Staying Power

Episode 118: People Are Not Products

In a world of apps, profiles, and endless options, it’s easy to start treating relationships like products — evaluating people based on what they offer, how they “fit,” and whether they meet our criteria.

In this episode of Staying Power, Ashley and JD explore how modern relationship culture has drifted toward a transactional, performance-driven mindset — and how that shift is quietly undermining authentic connection. Drawing on psychology, sociology, and relationship research, they unpack why real relationships are inherently messy, unpredictable, and growth-oriented — and why that’s exactly what makes them meaningful.

Because people aren’t products. And connection isn’t a transaction.

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Episode 117: The Mess of Mediocrity

What does your physical space say about your internal world?

In this episode of Staying Power, Ashley and JD explore the deeper meaning behind clutter — not as a moral failing, but as a signal. From overflowing desks to disorganized schedules, the environments we tolerate often reflect our mental load, emotional state, and personal standards.

Drawing from psychology, behavioral science, and lived experience, they unpack how clutter can represent overwhelm, avoidance, or misaligned priorities — and how intentionally shaping our environments can elevate clarity, energy, and self-respect.

Because sometimes the fastest way to change your life… is to change your space.

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Episode 116: Fooling Ourselves

On April Fool’s Day, we’re surrounded by jokes, pranks, and playful deception. But what does it actually mean to be “foolish”?

In this episode of Staying Power, Ashley and JD take a deeper look at foolishness — not as a punchline, but as a human tendency rooted in bias, emotion, overconfidence, and misperception. Drawing from psychology, behavioral economics, and philosophy, they explore how we all “fool ourselves” at times — and how recognizing those patterns can actually lead to greater wisdom, humility, and growth.

Because being foolish isn’t the opposite of being smart. It’s part of being human.

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Episode 115: "What Needs to Go?"

As winter fades, many of us feel the urge to clean, declutter, and reorganize. But what if spring cleaning isn’t just about dust and closets — but about mental clarity, identity renewal, and habit reset?

Ashley and JD explore the psychology of fresh starts, environmental design, and how intentionally clearing space — physically and emotionally — can unlock momentum in the season ahead.

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Episode 114: "How To Make Your Own Luck" 

Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, Ashley and JD explore the science behind “luck.” Is it random? Is it fate? Or is it something we quietly cultivate through mindset, behavior, and openness?

Drawing from psychology and behavioral research, they unpack how beliefs about luck influence agency, opportunity recognition, and resilience — and how you can intentionally position yourself for more “lucky” outcomes.

Because sometimes luck isn’t magic. It’s movement.

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Episode 113: "What I Didn't Know About You"

What if better conversations start with better questions?

In this lighter but deeply insightful episode of Staying Power, Ashley and JD ask each other unexpected, humorous, and thought-provoking questions — sparking stories about identity, growth, fear, resilience, and joy.

Backed by research on curiosity, emotional intimacy, and relational connection, this episode explores how asking deeper questions — whether with a partner, friend, coworker, or yourself — strengthens bonds and expands self-awareness.

Because sometimes the fastest way to grow closer is simply to ask better questions.

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Episode 112: "What Are You Looking Forward To?"

What if one of the simplest ways to increase resilience, optimism, and emotional energy isn’t a massive life change — but intentionally putting something on your calendar?

In this episode of Staying Power, Ashley and JD explore the psychology and neuroscience of anticipation — why having something to look forward to improves mood, reduces stress, and increases motivation. They discuss how intentionally planning experiences (not just waiting for holidays) can help you live more aligned with your values, and why even small events — a dinner, a solo excursion, a game night — can profoundly shift your emotional baseline.

Because joy doesn’t just happen. It can be scheduled.

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Episode 111: "JD's Eighteen Months In Fight, Flight, and Freeze" 

Recently, JD spent 18 months navigating uncertainty, professional identity shifts, financial recalibration, and invisible pressure. He didn’t think he was “falling apart.” He thought he was adapting. Surviving. Doing what adults do.

But when a new opportunity emerged and his stress levels suddenly dropped, he realized something sobering: he had normalized living in a high-cortisol state — and his body had paid the price.

In this episode of Staying Power, Ashley and JD explore how chronic stress becomes invisible, what it does to the brain and body over time, and how to bring yourself back from survival mode — even when life legitimately demands a lot from you.

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Episode 110: "When Ashley's Light Went Out" 

What happens when, little by little, we give up parts of ourselves to make life smoother for someone else? Not in dramatic ways, but in subtle, quiet ways: the holiday traditions we stop celebrating, the enthusiasm we mute, the joy we tone down so we won’t feel let down. Ashley noticed all of these things were happening to her, and so she decided to share it....

In this episode of Staying Power, Ashley and JD explore what it means to maintain your core identity — your light, your joy, your aliveness — even when your environment doesn’t naturally support it. Drawing on research from psychology, attachment science, emotional regulation, and resilience studies, they unpack why we slowly shrink, how it happens neurologically, and how to reclaim ourselves without blame or bitterness.

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Episode 109: What We Love (and 'Hate') About Love

It's Valentine's season, and JD and Ashley are in the spirit (so to speak!). This episode goes far beyond the sentimental cards, overpriced sweets, and societal expectations for Valentine's Day by taking an honest and unvarnished look at Love in all its forms - including its Not So Great parts. Join them for a freewheeling conversation that is honest, hilarious, and always (pardon the pun) from the heart. See what you can take from it as you reflect on the love you have in your life (in all its forms), and how you'd like to expand your own for yourself and others!

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