if you dig deeper it is shown to stem from unresolved grief of a death.Pet loss can be as deep as human loss and how most children's first loss is a pet. If you can teach children at a young age how to cope then you are setting the child up for how to cope, the rest of their lives.Connect with Ashley Rivard:Instagram: @someday_ill_get_thereWebsite: www.ashleyrivard.com Connect with Fran:www.healgrief.org
Lauren Dummit is a licensed psychotherapist (LMFT) and expert in sex and love addiction/intimacy disorders. She is a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT) with a focus on treating trauma and addiction. Her unique style treats emotional discomfort and pain as an avenue for self-discovery and personal growth.In this episode we discuss:How developmental trauma may contribute to addiction and/or addictive behavior.Sex and love addiction is an often misunderstood phenomenon in modern life.The truth about the “honeymoon” phase.What is an “open relationship” and how does it work for couples?The path to “falling in love.” How a dating plan can encourage safe intimacy.Ashley Rivard:Instagram: @someday_ill_get_thereWebsite: www.ashleydrivard@gmail.comLauren Dummit:Website: www.triunetherapy.comInstagram: @laurendummit
Leading Longevity Authority, Troy Casey, Certified Health Nut, has successfully restored physical, mental and emotional balance to clients who have failed with all other systems. His unique holistic approach uses nature-based simplicity anyone can follow. As a Versace model in Milan, 31 years ago, Troy studied nutrition, herbs and internal purification as a way of looking and feeling great in front of the camera. He has scoured the Earth for the most powerful health and healing methods, working with indigenous tribes in the Amazon as a medicine hunter. His Vision for clean, air, water, soil and equitable systems for all mankind in his lifetime drives his passionate work for personal and planetary wellness. In this episode we discuss: His journey from being a Versace model to finding himself through the 9 Pillars.The 9 pillars: Legacy, Food, Rest, Movement, Breath, Thought, Relationship, Water.Why breathwork has been one of the most transformational pieces for him.The science behind aged urine enemas and how they cured his digestive issues.How his method puts you back in alignment with nature for emotional, mental, and spiritual health.Knowing your legacy is the most important thing to realize to living a full life.Why everyday people and executives are drinking Ayahuasca. CONNECT WITH ASHLEY RIVARD:Instagram: @someday_ill_get_thereWebsite: www.ashleydrivard@gmail.com CONNECT WITH TROY CASEY:Instagram: @certifiedhealthnutFacebook: certifiedhealthnutYoutube: certifiedhealthnut
An award-winning writer/director, recording artist, and podcast host, Roman Wyden has dedicated his life to the exploration of intimacy, playfulness, and authenticity in modern-day relationships.In this episode we discuss:“Real intimacy” and how an intimacy guide may assist with forming deeper connections with yourself and others.Is trauma the leading cause of intimacy?The impact of childhood experiences on intimacy in adulthood.Monogamy vs Polygamy, and how to make the “right” decision in your relationship.Vulnerability and the lessons of getting honest with oneself.Timing and having a “sense of the moment” is crucial when sharing sensitive topics with a partner. Website: https://www.romanwyden.com/Instagram: @romanwydenConnect with Ashley:Website: www.ashleyrivard.comInstagram: @someday_ill_get_there
Father Brian is a Visiting Assistant Professor of Philosophy at LMU and a Lieutenant in the United States Navy Chaplain Corps.In this episode we discuss:His calling to become a priest and the role of a priest. The truth about confession, and themes of guilt and shame in Catholicism.Sexual abuse inside the Catholic Church, and efforts to heal the damage and prevent future abuse. What celibate living entails for a priest and the benefit of not owning anything in the Jesuit community.The difference between Moral Injury and PTSD.Website: https://mission.lmu.edu/aboutus/sponsoringreligiouscommunities/jesuitcommunity/members/frbrianreedysj/Connect with Ashley:Website: www.ashleyrivard.comInstagram: @someday_ill_get_there
In this episode, I interview Dr. Kate Balestrieri, a Licensed Psychologist, Certified Sex Therapist, PACT Couples Therapist and Certified Sex Addiction Therapist.We unpack everything you need to know about narcissism including:- What is the difference between a covert and overt narcissist?- Why narcissists are the most fragile individuals and what do they want more than anything.- How narcissism is inherent in all of us, and that this trait may be necessary in society.- Is there a difference between confidence and narcissism?- Why it is important to set and hold boundaries, and what that looks like.Connect with Dr. Kate:Website: www.triunetherapy.comInstagram: @drkatebalestrieriConnect with Ashley:Website: www.ashleyrivard.comInstagram: @someday_ill_get_there
In this episode, we dive into the #1 taboo, suicide.We discuss: Factors contributing to suicidality and possible solutions to this national epidemic How a deep sense of disconnection often accompanies suicidal thoughts and behaviorResearch and relevant findings, including that nearly all people will experience thoughts of suicide at some point in their lives What types of connection can help dissolve suicidal thoughts The stigmas around suicide (e.g. the misperception that talking about suicide is dangerous)Solutions, resources, and guidance for those who have suicidal thoughts or know someone who may be strugglingBrian Stefan has worked in various settings that deal with crisis and suicide, including the Los Angeles Mayor's Crisis Response Team and Suicide Response Team, and as a crisis counselor at a suicide hotline. He received his MSW from UCLA. He is a former intelligence officer with the Department of Defense as well as a former intelligence analyst with the FBI's Joint Regional Intelligence Center-Regional Threat Assessment Center.Disclaimer: Brian Stefan and myself are NOT licensed mental health professionals. Any information we discuss does not replace the help of a professional. Please reach out to one for more help. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) Teen Line Lifeline: 310-855-4673 www.teenlineonline.org (Speak to peers about thoughts of suicide)www.thetrevorproject.org (LGBTQ community under 25 struggling)www.yourlifeyourvoice.org (Coping skills for people struggling)Connect with Ashley: Website: www.ashleyrivard.comInstagram: @someday_ill_get_there