This week on AND/BOTH, I’m joined by Lauryn Warnick, CEO and founder of Villain Branding. Lauryn shares how she went from film school to tech startups to leading a verbal-first brand consultancy—and how the business has grown and shifted alongside marriage, motherhood, and the many seasons real life brings.We talk about:Building a business that doesn’t pretend life at home is pausedWhy B2B storytelling has more impact (and heart) than most people expectWorking with a spouse and figuring out routines that actually workThe pressure of being the primary income earner while raising young kidsMoving away from “balance” and toward navigating what each season asks of youThe Disney moment that unexpectedly reframed flexibility, boundaries, and perspectiveThis episode is full of the conversations that don’t always make it into the highlight reel—how we work, how we parent, and how we keep adjusting the picture as life keeps changing.Connect with Lauryn:Website: www.villainbranding.comLinkedIn: Lauryn WarnickConnect with Ashley:Website: https://www.ashleyblackington.comPodcast website: https://www.andbothpodcast.com/Dovetail® App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dovetail-app/id6744341822Instagram: @mydovetail.appLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyblackington/
In this episode, I’m joined by Brea Starmer, founder of Lions & Tigers, a company she started after being laid off while seven months pregnant and serving as her family’s primary income. What began as survival quickly became a new way of thinking about work: flexible, skilled, sustainable, and built around real life.We talk about the myth of stability in traditional employment, why so many women and caregivers are pushed to the margins, and how blended teams and fractional work are giving people more agency than ever before.And of course, we talk about the real-life side of it all- parenting, logistics, exhaustion, boundaries, and the seasons where everything feels like “a lot”… and also deeply purposeful.In this episode:The layoff that sparked Lions & TigersHow Brea built her own maternity leave through freelance workWhy blended teams are becoming essential in enterprise companiesHow AI, caregiving, and shifting workplace norms are reshaping careersWhat it actually looks like to build a business while raising three kidsThe skill of knowing what’s worth your time (and what you can let fall through the colander)Connect with Brea:Lions & Tigers: lionsandtigers.comWorkforce Reimagined studyConnect with Brea on LinkedInConnect with Ashley:Website: https://www.ashleyblackington.comPodcast website: https://www.andbothpodcast.com/Dovetail® App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dovetail-app/id6744341822Instagram: @mydovetail.appLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyblackington/
November Roundtable: The Holiday Overwhelm Episode with Paige Connell & Allie McQuaidThe holidays are supposed to feel warm and joyful- but for most moms, they also come with nonstop logistics, emotional labor, and a running mental checklist that never really turns off. And for millennial moms especially, the expectations feel higher than ever.In this month’s roundtable, Erin Holland (PG-ish Podcast) and I are joined by Paige Connell (@sheisapageturner) and Allie McQuaid (@millennialmomtherapist) for a conversation that goes right into the thick of it: the mental load, the pressure to make things magical, the generational friction that shows up the minute you walk into a family gathering, and the complicated mix of joy and burnout that this season brings.In this episode we cover:Why the holidays hit so hard when your plate was already full in JulyThe “fun mom” pressure and why it doesn't make sense, when you’re the one noticing, planning, packing, and rememberingHow early messaging around anger and emotions shows up again in motherhoodThe emotional gymnastics of blended families, divorced parenting, and juggling multiple householdsWhy social media intensifies holiday expectations (and how to spot what’s actual life vs. content creation)What our kids really remember and why it’s almost never the expensive or elaborate stuffHow to rethink traditions, drop the “shoulds,” and pay attention to what actually brings joy or easeThe permission to let this year look different than last year (or any year)It’s honest, relatable, a little funny, and full of the kind of “oh right, it’s not just me” moments that make the holidays feel a little more doable.Listen in, especially if the season feels like a lot before it’s even started.Connect with Paige and Allie:Paige Connell — @sheisapageturnerAllie McQuaid — @millennialmomtherapistConnect with Ashley:Website: https://www.ashleyblackington.comPodcast website: https://www.andbothpodcast.com/Dovetail® App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dovetail-app/id6744341822Instagram: @mydovetail.appLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyblackington/
In this episode, I sit down with Kendra Koch, the founder of Divergently, a private community built for late-diagnosed neurodivergent women who want clarity, support, and a softer landing than the internet usually offers.Kendra came to this work through her own late diagnosis, years spent in the Silicon Valley wellness world, and a growing sense that the tools available to neurodivergent women were either too shallow, too loud, or too overwhelming to actually use. What started as her personal search for answers eventually became Divergently- a curated, trauma-aware space built to help women understand themselves and make daily life feel less chaotic and more doable.We cover a lot in this conversation, including:What it feels like to receive a diagnosis later in lifeWhy so many women only start connecting the dots after their kids begin evaluationsThe emotional and logistical realities of navigating care, systems, stigma, and uncertaintyHow trauma keeps showing up in ways many of us don’t expectThe difference between “having information” and actually being supportedWhy “just disclose at work” isn’t simple — or safe — advice for everyoneHow creating boundaries inside a community can be what makes it truly inclusiveThe small, practical shifts that make life less prickly: body doubling, environmental tweaks, lowering the bar in smart, supportive waysAnd how Kendra is building a company while raising a young child, healing, and moving at a pace that fits her real life — not the one hustle culture demandsThis conversation is thoughtful, honest, and full of moments that made me rethink how we support ourselves and each other. If you’ve ever felt like something wasn’t quite adding up, or you’ve been searching for a place that feels safe and steady, you’ll feel seen here.Where to find Kendra:Website: joinedivergently.comSocial: @joinedivergentlyLinkedIn: Kendra KochConnect with Ashley:Website: https://www.ashleyblackington.comPodcast website: https://www.andbothpodcast.com/Dovetail® App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dovetail-app/id6744341822Instagram: @mydovetail.appLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyblackington/
For more than 100 episodes, AND/BOTH has shared conversations with women navigating identity, care, and capacity — and this week, the conversation widens.In this episode, I sit down with Michael Perry, founder and CEO of Maple, to talk about what it means to be part of what he calls “the transition generation” — a time when fathers are learning to show up differently, families are renegotiating what partnership looks like, and the systems that support us are still catching up.Michael is a father of two, a husband, and a founder who’s building technology designed to make the invisible work of family visible, to help parents collaborate better, share responsibilities, and stay connected in the chaos.We talk about what’s shifting in modern parenthood, what’s still broken, and how we can bring more empathy, participation, and grace into our homes, without turning our families into another project to manage.💛 In this episode, we talk about:What it means to be part of the “transition generation” of fathersWhy partnership is more than division of labor, it’s shared leadershipThe systems that fail families (and what it might look like to rebuild them)How to have better conversations at home about what’s working and what isn’tThe difference between intention and participationWhy grace and gratitude are essential tools in family lifeAnd how to find your 8 out of 10 days — the perspective shift that can change everythingThis episode is for you if:You’re navigating how to balance partnership and parenting in real lifeYou’re curious about how fathers are experiencing this cultural shiftYou want to build more empathy and communication at homeYou’re ready to talk about family as shared work — not a scorecard🔗 Resources & LinksMaple: growmaple.comFollow Michael Perry: @michaelperry | LinkedIn: Michael PerryConnect with Maple: @growmapleConnect with Ashley:Website: https://www.ashleyblackington.comPodcast website: https://www.andbothpodcast.com/Dovetail® App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dovetail-app/id6744341822Instagram: @mydovetail.appLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyblackington/
In this episode, I sit down with Jennifer Westpfahl, founder of Be.Retreats, to talk about what it looks like to build a life and a business that make space for rest, intention, stillness, and connection — and how those four pillars spell something else entirely: RISK.Jennifer shares the winding story of how B-Retreats came to life, not from a business plan or a strategic vision, but from a feeling that just wouldn’t go away. What began as a simple women’s weekend at a cabin has evolved into a growing series of in-person and virtual retreats designed to help people slow down, reconnect, and live with more authenticity.We talk about:🌿 The unexpected journey of saying “yes” to something before you have it all figured out💛 How rest can feel risky in a world that glorifies busyness🪞 The identity shifts that come with motherhood, empty nests, and growing older🔥 Why community and connection matter more than perfection🕯️ And what it really means to stop — not just pause — and allow yourself to beConnect with Jennifer:Website: beretreats.coInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jmwestpfahl/Be.Retreats Instagram: @beretreatsmnConnect with Ashley:Website: https://www.ashleyblackington.comPodcast website: https://www.andbothpodcast.com/Dovetail® App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dovetail-app/id6744341822Instagram: @mydovetail.appLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyblackington/
In this second half of my 100th episode conversation with my friend and poet Megan Leonard, we talk about what happens when we finally start letting go of what’s not working.We call it The Colander List — a way of noticing what’s naturally slipping through, what’s too heavy to hold, and what we might finally have permission to set down.This conversation isn’t about getting more efficient or organized. It’s about capacity, trust, and the space we create when we stop trying to do it all.Meg and I talk about:🌀 What it looks like to stop chasing balance and start listening to yourself🌿 The difference between quitting and releasing💛 How friendship holds up a mirror when we’re growing✨ And how joy shows up when we finally make room for itThese 100 episodes have been about showing up for honest, human conversations, the kind that remind us we don’t have to do it all to live fully.Connect with Meg:Instagram: @megan_leonardpoetryBooks: Book of Lullabies (Milk & Cake Press) and Larkspur Queen (Broadstone Books)1:1 Writing Mentorship: DM Meg on Instagram; mention AND/BOTH for her 2025 pricing if you book your intake before Dec 31Connect with Ashley:Website: https://www.ashleyblackington.comPodcast website: https://www.andbothpodcast.com/Dovetail® App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dovetail-app/id6744341822Instagram: @mydovetail.appLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyblackington/
This roundtable sits in the tender middle where grief and everyday life meet. Abby shares losing her sister—her person—and how that reshaped motherhood, work, and identity. Katie reflects on losing her dad unexpectedly and the decade-long evolution of grief that led to her new book, Grief Cookies and Other Comforting Things. Together we talk language (what helps, what harms), parenting through loss, making meaning without forcing timelines, and building rituals that let our people stay present in our lives.In this episode: When the world keeps spinning: That frozen-in-time feeling after loss—and how to function when the calendar won’t wait.Permission to feel both: Joy and sorrow coexisting; why “time heals” isn’t the whole story.Words that help (and don’t): Moving beyond “there are no words”; simple phrases that land with care.Parenting & grief: Telling the truth at kid-level; navigating family trees, school projects, and curious classmates.Rituals that root us: Ofrendas, Día de los Muertos, photo traditions, quilts from loved ones’ clothes, and everyday anchors (toast with cream cheese & jelly).Coping vs. numbing: Movement, nature, journaling/blogging, creative outlets—and how compartmentalizing can be a short-term tool, not a forever plan.Community & support: Why we shouldn’t do grief alone; finding your “me too” people.Identity shifts: Career pivots, creative work, and the exfoliation of “shoulds” after loss.Practical Practices You Can TrySay something simple: “This sucks. I’m here with you.” / “I don’t know what to say, but I’m not going anywhere.”Micro-comforts: Warm drink, a short walk, fresh air on your face, a favorite song—tiny signals of safety to your nervous system.Ritualize remembrance: A photo on the mantle, a yearly ofrenda, a recipe they loved, a shared song—light, repeatable touchpoints.Kid-level honesty: Offer age-appropriate truth, answer questions directly, and let the story grow with them.Name the cycle: “This wave will pass. Another may come. We can ride them together.”Key TakeawaysGrief doesn’t vanish; it changes shape. Some years are softer, some spike. Both are normal.Language matters. Avoid timelines and silver linings; choose presence over fixes.Compartmentalizing can help you move through the day—return to the feelings when you have capacity.Traditions keep people with us. Rituals don’t need to be fancy to be meaningful.You don’t have to do this alone. Support—professional, peer, spiritual, creative—lightens the lift.Loss can catalyze aligned living—a clearer yes, a braver no, a gentler pace.About Our GuestsAbby Waychoff — Mom, OT by training, and current mental health counseling grad student. After losing her sister, Abby’s work and life pivoted toward grief, meaning-making, and aligned living.Katie Huey — Coach, writer, and facilitator focusing on language for hard things. Author of Grief Cookies and Other Comforting Things: Finding Beauty in Life After Loss (Pub day: today in the episode timeline). Creates spaces to hold both sorrow and joy.Resources MentionedGrief Cookies and Other Comforting Things — Katie HueyDía de los...
For our 100th episode, Ashley sits down (in person!) with longtime friend and poet Megan (Meg) Leonard to talk about the beginnings of AND/BOTH, the early days of motherhood, and the stubborn, beautiful work of staying true to yourself when life keeps changing. From stroller walks and kindergarten drop-offs to building creative work in the cracks of a very full life, this episode is a love letter to friendship, identity, and choosing what actually works for you.In the first part of this conversation we cover:Finding your people in the lonely early seasons of motherhoodBuilding a creative life alongside caregiving and paid workThe tiny windows of time that move big projects forward“Ghost in a meat suit on a space rock” energy—picking what mattersWhy one good friend can be more than enoughConnect with Megan:Megan Leonard, poet & writing mentorInstagram: @megan_leonardpoetryBooks: Book of Lullabies (Milk & Cake Press) and Larkspur Queen (Broadstone Books)1:1 Writing Mentorship: DM Meg on Instagram; mention AND/BOTH for her 2025 pricing if you book your intake before Dec 31Connect with Ashley:Website: https://www.ashleyblackington.comPodcast website: https://www.andbothpodcast.com/Dovetail® App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dovetail-app/id6744341822Instagram: @mydovetail.appLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyblackington/
Becoming a mother changed everything for Kim Richards, not just her routines, her priorities, or her sleep schedule (though all of that, too), but her sense of identity. And like many moms, she found herself wondering: If I’m the one taking care of everyone, who’s taking care of me?In this episode, Kim shares the story behind Caring for Mama, a mission-led business she built to remind caregivers — especially mothers — that they deserve care, too.This conversation covers the real and often unspoken truths of motherhood, identity shifts, invisible labor, and what it means to put yourself back in the center of your own life.Whether you’re a mom, caregiver, or someone who’s felt the tension between giving and needing help yourself, this episode is a gentle nudge to stop minimizing your own needs.In this episode we cover: How Kim went from barely surviving postpartum to building a company around careWhy having help and still feeling alone is more common than we thinkThe invisible mental load of caregiving and the toll it takesReclaiming small moments of self — and why they matter more than we give them credit forWhat support can look like (beyond casseroles and baby clothes)Connect with KimConnect with Kim: @caringformamaLearn more about Caring for Mama: caringformama.orgConnect with Ashley:Website: https://www.ashleyblackington.comPodcast website: https://www.andbothpodcast.com/Dovetail® App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dovetail-app/id6744341822Instagram: @mydovetail.appLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyblackington/
You know that moment when you realize the life you’ve built no longer fits, and it’s time to choose yourself, even if it’s messy?Renée Bauer knows it well. As a seasoned divorce lawyer (23 years in the game) and someone who’s walked through two divorces herself, she brings a rare combination of personal insight and professional clarity to a topic we don’t talk about enough -> what happens when you choose to leave.In this conversation, we talk about:Why disconnection, not drama, is what really ends relationshipsThe surprising trends in modern divorces (yes, politics are now a factor)What happens when one partner evolves — and the other doesn’tWhy every woman (married or not) should have financial independenceAnd how Renée still believes in love, even after all she’s seenWe also get into therapy shame, social media’s role in our relationship breakdowns, and why balance is a myth — but movement is medicine.If you’ve ever questioned your relationship, your choices, or what comes next, take a listen.Connect with Renée:Instagram: @msreneebauerHappy Even After Family Law Instagram: @happy.even.afterDownload Renée’s free divorce workbook: familylawyerct.comRenée’s book: She Who Wins — available wherever you buy booksConnect with Ashley:Website: https://www.ashleyblackington.comPodcast website: https://www.andbothpodcast.com/Dovetail® App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dovetail-app/id6744341822Instagram: @mydovetail.appLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyblackington/Nurtured Entrepreneur Course: https://andbothcompany.com/Nurturedentrepreneur
What if the patterns you keep bumping up against aren’t actually you—but simply habits your mind has learned to run on repeat?In this episode, I’m joined by Kristyn Livermore, director of West End Hypnosis, who shares her journey from being a client herself to building a practice that helps people rewire unhelpful patterns, step out of autopilot, and reconnect with their own sense of choice.Kristyn opens up about:How hypnosis helped her rebuild confidence, release old patterns, and make lasting changeWhy “all hypnosis is self-hypnosis” and what that really meansThe difference between talk therapy and hypnosis, and how they can complement each otherTools for creating mental space when life feels overwhelmingWhy awareness is the first step to shifting into new ways of thinking and livingWhether you’re curious about hypnosis, looking for practical ways to step out of survival mode, or just want to hear an honest conversation about growth and change, this episode will leave you with fresh perspective (and maybe a few tools to try today).Connect with Kristyn:🌐 westendhypnosis.com📱 @westendhypnosis on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTokConnect with Ashley:Website: https://www.ashleyblackington.comPodcast website: https://www.andbothpodcast.com/Dovetail® App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dovetail-app/id6744341822Instagram: @mydovetail.appLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyblackington/
What happens when motherhood collides with ambition and the systems around us weren’t built to support either?This week, Ashley sits down with Dr. Anne Welsh, a clinical psychologist, executive coach, mom of four, and advocate for working parents. Anne’s career has spanned maternal mental health, coaching women in male-dominated industries, and consulting with organizations that are (finally) starting to realize they need to do more for their working parents.In this episode, they explore:Why balance is less of a steady state and more of a constant danceHow ambition shifts and sharpens after becoming a momThe hidden costs of workplaces that frame caregiving as an “individual problem”Why so many women leave corporate life, and what might make them stayThe cultural shift happening as younger parents demand flexibility and supportAnne’s perspective is both deeply personal and big-picture. This conversation is a reminder that change starts with one voice—but it doesn’t have to end there.🔗 Connect with Dr. Anne Welsh:Website: drannewelsh.comLinkedIn: Dr. Anne WelshConnect with Ashley: Website: https://www.ashleyblackington.comDovetail® App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dovetail-app/id6744341822Instagram: @andboth_podcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyblackington/
Today’s episode goes behind the scenes with my roundtable cohost, Erin, host of the PG-ish Podcast. Even though we live on opposite sides of the country and have never met in person, Erin and I can dive into honest conversations and share truths that aren’t often talked about. We chat about our own podcasts, motherhood, where we’re heading next, and what’s fueling these episodes. We believe that community, whether virtual or in-person, truly matters, and we hope to share that community with you, the listener, as well.Show links: • Erin: PG-ish PodcastListen to our roundtables: ◦ Episode 75: Caregiving, Careers & the Cost of Being "Fine" ◦ Episode 79: From Lost to Found: How Moms are Redefining Identity & Belonging ◦ Episode 85: Burned Out? How to Redefine Success in Work and Motherhood ◦ Episode 91: The Emotional Cost of Doing It AllConnect with Ashley:Website: https://www.ashleyblackington.comPodcast website: https://www.andbothpodcast.com/Dovetail® App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dovetail-app/id6744341822Instagram: @mydovetail.appLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyblackington/
Career. Parenthood. Flexibility. For so long, we’ve been told these choices are black and white- either you stay in the workforce full-time or you step away completely.This week's episode features Kaleana Quibbell, a mom and corporate veteran who is challenging that story. After leaving her corporate career in internal benefits consulting, Kaleana built a new path as a part-time consultant and mom of two and in the process, she discovered countless other parents designing careers that don’t fit the old mold.Kaleana founded Both And, a storytelling platform where parents share their journeys of reimagining work—whether that means consulting, freelancing, part-time roles, job-sharing, or simply advocating for more flexibility at work.In this conversation, we explore:Why work and parenthood don’t have to be either/orThe fears and freedom of leaving corporate lifeHow consulting and part-time work can keep parents connected and relevantThe importance of separating your expertise from your employer’s nameWhy companies need to rethink flexibility if they want to keep great talentKaleana’s perspective is honest, practical, and deeply encouraging. She reminds us that there’s no one right way to combine work and family, and that we all benefit from seeing what’s possible.Connect with Kaleana:Website: bothand.coInstagram: @bothand.coLinkedIn: Both AndConnect with Ashley: Website: https://www.ashleyblackington.comDovetail® App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dovetail-app/id6744341822Instagram: @andboth_podcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyblackington/
If you grew up in the 80s or 90s, you probably remember “the talk”, one awkward, fluorescent-lit conversation at school or a quick birds-and-bees download from your parents. But as parents today, we know it doesn’t work like that anymore.In this episode of AND/BOTH, I sit down with returning guest Angie Enger, a sex and self-intimacy coach, parent, and former teen clinic sex ed teacher, to talk about what it really looks like to have ongoing conversations with our kids about sex, consent, bodies, and relationships.In this conversation: Why you’ve probably already started “the talk” without realizing itHow to move beyond mechanics to values, boundaries, and consentThe role of partners (and why these aren’t just “mom conversations”)What to do when kids bring home confusing or surprising languageHow to find trusted resources and other adults to support these conversationsWhy messing up or changing your answer later is not only okay, but healthyWhether you’re parenting a curious five-year-old or a tween who suddenly knows more slang than you do, this conversation is here to remind you: you don’t have to be perfect, you just have to keep showing up.Resources Mentioned:TalkMore.org — conversation guides, age-appropriate tips, book listsMagnificent Sex (book by Peggy J. Kleinplatz & A. Dana Ménard)The Pregnant Body Book (DK Publishing)Recommended children’s books on body parts and puberty (Angie suggests buying both the “penis” and “vulva” versions!)About Angie:Angie Enger is a sex and self-intimacy coach with a background in counseling and human sexuality. She works with individuals and couples to strengthen their relationships with themselves and each other. Angie is also a parent navigating these conversations in real life, and she brings both expertise and lived experience to the table.Connect with Angie: http://angieenger.com orhttps://www.instagram.com/angieengercoachConnect with Ashley: Website: https://www.ashleyblackington.comDovetail® App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dovetail-app/id6744341822Instagram: @andboth_podcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyblackington/
In this deeply honest and nourishing conversation, I’m joined by grief educator, somatic practitioner, and trauma-informed coach Mandy Capehart for a conversation that reaches far beyond loss—and straight into how we live, parent, and show up for ourselves and each other in the messiness of life.Mandy shares her personal journey through profound grief, including the loss of her mother and the unraveling of her previous life in the wake of that loss. We talk about the myth of “moving on,” what it means to support others in grief without needing to fix it, and how accepting grief as a lifelong companion (rather than a problem to solve) opens us up to deeper compassion, rest, and wholeness.In this conversation: How grief lives in parenting—and why modeling rest, boundaries, and vulnerability for our kids mattersThe emotional labor of managing other people’s discomfort while you’re the one grievingWhy “urgent healing” is a lie and grief is never a one-and-doneWhat grief literacy is and how it can help us be better humans to each otherHow community care (even snack prep!) is part of real supportMandy’s work reminds us that we don’t have to be “fully put together” to be worthy of care or capable of growth. And if you’ve ever felt like you had to keep it all together while quietly falling apart, this episode is for you.Connect with Mandy: Website: MandyCapehart.comInstagram & Threads: @MandyCapehartTwitter: @MandyCapehartBlueSky: @mandycapehart.bsky.socialPodcast: Restorative Grief with Mandy CapehartThe Guidebook: https://amzn.to/3XiqXm9Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mandycapehart Ebook (giveaway for your audience): https://www.mandycapehart.com/freeguide/ Enneagram specific ebook: https://www.mandycapehart.com/enneagramebook/ Connect with Ashley: Website: https://www.ashleyblackington.comDovetail® App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dovetail-app/id6744341822Instagram: @andboth_podcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyblackington/
In this powerful and unfiltered roundtable episode, Ashley and Erin sit down with Heather Chauvin and Amri Kibbler, two women who have faced the unthinkable: a cancer diagnosis in the middle of motherhood, business, and everyday survival.Together, they open up about the moments they knew something was wrong, the delays in care, and how deeply ingrained patterns of people-pleasing and self-neglect played a role in their stories. But this conversation goes beyond cancer—it’s about reclaiming your intuition, setting real boundaries, and redefining what it means to take care of yourself as a woman and a mother.Inside this episode, we explore:The moment you know something is wrong but keep pushing throughWhat it means to advocate for yourself when no one else isHow emotional labor and caregiving become invisible burdensBurnout, grief, and the realities of parenting while healingLetting go of friendships and roles that no longer serve youWhy self-care isn’t a spa day—it’s a survival strategyRebuilding your life with intention after everything falls apartThis conversation is about what happens when you finally stop carrying everyone else and realize you’ve been disappearing in the process.Connect with Heather:https://heatherchauvin.com/timehttps://www.instagram.com/heatherchauvin_/Connect with Amri:https://www.instagram.com/amrikibbler/https://www.amrikibbler.com/Connect with Ashley: Website: https://www.ashleyblackington.comDovetail® App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dovetail-app/id6744341822Instagram: @andboth_podcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyblackington/
Ashley is solo this week to talk about caregiving, creativity, and what it really means to support mothers as whole people. She shares updates on her digital platform Dovetail, reopens consulting hours under Home Field Advantage, and introduces two exciting new offerings: the And/Both Community (now open!) and the Nurtured Entrepreneur Retreat (coming 2026).This is a personal episode about honoring the invisible work caregivers do—and why it’s time we make space for their dreams, too.Why caregiving is foundational to our economy—and how we can better support those holding it all togetherHow the Dovetail platform simplifies care coordination for families navigating aging, illness, or long-distance caregivingThe importance of honest conversations about aging, autonomy, and asking for help—before a crisis hitsHow to reclaim creative space as a caregiver or mom—including a sneak peek at the upcoming Nurtured Entrepreneur RetreatConnect with Ashley: Website: https://www.ashleyblackington.comDovetail® App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dovetail-app/id6744341822Instagram: @andboth_podcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyblackington/
In this throwback episode, Ashley sits down with Nicole Lenzen—a solo mom by choice, former wedding dress designer, tech consultant, and now a coach specializing in parental leave transitions. Nicole shares her unique journey through multiple career paths, a major health wake-up call, and the decision to become a solo parent. After navigating an overwhelming return-to-work experience post-leave, she pivoted into coaching to help others through similar transitions.In this conversation:Why Nicole chose solo motherhood and how her medical diagnosis shaped that decisionHer nonlinear career—from Silicon Valley to couture bridal design to corporate consultingThe messiness and mismanagement of parental leave policies in the U.SHow chronic stress manifests physically—and how that led to Nicole’s shift toward a values-aligned lifeCreating human-centered systems within corporate cultureHer current work helping both individuals and companies navigate parental leave with empathy and structureThis episode is filled with powerful reflections on identity, intergenerational trauma, and how corporate systems often fail parents—especially mothers. Nicole and Ashley talk honestly about the emotional and logistical load of parenthood, lack of support in the workplace, and how change is slowly being pushed forward by people who are no longer willing to “stick their head in the blender” and pretend it’s normal.Connect with Ashley: Website: https://www.ashleyblackington.comDovetail® App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dovetail-app/id6744341822Instagram: @andboth_podcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyblackington/