The Calm Collective - a wellness podcast for women

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 gratitude
  

• See your growth and resilience from a new perspective
  
• Explore a breathwork practice to anchor gratitude into your daily life
  

Ashlee 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 begins
• The role of hormones, adrenal health, and stress in shaping your experience
• Why 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 difference
• How small, intentional changes now can set you up for a healthier, easier transition into menopause

This 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

In this powerful conversation, Ashlee and Colleen sit down with Kristina Hudson—occupational therapist, bestselling author, and coach—who helps women break free from toxic and narcissistic relationships.

Drawing from her own experience of surviving a traumatic divorce, Kristina shares how the cycle of narcissistic abuse impacts not only emotional well-being but also physical health through constant nervous system dysregulation.She introduces her RISE Method to help women recognize warning signs, understand the abuse cycle, and begin rebuilding self-trust one small, empowering choice at a time.

Kristina also highlights the importance of supportive communities, safe therapy, and daily rituals that restore balance and self-worth after leaving unhealthy relationships.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• The phases of narcissistic abuse and why “love bombing” isn’t love
  
• Warning signs of toxic patterns and how to spot them early
  
• How trauma bonds affect the nervous system and physical health
  
• The role of self-care, rest, and support systems in healing
  
• Practical ways to rebuild self-trust through small daily actions
  
• Why leaving a toxic relationship, though difficult, leads to freedom and a healthier future
  

• Kristina’s book Rise Up and Thrive (available on Amazon)
  
• Free quiz: Is Your Relationship Narcissistic?
  
• Kristina’s coaching program Message Me First
  
• Special offer for listeners: a 50-minute call with Kristina (normally 20 minutes)

If you’ve ever doubted yourself, felt stuck in a toxic dynamic, or struggled to rebuild after heartbreak, this episode will give you validation, hope, and tools for reclaiming your life.

Follow us on the Gram: Ashlee & Colleen

In this solo episode, Ashlee challenges the cultural narrative that rest must be earned or that slowing down is a sign of weakness.

Speaking directly to high-achieving women and leaders, she explores the misconceptions around rest, why so many resist it, and how reframing rest as a powerful productivity tool can change everything.

Ashlee shares her personal reflections and practical tips for weaving restful moments into busy days—helping the nervous system slow down, bringing clarity, and reducing mistakes. She highlights how true rest looks different for everyone, from naps to baking to simple silence, and why it’s essential to discover what feels genuinely restorative for you.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why rest is essential for high-performing women (not optional)
  
• Common myths and fears about slowing down
  
• How busyness can act as a coping mechanism
  
• Practical ways to integrate 1–5 minutes of rest into your day
  
• Why sleep is the foundation of true rest—and how to support it
  

• Experiment with different forms of rest to find what works for you
  
• Start small: schedule 1–5 minutes of intentional rest each day
  
• If you struggle to rest, DM Ashlee on Instagram for tools and support

Ashlee reminds us that rest isn’t indulgent—it’s the key to showing up with energy, clarity, and strength.

Connect with us on the Gram: Ashlee & Colleen

Ever wonder why you feel anxious, unmotivated, or “wired but tired” — even when you’re trying to do all the right things?

In this episode, I’m breaking down how amino acids are the building blocks of your neurotransmitters — the brain chemicals that influence your mood, focus, energy, and sense of calm. We’ll cover how supplements like 5-HTP, GABA, and L-Tyrosine can help refill your “empty buckets,” why gut health plays such a huge role in mental health, and how diet and lifestyle changes provide longer-lasting support than medications alone.

You’ll learn:

✨ Why amino acids are precursors to serotonin, dopamine, and GABA

✨ What happens when your neurotransmitter “buckets” run low

✨ How modern life (hello, social media dopamine hits!) is draining your brain chemistry

✨ The powerful role of the gut-brain connection in mood and energy

✨ Why food is the most underrated mood booster — and what to eat for steady energy & calm

Takeaway: You can’t heal your brain on an empty tank. Supplements can help in the short-term, but the real game-changers are food, gut health, and sustainable lifestyle shifts

Resources & Freebies

• Book a complimentary coaching call with me → Click here
  
• Download my free Breakfast Builder Guide → Click here
  

This episode is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplements.

Connect with us on the Gram: Ashlee & Colleen

In this honest conversation, Ashlee and Colleen unpack the common reasons women put off getting support—even when they know they need it. From waiting for the “perfect timing,” feeling guilty about investing in yourself, or fearing change (and even fearing no change), we shed light on the very real barriers that keep so many women stuck in cycles of stress, burnout, and self-doubt.

We explore the hidden cost of waiting, the ripple effects of not taking action, and why small shifts—when paired with support and accountability—can lead to powerful transformation. This episode is both a gentle reminder and a loving nudge that your future self is waiting for you.

 Inside the Episode:

– Why we avoid asking for or receiving support

– The illusion of “perfect timing”

– How guilt and fear hold us back

– The cost of waiting vs. the power of small shifts

– Why support + accountability = game changer

– What’s waiting for you on the other side: your future self

Whether you’re holding back because of fear, guilt, or uncertainty, this episode will inspire you to take the next step toward the life you truly want—because waiting rarely leads to change, but choosing yourself always does.

In this heartfelt guest episode, Ashlee and Colleen sit down with Kristi Simons—coach, podcast host, and intuitive guide—to explore the power of living in alignment with your inner wisdom.

Together, they dive into the journey of learning to trust your intuition, how limiting beliefs and negative self-talk disconnect us from our truth, and the transformation that happens when you start choosing yourself consistently.

Kristi shares her own soul-led story of personal growth through motherhood, sobriety, and running—and how those experiences helped her reconnect with freedom, emotional resilience, and spiritual self-trust.

They also discuss the challenges of emotional resistance, overcoming fear, and learning how to actually listen to what your soul is trying to tell you.

This episode is an invitation to put yourself back on the calendar, soften self-doubt, and embrace a life of alignment.

Inside the Episode:

– What keeps women disconnected from their intuition

– Kristi’s personal story of growth and trusting her soul path – Negative self-talk, limiting beliefs & the power of positive reprogramming

– Overcoming emotional resistance and fear of failure

– Making self-care a non-negotiable part of your growth

– Why aligning with your inner truth matters more than external validation

– Tools to begin reconnecting with yourself

Next Steps for You:

Try tuning into your thoughts today—notice how you speak to yourself

Put you on your calendar for intentional self-check-ins

Listen to Kristi’s podcast: Intuition for Women and Teens

Reach out to Kristi on Instagram for questions or connection

Download her free Self-Love Meditation via her website https://kristisimonscoaching.com/download 

Whether you're in a season of change, growth, or simply seeking clarity—this episode will remind you that your intuition is a powerful compass, and you already have what you need to begin.

Connect with us on Instagram: Ashlee & Colleen

In this solo episode, Ashlee shares how she turned her rushed, reactive mornings into a grounding and nourishing ritual that changed her energy, mindset, and even her relationships.

If you’ve ever thought, “I don’t have time for a morning routine,” this episode will meet you where you are—and inspire a shift.

Ashlee walks you through the evolution of her own practice—from resistance to ritual—and why even 15 intentional minutes can bring more ease and clarity to your entire day.

She also introduces her free Morning Practice Guide (linked in the show notes), which includes a breathwork audio and planner to help you get started.

Ready to reset your mornings?

• Download the Morning Practice Guide + Breathwork Audio
  

• Join Ashlee live for her FREE 5-Day Morning Practice on Zoom, happening Sept 8–12 @ 9:30–10:00 AM EST
  Can't make it live? Replays will be available!
  

• Share the love: Invite a friend who could use more calm and connection in their mornings too.
  

Whether you’re just starting or need a gentle reset, this episode is your invitation to begin your day with intention—and actually look forward to it.

In this solo episode with Colleen, we’re diving into the gut–mood–energy connection and the two functional tools she swears by in practice.

If you’ve been feeling constantly tired, anxious, foggy, or bloated—and your labs keep coming back “normal”—this episode is for you.

Colleen breaks down why your gut might be the missing piece behind your symptoms, and how these two tests can finally give you real answers.

You’ll learn:

• How your gut impacts seotonin, dopamine, and your emotional healing
• What stress actually does to your digestion and energy
• The two poerful tools Colleen uses in her practice to get real answers
• How mineral balance, adrenal health and gut health all work together
• Simple, doable steps you can take right now to support your gut

This episode is filled with the truth and clarity you’ve been craving if you're burnt out, bloated, and ready to feel like yourself again.

Feel like your energy is gone and never coming back?

Get Colleen's FREE Reclaim Your Energy Guide here ( to get real actionable steps you can take today tostart getting your energy back!

Ready for support on your health journey? Schedule a FREE clarity call with Colleen to dive into your health concerns and goals and what healing looks likefor you.