Trials To Triumphs

Actress, comedian, and social justice advocate Amanda Seales has never been afraid of speaking the truth. In this candid conversation, Amanda talks to Ashley about the cost of being honest. Recalling a classroom experience in which she corrected her teacher, Amanda reveals she learned early that speaking up for what she believed in can sometimes make others uncomfortable. However, as she grew older, Amanda realized honesty and authenticity are essential ingredients for transforming a society and culture deeply committed to sidestepping the truth when it's inconvenient. Although an unflinching commitment to honesty often requires boldness and courage, Amanda trusts the benefits of speaking the truth will always outweigh the cost. Want more podcasts from OWN? Visit https://bit.ly/OWNPodsYou can also watch Oprah’s Super Soul, The Oprah Winfrey Show and more of your favorite OWN shows on your TV! Visit https://bit.ly/find_OWN  

Wellness entrepreneur and angel investor Hannah Fallis Bronfman has never “lived in a box.” Hannah talks to Ashley about harnessing her potential and allowing herself to expand beyond her wildest dreams. As a young girl growing up biracial in New York City, Hannah’s parents taught her there were no limitations on what she could do or dream and that she belonged in every room she set foot in. When Hannah encountered challenges, her parents’ lessons gave her the strength to own her identity and proudly defy societal expectations. Hannah also opens up about her IVF journey and how sharing her story online has provided support and representation for others going through similar experiences. Today as a beacon of inspiration to women around the world, Hannah attributes her many successes to authenticity, stepping outside of her comfort zone, and boldly betting on herself. Want more podcasts from OWN? Visit https://bit.ly/OWNPodsYou can also watch Oprah’s Super Soul, The Oprah Winfrey Show and more of your favorite OWN shows on your TV! Visit https://bit.ly/find_OWN  

Dancing with the Stars finalist and star of the Bachelorette Charity Lawson is living out her wildest dreams. Charity talks to Ashley about creating a vision board full of future goals. While Charity had bold dreams in mind, she never could’ve imagined the year she eventually experienced. After being nominated to compete on The Bachelor by a close friend, opportunities to star on The Bachelorette and Dancing With the Stars soon followed. Wrapping 2023 happily married and as a Dancing with the Stars finalist, Charity is confident her life looks drastically different today because she had a vision, took a leap of faith, and embraced the opportunities that came her way.Want more podcasts from OWN? Visit https://bit.ly/OWNPodsYou can also watch Oprah’s Super Soul, The Oprah Winfrey Show and more of your favorite OWN shows on your TV! Visit https://bit.ly/find_OWN  

Emmy-winning writer, producer, and actor Lena Waithe has always relentlessly pursued her dreams. Ashley and Lena talk about meeting over a decade ago and the growth they’ve experienced in their friendship since their early days in Los Angeles. While Lena initially desired to pursue a career in television writing, the opportunity to star in Netflix’s Master of None presented new avenues to achieve her dreams. While acting was not her initial focus, Lena later realized her on-screen presence was a necessity as she represented a group of Black women who are often overlooked. Today, as an accomplished show creator, actor, and writer, Lena knows saying ‘yes’ to unexpected opportunities has the power to not only transform her life but also impact a new generation of creatives.Want more podcasts from OWN? Visit https://bit.ly/OWNPodsYou can also watch Oprah’s Super Soul, The Oprah Winfrey Show and more of your favorite OWN shows on your TV! Visit https://bit.ly/find_OWN  

Actress Gail Bean is trading frustration for gratitude. Gail talks to Ashley about the challenge of navigating 2023. After enduring the actor’s strike, a breakup, and saying goodbye to her hit show Snowfall, Gail found herself walking through a dark valley of uncertainty. It was difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel in the face of so many ‘dead-ends’, but Gail kept believing that things would change for the better. A year later, Gail declared her word for 2024 is "receiving," meaning that instead of obsessing over the things she lacked in life, she planned to count her blessings. This simple shift to honor her blessings has helped Gail maintain a deep sense of gratitude. Despite the tumultuous transitions of 2023, Gail is standing firm on faith, poised to receive every gift God will send her way.Want more podcasts from OWN? Visit https://bit.ly/OWNPodsYou can also watch Oprah’s Super Soul, The Oprah Winfrey Show and more of your favorite OWN shows on your TV! Visit https://bit.ly/find_OWN  

Actress Melanie Liburd knows how to fight for what she needs. She tells Ashley taking her craft into her own hands as a budding actress was one of her greatest acts of self-care. In the early stages of her career, Melanie struggled to juggle multiple auditions during Hollywood’s ‘pilot season hustle.’ Having recently moved from London to Los Angeles, the British actress quickly grew overwhelmed by the pressure to wow casting directors while adapting to a new culture and learning her lines in a new accent. When she realized she was spreading herself too thin, Melanie switched from auditioning for as many gigs as possible to moving at her own pace. This simple shift helped her eventually land recurring roles on Dark Matter (Syfy), This is Us (NBC), and Power: Book II (Starz). Today as a more seasoned actress, Melanie urges similarly overwhelmed actors to release the pressure to please others and focus on impressing the most important person in the audition room–themselves.Want more podcasts from OWN? Visit https://bit.ly/OWNPodsYou can also watch Oprah’s Super Soul, The Oprah Winfrey Show and more of your favorite OWN shows on your TV! Visit https://bit.ly/find_OWN  

Actress Teyonah Parris knows the power of co-creating with God. In this heartfelt conversation, she talks to Ashley about the process of nurturing a God-given dream. Comparing the experience of believing before seeing to walking through a pregnancy, Teyonah shares how she learned to activate her faith and remain expectant. She also discusses the importance of setting healthy boundaries to guard against negative influences and cultivating gratitude in the midst of frustration. Teyonah reminds us that when we choose to trust God despite our doubts or disappointments, He always responds with more than we could ever ask, think, or even imagine.Want more podcasts from OWN? Visit https://bit.ly/OWNPodsYou can also watch Oprah’s Super Soul, The Oprah Winfrey Show and more of your favorite OWN shows on your TV! Visit https://bit.ly/find_OWN  

White House correspondent and author April Ryan has always used her voice for good. April talks to Ashley about discovering her purpose in one of America’s most prestigious political institutions. As a young girl from Baltimore, Maryland, April constantly fought to overcome adversity and being underestimated. Reflecting on her early days at the White House, April shares her struggles with imposter syndrome and finding her footing. While covering the Trump administration later in her career, April made a name for herself by asking the questions others shied away from. Although there were many days when she wanted to quit, April later made history as the longest serving Black female journalist at the White House with 26 years under her belt. April’s life is truly a testament to what can happen when you allow life to unfold, embrace the unexpected and speak up for what you believe in.Want more podcasts from OWN? Visit https://bit.ly/OWNPodsYou can also watch Oprah’s Super Soul, The Oprah Winfrey Show and more of your favorite OWN shows on your TV! Visit https://bit.ly/find_OWN  

Actress Karen Pittman no longer subscribes to a scarcity mindset. The Nashville native talks to Ashley about learning to align herself with abundance and claiming what was rightfully hers. Karen describes the major transitions of her life including shifting from the cutthroat financial world to attending NYU’s prestigious acting program...while pregnant! Pittman shares her journey in the acting industry, including the show review that changed her life and the moment she realized her dreams were coming true. She also discusses how motherhood helped her grow up. Today, as a star on “The Morning Show” and “And Just Like That,” Karen emphasizes that key ingredients to her success include radically avoiding comparison to her peers, remaining true to herself, and focusing on the blessings that have always belonged to her. Want more podcasts from OWN? Visit https://bit.ly/OWNPodsYou can also watch Oprah’s Super Soul, The Oprah Winfrey Show and more of your favorite OWN shows on your TV! Visit https://bit.ly/find_OWN  

Doula and author Brandi Sellerz-Jackson understands the power of sharing our stories in community. She talks to Ashley about growing up in Alabama and functioning in survival mode. When she found the courage to revisit her childhood trauma in therapy later in life, Brandi discovered that healing happens in community. Brandi also discusses her work as a doula and how nurturing others in her craft helped her learn to nurture herself. Brandi knows that authentic connection helps us thrive and reminds us that we’re never alone. Want more podcasts from OWN? Visit https://bit.ly/OWNPodsYou can also watch Oprah’s Super Soul, The Oprah Winfrey Show and more of your favorite OWN shows on your TV! Visit https://bit.ly/find_OWN  

Award-winning actress Wendy Raquel Robinson has learned how to sit in her dreams. The South-Central LA native talks to Ashley about the defining moments in her life and career; from her early days taking the stage at Howard University to starring in the long-running hit series, The Game. No stranger to the grind of the entertainment business, Wendy shares the greatest lesson she’s learned throughout her career is how crucial it is to pause and take a moment to celebrate your accomplishments. Wendy also discusses how her passion for her community and the arts led to co-founding Amazing Grace Conservatory, a performing arts school for emerging artists and at-risk youth. Wendy says she owes her continued success to God, trusting her instincts, maintaining her creative passion and celebrating her wins along the way.Want more podcasts from OWN? Visit https://bit.ly/OWNPodsYou can also watch Oprah’s Super Soul, The Oprah Winfrey Show and more of your favorite OWN shows on your TV! Visit https://bit.ly/find_OWN  

Grammy Award-winning jazz singer Samara Joy accomplished a major feat when she was awarded Best New Artist at the 2023 Grammys. But just two months later, she realized her newfound success came with new challenges. Samara talks to Ashley about prioritizing rest in the midst of walking in her purpose. She also shares the importance of taking breaks to prevent burnout and finding balance in her career as a young artist. With many more milestones ahead of her, Samara knows it will take intentionality to protect her energy as she makes strides toward her dreams.Want more podcasts from OWN? Visit https://bit.ly/OWNPodsYou can also watch Oprah’s Super Soul, The Oprah Winfrey Show and more of your favorite OWN shows on your TV! Visit https://bit.ly/find_OWN     

Blogger and model Achieng Agutu no longer lives within societal confines. The self-proclaimed “Confidence Queen” talks to Ashley about learning to love herself and confidently step into her power. As a child growing up in Kisumu, Kenya, Achieng knew all about the unwritten rules dictating how women in that society should behave. But as she grew older, she discovered existing within those margins would restrict her from a life worth living. Achieng later determined her confidence couldn’t come from her relationships nor the opinions of others; it had to stem from within. Today at 27 years old, Achieng practices radical self-acceptance and embraces herself fully knowing that life must be lived on her own terms.Want more podcasts from OWN? Visit https://bit.ly/OWNPodsYou can also watch Oprah’s Super Soul, The Oprah Winfrey Show and more of your favorite OWN shows on your TV! Visit https://bit.ly/find_OWN  

Emmy-nominated actress and Human Rights Advocate, Angelica Ross uses her privilege for purpose. Angelica talks to Ashley about embracing her essence and fighting for what she believes in despite the cost. When a series of unfortunate events led to a fallout with one of Hollywood’s most powerful producers, Angelica chose not to buckle and bend under the pressure. Instead, she stood her ground, speaking up for herself and those who lacked the courage. Angelica’s commitment to knowing and honoring her value as not only an actress but as a human being has helped her stand with dignity when the going gets tough. Today, as she transitions into the world of politics, Angelica continues to stand on the principles that guided her as an actress; know your power and use it to bring light into the world.Want more podcasts from OWN? Visit https://bit.ly/OWNPodsYou can also watch Oprah’s Super Soul, The Oprah Winfrey Show and more of your favorite OWN shows on your TV! Visit https://bit.ly/find_OWN  

Four-time Olympic gold medalist and star of the Real Housewives of Atlanta, Sanya Richards-Ross talks to Ashley about understanding the power of the tongue. From predicting her Olympic win at the age of nine, to preparing herself to retire from track and field, prayer and preparation have served Sanya in powerful ways throughout her life. Sanya also opens up about her heartbreaking miscarriage and how that experience shaped her perspective on motherhood. As she and her husband prepare to welcome their rainbow baby, Sanya emphasizes the importance of speaking positively over your life, persevering through hardship, and trusting that it’s the whole journey that defines us, not just one moment.Want more podcasts from OWN? Visit https://bit.ly/OWNPodsYou can also watch Oprah’s Super Soul, The Oprah Winfrey Show and more of your favorite OWN shows on your TV! Visit https://bit.ly/find_OWN