Wine or Tea?

After weeks of nervous planning, my niece Kayli came over for her very first solo sleepover — and I’m here to tell you all about it. From hibachi shrimp and board games to bonnets and Snow White, this episode is a reflection on what it means to show up for the people we love. If you’ve ever felt unsure how to bond with a tween, this one’s for you. It wasn’t perfect — but it was real. And that was more than enough.

This month’s Out of the Zone challenge isn’t loud or flashy—it’s personal. I’m inviting my sweet niece Kayli over for her first solo sleepover at my house, and y’all… I’m nervous. From the fear of awkward silences to wondering if face masks are still cool, I’m walking you through all the prep, emotions, and middle schooler mystery. I want to show up for her now and as she grows—and if that means risking being “cringe,” so be it. Let’s talk nerves, love, and what it means to show up for your people, even when you're out of your comfort zone.

Ever feel like you’re running in place — tired, foggy, unsure what’s next? Same here. In this episode of Wine or Tea?, I’m talking about that weird, in-between space of feeling stuck. Whether it’s creative blocks, emotional burnout, or just waiting for something to shift, I’m opening up about what this season has looked like for me — especially during pregnancy. Together, we’ll unpack what “stuck” actually feels like, explore why it shows up, and reflect on gentle ways to move through it without forcing a fix. If you’ve been there (or are in it right now), you’re not alone.

In this episode of Wine or Tea?, I’m setting the table—literally and emotionally—for a week full of family, fun, and a little chaos. My brother-in-law and his girlfriend are visiting all the way from Australia, and we’re gearing up for a big Memorial Day getaway with Theo’s side of the family. So naturally, we’re talking all things hosting—the beautiful, the messy, and the moments that make your heart swell. From navigating overstayed welcomes to finding peace in the bathroom (yes, really), I’m sharing my go-to hosting hacks, how I protect my energy, and why I believe creating a cozy space is a love language all its own. Whether you’re a guest, a host, or somewhere in between, you’ll find real talk and maybe even a few giggles in this one. Plus, I’m kicking things off with a Journey Jar question that had me dreaming about second breakfasts and life in the Shire. And of course, I wrap things up with a happy moment that’s filling my cup. So pour yourself a glass—wine or tea—and come hang out with me. Your space can be full and still feel peaceful. Let’s talk about how.

In this episode, I’m sharing something deeply personal — I’m pregnant! After years of negative tests and being told that it might be hard for me to conceive because of PCOS, this surprise has completely changed everything. I open up about how I found out (hint: it happened right after a camping trip), the emotional rollercoaster of the first trimester, and some of the unexpected symptoms I’ve been dealing with — like a major aversion to refried beans and orange juice. This journey has already been full of learning, surrender, and letting go of old habits (like my unhealthy relationship with caffeine). I also share how my loved ones reacted, what I wish people *wouldn’t* say to pregnant women, and how this new season might shape future episodes — but don’t worry, *Wine or Tea?* is still about mental health and pouring perspectives. So, grab your tea (I’m sipping on herbals lately), and join me for a very special update from the heart.

After three years of marriage, I’ve learned more than I ever expected—about love, emotional differences, personal space, and what it really means to grow with someone. In this episode, I’m opening up about the biggest lessons I’ve learned being married to Theo, from how men and women process emotions differently, to how independence and togetherness can actually coexist. I’m also diving into research-backed insights from Psychology Today and the American Psychological Association on the mental health side of relationships. Whether you’re married, dating, or just curious about what makes a relationship work—this one’s for you. So grab your cup of wine or tea, and let’s talk about the messy, beautiful, surprising parts of marriage—three years in. 💬 Let me know what marriage or partnership has taught you by joining the conversation on Wine or Tea's Facebook page or feel free to email me at wineortapodcast@gmail.com

Calling all book lovers! In this episode of Wine or Tea?, Ashlynn counts down her top five favorite books of all time—from thrilling assassins and fantasy realms to powerful memoirs and dragon academies. Whether you're looking for your next read or just love hearing people gush about great stories, you’ll want to cozy up with a cup and join the conversation. She shares why each book holds a piece of her heart, dives into their plots, and leaves you with recommendations that just might change your reading life. Spoiler-free and full of love, this episode is a literary hug. Grab your wine, tea, or cozy drink of choice and let’s turn the page together!

Pour a glass and pull up a seat—this week, Your host, Ashlynn, will be diving into the messy, petty, and oh-so-relatable world of friendship drama, Am I the A**hole? style. Ashlynn is serving up some wild AITA stories that’ll have you laughing, cringing, and maybe questioning your own friendship dynamics. It’s a laid-back episode with zero judgment (well… maybe just a little). Let’s sip, spill, and see who’s really out of line. 🍷💬

n this episode of Wine or Tea?, we’re unpacking assumptions — the ones we make, the ones made about us, and how they shape our perspective. From snap judgments to silent misunderstandings, let’s talk about what happens when we think we know the story... but don’t. 💬 Got thoughts on today’s Journey Jar question or a “happy” moment you’d love to share? Drop a comment — I’d love to hear from you! 📲 Don’t forget to follow along on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook @wineorteapodcast for behind-the-scenes, episode updates, and more perspective-pouring goodness.

This month’s Out of the Zone challenge took me into the great outdoors for a weekend of camping—but with a twist! In this episode, I’m recapping my March adventure, where I stepped outside my comfort zone with a bigger tent than I’ve ever used, embraced a peaceful nature walk, and tackled a solo hike for the first time. From unexpected challenges to moments of reflection, I’m sharing it all—what pushed me, what surprised me, and what I’m taking away from the experience. Plus, did this challenge change how I want to camp in the future? Tune in to find out! For more info on the podcast and host, visit: www.wineorteapodcast.com

Camping is one of my greatest loves & Change has always been hard for me. Stepping away from my usual camping routine feels just as daunting. In this Out of the Zone challenge, I’m pushing myself to break out of my comfort zone in the great outdoors. In this before-the-challenge episode, I share my love for nature, my anxieties around change, and the fears and excitement I have going into this month's challenge.

We all have those little things that drive us just a little too crazy—so let’s talk about them! In this episode of Wine or Tea?, I’m diving into the pet peeves YOU submitted on Facebook and breaking down why they annoy us so much. From pen clicking to turn signal neglect, we’re getting into the nitty-gritty of what makes our skin crawl. But it’s not all rants and raves! Stick around for a Journey Jar question—what’s your favorite cereal and why? Drop your answer in the comments, along with A Happy to end on a positive note! Don’t forget to check out my website and socials to stay connected. Now, let’s pour some perspective and vent a little!

This month, I took ‘Out of the Zone’ to a whole new level—permanently! In this special recap episode, I’m joined by my mom, Misty Mangrum, to talk about our experience getting surprise tattoos together. Yep, you read that right! We went in blind, embraced the unknown, and walked away with something inked forever. We’re breaking down the nerves, the excitement, and the meaning behind it all—plus, how this experience pushed us out of our comfort zones in ways we didn’t expect. Before we dive in, it’s time for our Journey Jar question: If you could change your name to anything, what would it be? Drop your answer in the episode thread—I’d love to hear what you come up with! Also, quick apology for some of the breathiness in this episode—my mic was way too close, but hey, I’m always working on improving my audio. Thanks for sticking with me and for always listening! Now, grab your wine or tea, and let’s get into this unforgettable moment!

When was the last time you truly played? As kids, play came naturally, but somewhere along the way, many of us lost that sense of fun. In this episode of Wine or Tea?, we dive into the science behind play, why it’s essential for adults, and how incorporating fun into our daily lives can boost mental health, creativity, and connection. You’ll hear perspectives from a teenager, a parent, and a therapist on why play matters at every stage of life. Plus, I’ll share my own experiences and thoughts on keeping that childlike spark alive. So, grab your favorite drink, get comfortable, and let’s talk about why it’s time to start playing again! Want more episodes? Visit www.wineorteapodcast.com to explore Wine or Tea? and join the conversation.

Growing up tall came with challenges—awkward comments, struggles with clothing, and moments that made me feel out of place. But this isn’t just about height. It’s about any trait we can’t change—whether it’s our height, race, personal ability, or anything else that makes us stand out. In this episode, I share a deeply uncomfortable public encounter that made me reflect on how people treat differences. I also open up about my personal journey, childhood struggles, and the incredible woman who helped me shift my perspective on self-acceptance. Let’s talk about embracing who we are and why respecting others’ experiences matters. Stay connected! Visit www.wineorteapodcast.com and follow me on social media for more conversations and updates.

Welcome back to Wine or Tea?, where we pour perspectives one cup at a time. Today, I am talking about indecisiveness—why it happens, what I personally struggle with, and what Reddit has to say about this universal battle. From small daily choices to major life decisions, we’ll explore how overthinking keeps us stuck and how we can (hopefully) break free from the cycle. And let’s be real—we all struggle with indecisiveness in some way. So, let’s normalize it! Drop a comment and share what decisions leave you second-guessing yourself. Also feel free to check out www.wineorteapodcast.com

In this February Out of the Zone episode of Wine or Tea?, I’m preparing for an exciting challenge—getting a tattoo with my mom—but there’s a twist! We’re blindfolding ourselves and picking each other’s tattoos without knowing what the other has chosen. In this pre-challenge episode, I’ll walk you through all the hesitations, emotions, and decisions leading up to this bold move. I also dive into the history of tattoos, including the Christian perspective on tattoos, and share some surprising fun facts about ink. And don’t worry—I won’t spoil what my mom's tattoo surprise just yet... You’ll have to wait until the big reveal! Join me as I step out of my comfort zone and explore the deeper meaning behind tattoos before the ink hits the skin! Make sure to follow, subscribe, and ring the bell so you don't miss the recap episode with my mom, where we’ll reveal our tattoos and share how it all went down!

hey! It’s your girl Ashlynn, host of Wine or Tea?, and I’m back with the recap of my first Out of the Zone challenge—taking on a puzzle. Sounds easy, right? Well… throw in some wine spills, a very helpful husband, a mischievous cat and a mini epiphany , and you’ve got yourself an adventure! In this episode, I’m spilling all the details on how it went down, what I learned, and why stepping out of my comfort zone (even for a puzzle) was totally worth it. So grab your wine—or your tea—and let’s chat! 🧩✨🍷

In this episode of Wine or Tea, host Ashlynn discusses the joys, challenges, and unexpected lessons that come with being an Aunt (or Uncle!). Drawing from her own experiences with family, she reflects on how those relationships helped shape her role as the fun, supportive relative that everyone loves. Whether it's offering a listening ear, sharing laughs, or simply being a positive presence, Ashlynn explores how being that "cool" aunt or uncle can have a lasting impact on both you and the little ones in your life. So grab your favorite drink, get cozy, and tune in for a heartwarming conversation about family, life, and the unique power of being that one special person. Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the Journey Jar question or leave any "Happies" in the comments below! Thanks for listening today, and I hope that, whether you're an aunt, uncle, or someone in a similar role, you leave this episode feeling important or valued, because you are in the eyes and hearts of the children around you. You're make can make a difference. -AG #wineorteapodcast

Grief doesn’t always look the way we expect. In this raw bonus episode, I, Your Host Ashlynn, explore grief in all its forms: the loss of a loved one, the grief of a fizzled out friendship, cutting toxic family ties, and even the sorrow of missed opportunities. Join me for a heartfelt conversation where I share my personal experiences with grief and reflect on the lessons I’ve learned. It's time to normalize these conversations, because grief is something we all experience — and we don’t have to go through it alone.