Make the Space with Ashley

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Welcome to Make the Space with Ashley. I'm just a Puerto Rican from the Bronx trying to make a safe space to talk about everything mental health in a world and culture where mental health is taboo. This is a space where I will get real; share my experiences and on going journey with my mental health and my guests can do the same. We will cry, we will laugh, but most importantly, we will get through this together! Why? ¡Porque podemos! Hosted by Ashley Effrece

Ashley Effrece


    • Feb 7, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 52m AVG DURATION
    • 44 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Make the Space with Ashley

    Championing for Change in Perú

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2024 48:48


    Join me as I talk with special guest Steven Rivera Camacho about the mental health conference he's putting together in a small community in Perú and more!

    Seasonal Depression, KISS MY ASS!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2024 32:16


    I'm back and talking about seasonal depression or SAD (seasonal affective disorder) I'm letting you all know the facts of seasonal depression and how I'm making it out the trenches!

    Creatives Unite! with Special Guest Shaq

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2023 65:37


    Check out our new episode with returning special guest and executive producer Shaq. We are talking about what it means to be a creative, why it is important for our mental health journey, and more!

    The Body Episode

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2023 39:25


    On this episode, I share my journey with my body image issues starting as young as 13, working through them, coming to love and acceptance and where I'm at now being 30 years old.

    Death to my 20s, More Life in my 30s

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2023 34:42


    My 30th birthday was March 30th. In this episode I talk about the significance of my 30th birthday, how I celebrated, and what does my 30s mean to me. This episode is dedicated to little Ashley which is why I chose this picture as the cover for this episode

    Weathering the Storm: Our Shared Experiences with Depressive Episodes

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2022 67:45


    We're back with another episode and we got returning special guest, Shaq! This episode we talk about what it's like to experience a depressive episode and how we make it through one. Enjoy!

    How a Man Benefited from My Abortion

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2022 53:07


    My abortion story is one of sexual assault, trauma, manipulation, coercion, and entrapment. Listen to learn how my ex benefited from my abortion rights.

    Living Life with (some) Regrets

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2022 74:44


    On this episode of Make the Space with Ashley, I have special guest Kasey Rodriguez talking openly with me about regrets. We get into what regrets we have, the pain they've brought us, what we've learned and how we're moving forward. Enjoy!

    Protecting your Energy with Shaq: Thoughts, Advice and Insight

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 28, 2021 85:42


    Join me while I chop it up with my bestie Shaq on protecting our energy. I hope you all learn from this as much as I did

    Musical Therapy with Souul Truu

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2021 59:45


    On this episode I'm chopping it up with Souul Truu about his experience with music as a coping skill, healing, his new album, upcoming performances and more! Tune in to get to know Souul Truu

    Todo Tiene Su Final: Grieving the Loss of Friendships

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2021 46:42


    On this week's episode of Make the Space with Ashley I will be talking about something very emotionally difficult for me; grieving the loss of a friendship. I will be talking about what the grieving process has been for me, why I find it difficult to make friends now, and how I'm doing in my current friendships. I hope you appreciate it.

    Klonopin was My Friend: Substance Abuse, Withdrawal and Growth

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2021 36:06


    Back in 2016, I was prescribed Klonopin for my anxiety and I would abuse the drug as an "escape". Tune in to learn more about that experience.

    ARTIVISM with Sir Dominique Jordan

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2021 61:21


    Sir Dominique Jordan, a spoken word poet and Hip Hop Artivist by trade, an educator and community leader, CEO of Tru2You LLC as well as a husband and father of two young boys. He aims to inspire people through his artistic gifts and guide his many mentees through the dilemmas of everyday life using creative expression and Hip Hop culture in this new digital era. Tune in for the exclusive interview.

    My Blackout Episode: August 29th 2020

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2021 40:12


    Last summer I was navigating motherhood, post patrum depression and anxiety, a pandemic and working from home. It was a difficult time in my life. One night, I snapped, disassociated and injured myself. Tune in to hear all about it.

    Be A Vessel: Mimi Gonzalez talks business, motherhood, faith and more!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2021 55:27


    On this episode we have special guest Mimi Gonzalez talking about her business @bavessel , motherhood, and how faith along with a support system is incorporated into her mental well being. Be on the lookout for the drop mañana! Here's a little about Mimi Founder of Be A Vessel Wife to my high school sweetheart and mom to a three year old mini me! I love all things Marvel and Harry Potter. All though I may fail, I strive to live like Jesus each day

    How I Overcame being Fired in a Pandemic

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2021 34:27


    I got fired in the middle of April in a middle of a pandemic. It sucked but here's how it all went down. I'm sure some people will listen to this and think I'm full of excuses and that I deserved to be fired. That's fine. I went through A LOT of changes and struggles to adjust. At the end of the day my daughtber and mental health comes first and for that, my previous job had to suffer.

    Oldest Child Syndrome: This is Our Story

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2021 69:03


    Autumn is back with me to talk about oldest child syndrome. In this episode we bond over our shared experiences and the pros and cons of being the oldest in our household. Enjoy!

    The Hood Hippie Love Yourself Interview

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2021 57:54


    Meet Brandon Allen: Founder of The Hood Hippie Love Yourself. Played Division 1 football at Towson University and graduated with a degree in Secondary Education. I am a Social Studies teacher at Towson High School. Brandon talks to us about his mental health journey and the origins of his brand "The Hood Hippie Love Yourself"

    Choppin' it Up with Leo Flowers

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2021 55:35


    On this episode, I'm chopping it up with Leo about colonoscopys (lol), community, doing things with intention, gratitude and more! Here's a little about Leo: A Chicago native, former Div-I college athlete, with a Masters in Counseling/Psychology, Leo Flowers moved to LA to also add stand-up comedian, actor and podcaster to his resume. Quickly working his way into major comedy clubs and colleges across the country. His delivery has been described as “smooth and deliberate.” No two shows are ever alike, as he's always attacking the issues of the day and revealing personal anecdotes. Infusing stand up with storytelling, Flowers captivates audiences of all demographics. Leo Flowers appeared on Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen, was a runner-up in the San Francisco International Comedy Competition, and was a finalist in the 2011 Stand Up for Diversity competition. He has toured on the Shaved and Depraved Comedy Tour, and hosted both MTV's “Sports Blender” and Starz “Staan' ‘Dup," and was featured on "Last Call from Carson Daly," on NBC!! Most recently he's appeared on Comedy Central's “This Week At the Cellar.”

    A Walking Miracle: Ethan Vaughn

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2021 53:44


    Ethan's story is of overcoming a near fatal car accident. Facing 99% of death vs 1% of life. Ethan, with the power of prayers, hard work, determination, and courage to reclaim his life.

    A Dynamic Duo: Rooted Lancaster LLC

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2021 56:26


    "We are Allie Lindt LMFT and Dana Hampton LPC, dynamic duo and co-owners of Rooted Lancaster LLC, a private mental health practice based in Lancaster city that specializes in trauma, relationships, stress management, and life transitions. We believe in challenging shame, creating a strong community, and that therapy is for everyone. Listen to us unfiltered on our first podcast appearance as we discuss our journeys as therapists, doing "the work", and starting a business during a pandemic." Check out Root Lancaster at https://www.rootedlancaster.com/

    One Year Later: How are 1st Time Mothers Doing in the Pandemic

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2021 52:58


    For our final episode highlighting the stories of 1st time mothers in the pandemic, we have Abby sharing her journey with us. "Hi everyone! I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor, currently working as an Outpatient Therapist with Move Forward Counseling - a boutique private practice specializing in women's issues, though open to all! I love running, spending time outside with my dogs and chickens, and hanging out with my husband. In June, 2020, I gave birth to my daughter. The last year has been a wild ride, and I am hopeful for an eventual sense of normalcy, so that we can introduce her to the world. I'm so thankful for the opportunity to share my story and hear other's stories! I love women supporting each other and hope that my daughter has opportunities to feel the same sense of community and love! Thank you for listening!" Enjoy!

    Oh We Talking Teams!?: All about Support Systems

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2021 34:31


    In this episode I'll talk a little about my support system, what is a support system etc and how and why you should have one too!

    One Year Later: How are 1st Time Mothers Doing in The Pandemic

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2021 53:59


    March marks a year of being in this pandemic. We take a look into Jillian's first year of motherhood in a pandemic. Jillian is a Boston-based mamma, personal trainer, and pizza lover! She spends her days captivated by her baby girl and has found fun and happiness in taking dance lessons to combat her postpartum struggles. Being pregnant and giving birth during a pandemic has showed Jillian the true power of women and our bodies and how love and support can conquer all.

    One Year Later: How are 1st Time Mothers Doing in The Pandemic

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2021 53:55


    March marks a year of being in this pandemic. We take a look into Madison's first year of motherhood in a pandemic. "I'm Madison but I usually go by Maddy! I'm a 22 year old first time mom and my daughter and I live in West Lafayette, Indiana. I love going out in nature with my daughter, reading, yoga, and I'm a bit of a home body."

    The Man of The Hour: Jona's Mental Health Journey

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2021 64:23


    To wrap up season 1 of Make the Space with Ashley, I got my best friend Jona sharing his mental health journey with us. Jona is an Afro Latino from New York raised in Lebanon, PA. He graduated from St. John's University studying Sports Management; where a career in the Major League Baseball Industry has allowed me to work/live in Miami, PA, DR and now back to NY.

    The Power of The Mind: A Testimony of How your Mind Can Control your Body

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2021 74:05


    Elo is a vivacious Afro-Latina from Dominican Republic who was born and raised in NY. Since the age of 11, she has lived in the Dominican Republic, Pennsylvania, Miami, and now Tampa where she works as a Digital Marketing Specialist. Elo will be sharing with us her testimony on how her mental health has affected her physically. Her story will surprise you and open some people's eyes in seeing that mental illness is REAL and not "all in your head".

    There's No Time Like the Present: Self love, Self Work & Breaking Generational Curses

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2021 61:57


    Episode 18 I have special guest, licensed therapist, Johns Hopkins graduate and creater of The Soul Reasons, Autumn Walker. Autumn will be discussing with us what is self work, why we should choose to heal, and lastly breaking generational curses. Be sure to follow Autumn on Facebook and Instagram at The Soul Reasons.

    Let's Talk About It: An Open Discussion on Breaking Stigma and Reaching the BIPOC Community

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2021 62:13


    On this episode I'm having an open discussion on breaking stigma and reaching the BIPOC community on mental health issues. We have special guests; licensed therapist Taylor Chandler and mental advocate and social media influencer Joyful Black Boy aka Kelvin Clark weighing in. Enjoy!

    Clean Up Time: The Things We Can do for Our Mental Hygiene

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2021 55:26


    Hey everyone! This episode I talk about what is mental hygiene and what we can do to maintain good, healthy, mental hygiene. Enjoy!

    Finding the One: The Search for a Therapist

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2021 55:58


    On this episode I have my friend Jennie talking to me about the journey of finding a therapist. Jennie shares her experience, insight and advice on today's topic. Enjoy!

    Earth's Little Angel: My Reason for Living

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2021 30:26


    I had an epiphany on motherhood during the pandemic! Tuned in to hear what I have to share.

    Parentification: Growing up Too Fast

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2021 57:40


    Episode 13 I talk about what is parentification, the signs, how to recover from it and lastly my personal experience with it.

    The COVID-19 Vaccine: What this Means for Me

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2021 37:36


    On December 30, 2020 I received my first shot of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. This episode I will touch on my experience, why I'm choosing to get vaccinated and what this vaccine means to me.

    Family Estrangement: A Time to Heal

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2020 43:27


    Tonight I talk about what is family estrangement and what that looks like between my parents and I.

    Emotional Support Animals: A True Lifesaver

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2020 32:13


    This episode I give you guys the info on everything emotional support animals and touch on my experience with mine; my pitbull Athena.

    How to Talk to Someone with Depression: The Do's and Don'ts

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2020 41:56


    In this episode we talk about toxic positivity and how to tackle it as well as how to talk to someone with depression.

    After an Attempt: Meli's Healing Journey

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 14, 2020 65:24


    Meli is a 27 year old proud Puerto Rican from New York City. As a recent graduate from Queen's College Urban Affairs Master's program; Meli found her passion working with children and young adults involved in the foster system. After her older brother's suicide attempt 2 years ago, Meli was motivated to begin her healing journey which continues today.. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    To Medicate or Not to Medicate: My Experience with Medication and Psychiatrists

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2020 39:09


    Today I will be talking about the laundry list of meds I've tried along with my experience with some psychiatrists. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    For the Love of Hip-hop: Music as a Coping Mechanism

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2020 65:28


    Episode 5 I have Sammy Rivera from Epiphany Sports sharing his mental health journey along with what hip-hop artists, songs, and albums have got us through our dark times. Enjoy! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Essential Workers: A Teacher's Experience during COVID-19

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2020 65:01


    Angie Hernandez, NYC 9th grade social studies gives us an inside look on how the pandemic has affected her students, colleagues and herself all while staying mentally healthy during this trying time. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    I am a Suicide Survivor

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2020 55:26


    This is my testimony about surviving my three suicide attempts, where I'm at now and why I choose to keep living. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Emily's Testimony

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2020 52:50


    In episode 2 we have a special guest, Emily Leonardo, discussing her experience with domestic violence. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    My pregnancy!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2020 30:18


    This episode I'll be talking about my experience with prenatal depression and postpartum depression

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