DiscoverThe Calm Collective - a wellness podcast for women
The Calm Collective - a wellness podcast for women
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The Calm Collective - a wellness podcast for women

Author: AshLiving

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Co-hosted by Ashlee Livingstone and Colleen Kurtz, experts in wellness, stress management, and finding your calm.

Stress is a normal part of life, but the chronic effects don’t have to be. Join us for raw, relatable conversations as we explore how everything is connected—mind, body, and even the powerful mind-gut connection. We’ll share simple, practical tools to help you move out of survival mode and transform your wellness.

The Calm Collective is your space to pause, breathe, and realign. Ready to feel more calm and in control? Tune in weekly for your wellness.
44 Episodes
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In this solo episode of The Calm Collective, Colleen shares heartfelt reflections on the role of community during life’s hardest seasons, including the loss of her daughter, Ainslie, in 2018 and another challenging chapter in 2024. Through honest storytelling, she explores what real support actually looks like—the people who show up quietly, consistently, and without needing the right words—and reminds listeners that true community isn’t about everyone, but about the right people at the right time. Colleen also offers gentle encouragement and practical insight on building meaningful connections through vulnerability, intentionality, and mutual care, inviting listeners to take small steps toward creating the kind of community that can hold them through both grief and healing.Please share with someone who has been there for you.Connect with us on Instagram - we love to hear your feedback: ⁠Ashlee⁠ & ⁠Colleen⁠And we encourage you to share this with one person you know who could benefit from this conversation.
Adult friendships aren’t failing, they’re being tested.In this solo episode, Ashlee dives into why connection feels harder in your 30s and 40s, why some friendships quietly fall away, and why that doesn’t mean anything has gone wrong. Between family, work, kids’ schedules, and constant overstimulation, many of us are craving deeper connection… while feeling too exhausted to maintain it.Ashlee unpacks:Why outgrowing friendships is often necessary (not selfish)How to tell the difference between acquaintances and true friendsWhy surface-level connection feels draining instead of fulfillingThe role your nervous system plays in boundaries, clarity, and connectionShe also introduces Regulate, her 6-week program designed to help you calm your nervous system, stop overgiving, and create relationships that actually feel supportive, not obligatory.If you’ve ever thought “Why does friendship feel so hard now?” this episode is for you.🎧 Listen in, then share it with someone who’s been on your heart.
In this episode, Ashlee and Colleen have an honest conversation about something so many women feel—but rarely say out loud: loneliness.They explore why adult friendships can feel harder than ever in a hyper-connected, tech-driven world, and how social media often gives the illusion of connection without the depth of real community. From parenting-centered friendships to introversion labels, busy schedules, and fear of vulnerability, they unpack the subtle ways we avoid building the connections we actually crave.Ashlee and Colleen share personal stories, reflections on grief and life transitions, and practical ways to begin shifting from isolation to intentional community—without needing a massive social circle. This episode is an invitation to take inventory of your relationships, redefine what community means to you, and take small, courageous steps toward deeper connection and support.If you’ve been feeling disconnected, unseen, or longing for more meaningful relationships, you’re not alone—and this conversation is for you.Connect with us on Instagram - we love to hear your feedback: ⁠Ashlee⁠ & ⁠Colleen⁠
In this episode, Ashlee and Colleen sit down with Alex Long to talk about what it really looks like to align your life with your priorities—and continue evolving as you grow. Alex shares her powerful journey of leaving an abusive marriage, rebuilding her life, and redefining success beyond titles, roles, and external expectations.This conversation explores why there’s no single breakthrough moment or magic solution, but rather an ongoing practice of self-honesty, recommitment, and alignment. Together, they discuss letting go of old identities, setting clear priorities, celebrating small wins, and consistently choosing actions that reflect who you are becoming.If you’re navigating change, craving more authenticity, or feeling called to evolve into the next version of yourself, this episode is a grounded reminder that meaningful growth happens one intentional choice at a time.Follow Alex here: Alex UndefinedConnect with us on Instagram - we love to hear your feedback: ⁠Ashlee⁠ & ⁠Colleen⁠
In this episode, Colleen is talking about a very unsexy day in her life — the simple, mostly free habits that actually keep her feeling happy, energized, and yes, pooping daily. She dives into morning sunlight, walking, protein at every meal, sitting down to eat, and small nervous system resets — the boring stuff that truly supports gut health, mental health, and hormone balance.Ladies, if you’ve ever felt like you need all the fancy tools, biohacks, or trends to feel good, this episode is your reminder: you don’t. Foundations first, consistency matters, and simple rhythms are what make the real difference.Tune in and discover why the unsexy habits are the secret to feeling good every day.Connect with us on Instagram - we love to hear your feedback: ⁠Ashlee⁠ & ⁠Colleen⁠
“I know what I need to do… so why can’t I follow through?”If you’ve ever asked yourself this question, this solo episode is for you. Ashlee unpacks the gap between awareness and action—why knowing isn’t the problem, and why implementation can feel so hard even when the answers are clear.She explores the hidden layers of resistance that keep women stuck, including fear of change, self-worth blocks, nervous system dysregulation, and the subtle fear of outgrowing people or identities. Rather than pushing harder or adding more to your plate, Ashlee invites you to start smaller, calmer, and more intentionally, building self-trust through tiny, consistent actions.This episode is a compassionate reminder that you don’t need more discipline—you need safety, support, and a regulated nervous system to create lasting change.Connect with us on Instagram - we love to hear your feedback: ⁠Ashlee⁠ & ⁠Colleen⁠
In this episode, Ashlee and Colleen dive into one of the most overlooked ingredients of successful goal-setting: consistency. They unpack why motivation fades, how the all-or-nothing mindset keeps people stuck, and why showing up imperfectly still counts.Through real-life examples—from fitness and meal planning to breathwork and self-care—they explore how small, sustainable actions create momentum over time. This conversation is a reminder that consistency doesn’t mean perfection; it means having a plan, staying curious, and continuing even when it feels messy.If you’ve ever set a goal with the best intentions only to fall off track, this episode will help you rethink consistency, build trust with yourself, and create habits that actually last.Connect with us on Instagram - we love to hear your feedback: ⁠Ashlee⁠ & ⁠Colleen⁠
In the Season 2 premiere, Ashlee and Colleen break down why so many women set the same goals year after year and what it really takes to finally move forward. From fitness and business goals to creating more space in your overwhelmed schedule, they explore how to set specific, measurable, and meaningful intentions that actually stick.You’ll learn why vague goals like “get in shape” keep you stuck, how limiting beliefs make you afraid to be specific, and why “doing less” is sometimes the most powerful goal you can set. They share practical ways to apply SMART goals, create supportive habits, and build accountability that feels empowering, not punishing.Ashlee and Colleen also highlight the importance of celebrating small wins, aligning goals with how you want to feel, and making consistent progress without perfection. If you’re ready to finally stop recycling your goals and start creating real momentum, this episode will help you step into the new year with clarity, confidence, and intention.Want support? Join Ashlee's Free Goal Setting Workshop on January 13th at 12 (est): Join HereConnect with us on Instagram - we love to hear your feedback: ⁠Ashlee⁠ & ⁠Colleen⁠
In our final episode of the season, Ashlee and Colleen slow things down and walk you through the power of year-end reflection before jumping into 2026 goal-setting. We explore what it really looks like to review the past year with gratitude—not judgment—by celebrating wins, learning from challenges, and noticing the habits and patterns that shaped the year. We also share our own reflection process, why aligning goals with how you want to feel matters more than checking boxes, and how to set yourself up for a more intentional year ahead.Want your own year end reflection tool? DM us on IG to grab yours: Ashlee⁠ & ⁠Colleen⁠
In this powerful conversation, Ashlee and Colleen sit down with Kimberly Roy—visibility strategist and founder of Pitch With Kim—to explore what it really takes for women entrepreneurs to be seen, heard, and supported. Kimberly shares how she helps women amplify their stories through authentic visibility, while breaking down the resistance, self-doubt, and old narratives that hold so many back. Together, they dive into the journey of self-discovery, the role of nervous system regulation in leadership, the importance of aligning strategy with soul, and why confidence grows through small, consistent steps. This episode is an invitation to embrace your voice, deepen self-trust, and allow yourself to be fully seen in life and business.Grab Kim’s 4 Steps to Consistent Lead Generation: Download here Connect with KimGeneral close: Connect with us on Instagram - we love to hear your feedback: ⁠Ashlee⁠ & ⁠Colleen⁠
In this holiday episode of The Calm Collective, Ashlee dives into the real mental and emotional load mothers carry this time of year. From creating “holiday magic” to managing work, family, and endless expectations, she unpacks why so many women feel overwhelmed, overstimulated, and disconnected during a season that’s supposed to feel joyful.Ashlee explores:The invisible holiday workload for working momsLetting go of traditions that no longer serve youSetting boundaries without guiltDesigning an intentional, values-led holiday seasonProtecting your time, energy, and presenceChoosing meaningful moments over perfectionIf you’re craving a calmer, simpler, more aligned December—with more presence and less pressure—this episode is your permission slip.Connect with us on Instagram - we love to hear your feedback: ⁠Ashlee⁠ & ⁠Colleen⁠And we encourage you to share this with one person you know who could benefit from this conversation.
The holidays don’t have to leave you exhausted, bloated, or stressed. In this solo episode, Colleen shares how to savor the season without the holiday hangover — from simple, meaningful traditions with your family to my top self-care “non-negotiables” that keep your energy, mood, and sanity intact. You’ll get permission to slow down, enjoy the little moments, and skip the holiday chaos.✨ Grab easy weeknight holiday-friendly recipes here: Connect with us on Instagram - we love to hear your feedback: ⁠Ashlee⁠ & ⁠Colleen⁠And we encourage you to share this with one person you know who could benefit from this conversation.
In this episode of The Calm Collective, the roles flip—Colleen interviews Ashlee to explore a question she gets all the time: “Are you really that calm?”Ashlee shares the real story behind her calm—how she once lived in constant survival mode, overwhelmed, reactive, and rushing through life without truly feeling present. She explains that calmness isn’t about never feeling stressed; it’s about learning to regulate the nervous system so you can respond rather than react.Together, they discuss:What calm actually means (and what it doesn’t)How chronic stress becomes a way of beingWhy breathwork is uncomfortable—and why that’s exactly why it worksBuilding tolerance for calm and joy (not just chaos)How mindfulness changes communication, parenting, and relationshipsSimple practices to regulate in the moment (even in traffic or family gatherings!)Ashlee reflects on her shift from searching for external solutions to doing the internal work that changed everything—and how this practice is available to anyone willing to meet themselves with compassion and consistency. This conversation is relatable, grounding, and a reminder that calm isn’t a personality trait—it’s a practice.Ready to access your calm? Grab Ashlee’s Calm for the Holidays Audio Bundle on sale now for $21 Connect with us on Instagram: Ashlee & Colleen
In this episode of The Calm Collective, Ashlee and Colleen sit down with Maurice Thibodeau, creator of The Life Inventory Assessment, to explore why so many of us feel misaligned—and what it really takes to create meaningful change. Maurice shares how our lives reveal misalignment not through dramatic breaking points, but through subtle signs: loss of energy, chronic frustration, emotional exhaustion, and the quiet feeling that something’s “off.” Together, we dive into how our subconscious attempts to keep us “safe” can actually keep us stuck—and how awareness is the first key to transformation.We discuss:Why people wait until crisis to seek supportHow life mapping provides clarity and directionThe emotional weight women carry trying to “hold it all together”Releasing shame and judgment in the growth processBuilding trust with yourself and the professionals who guide youWhy small aligned shifts create change across every area of lifeMaurice also speaks to the importance of curiosity and acceptance—learning to meet yourself where you are while also being open to where you’re going. This conversation is an invitation to pause, reflect, and ask: What would life feel like if I allowed myself to get the support I need?Connect with MauriceAre you a coach? Want to add this to your toolkit? Learn more here Ready to explore your life? Take The Life Inventory Assessment with Ashlee → A 90-minute deep-dive into your life and priorities. This session includes a Life Inventory Assessment and a guided review of your life map. You will walk away with clear insight into where to focus your time, energy, and effort to maximize your impact and create a more intentional life. Connect with us on Instagram: Ashlee & Colleen
In this solo episode of The Calm Collective, Ashlee explores the transformative power of taking radical responsibility for your life.Many of us wait for circumstances or others to change before pursuing personal growth—but true empowerment comes from owning your choices and actions. Ashlee breaks down how shifting from a victim mindset to an empowered creator mindset can transform your life. She explains the difference between the drama triangle and the empowerment dynamic, showing how understanding your power of choice can help you live intentionally and align with what truly matters. You’ll learn how to:Clarify your personal priorities and focus on what’s truly importantIdentify and move past limiting beliefs that keep you stuckTake inspired, courageous action to create lasting changeCultivate self-compassion and curiosity instead of judgmentAshlee also shares tools, reflections, and a guided audio on radical responsibility and breathwork to support you on your personal growth journey. This episode is for anyone ready to stop waiting for life to “happen” to them and start creating a life they’re proud of—one conscious choice at a time.Connect with us on Instagram - we love to hear your feedback: ⁠Ashlee⁠ & ⁠Colleen⁠And we encourage you to share this with one person you know who could benefit from this conversation.
In this solo episode of The Calm Collective, Colleen dives deep into the powerful connection between the mind and the gut, and how it impacts mental health, hormones, immunity, and overall physical wellness. Drawing from her work as a functional nutrition practitioner and clinical therapist, Colleen breaks down how chronic stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma show up in the body—and why addressing them in isolation won’t lead to true healing.She explores:How stress and fight-or-flight responses affect digestion, hormones, and immunityThe three nervous system states and why feeling safe is essential for healingThe gut-brain connection and why 90% of serotonin is made in the gutHow nutrition, protein intake, and functional lab testing support mental and physical healthWhy chronic illness, hormonal imbalances, and mental health symptoms feed into each otherColleen also shares practical insights for rebuilding your body and mind together, so you can finally feel safe, supported, and empowered on your healing journey.Connect with us on Instagram - we love to hear your feedback: Ashlee & ColleenAnd we encourage you to share this with one person you know who could benefit from this conversation.
In this inspiring episode of The Calm Collective, Ashlee and Colleen sit down with Dr. Jennifer Schlueter, a certified trauma-informed hypnotherapist, to explore the profound connection between the mind and body in the healing process. Dr. Jennifer shares her research on endometriosis and how hypnotherapy can be a powerful pathway to deeper healing and self-trust. Together, they unpack what hypnotherapy really is, how it supports nervous system regulation, and why addressing stored emotions and subconscious patterns is essential for long-term well-being.This conversation dives into:Understanding the mind-body connection in healingHow hypnotherapy works and what to expect in a sessionThe role of trauma in physical health challengesBuilding self-trust and reconnecting with your bodyRediscovering joy and purpose through inner workTune in to learn how gentle subconscious healing can open the door to physical relief, emotional balance, and greater alignment with yourself.Connect with Jennifer here: The Psychological Root Causes of Endometriosissubscribepage.io/endometriosisebookSpiritual Hypnosis Traininghttps://mindyoursubconscious.com/spiritual-hypnosis-training
In this solo episode of The Calm Collective, Ashlee invites you into a powerful gratitude practice—one that shifts the focus from external achievements to honoring the past versions of yourself who carried you here.She shares the story of a transformative client session, where guided breathwork opened the door to deep appreciation for the resilience, strength, and choices that created today’s reality. Ashlee also reflects on her own journey of moving through challenge and loss, and how gratitude for her former selves became a source of healing and growth.This isn’t about comparing where you are to where you “should” be—it’s about recognizing that every version of you has had value, and every step has shaped your story.In this episode, you’ll be guided to:Connect with past versions of yourself through gratitudeSee your growth and resilience from a new perspectiveExplore a breathwork practice to anchor gratitude into your daily lifeAshlee encourages you to try this practice, notice what comes up, and share your reflections with her on Instagram.Connect with Ashlee & Colleen on the Gram!: Ashlee & Colleen
In this episode of The Calm Collective, Ashlee sits down with Colleen for an open and refreshing conversation about perimenopause—one of the most important yet often misunderstood transitions in a woman’s life.Together, they unpack:What perimenopause really is and when it beginsThe role of hormones, adrenal health, and stress in shaping your experienceWhy symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings aren’t “normal” (and what they actually signal)Foundational lifestyle practices—nutrition, movement, boundaries, and rest—that make all the differenceHow small, intentional changes now can set you up for a healthier, easier transition into menopauseThis episode is a powerful reminder that perimenopause doesn’t have to be something we silently endure—it’s an opportunity to reclaim your health, energy, and boundaries. Whether you’re in your late 30s, 40s, or already navigating the shift, this conversation will leave you feeling more informed, empowered, and supported.Connect with us on Instagram: Ashlee & Colleen
In this episode, Ashlee and Colleen explore how your mindset shapes everything—from the way you handle challenges to the way you dream about what’s possible. We unpack the difference between a growth mindset and a fixed mindset, and how your inner dialogue and self-reflection play a crucial role in personal transformation. Together, we navigate the fears that often come with change, the resilience built through embracing disappointment, and the importance of self-trust when stepping into new possibilities.Through real-life stories and practical tools, you’ll learn how to take small steps toward big dreams, reframe setbacks as opportunities, and build the foundation for lasting change.Connect with us on the gram: Ashlee & Colleen
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