In this intimate, thoughtful conversation, Ashley sits down with writer and actor Genevieve “Gwen” Kingston to explore what it really means to stay open — to life, to love, to friendship, to creativity — even when fear, grief, or old versions of ourselves try to close us off.

Gwen shares the evolving shape of her identity in adulthood, how writing her memoir changed her relationship to purpose and risk, why softness is a form of strength, and the unexpected ways friendships can hold us through the most difficult seasons. 

Together, Ashley and Gwen reflect on becoming, self-awareness, community, grief as a backdrop rather than a headline, and the unglamorous daily courage of simply showing up.

This is a slow, deep, grounding episode about being human, being honest, and choosing openness even when it’s uncomfortable.

In this episode, we talk about:

• The role of female friendships in holding us through grief, change, and adulthood
• What writing a memoir taught Gwen about purpose, timing, and surrender
• How to keep becoming your truest self in your 30s and beyond
• Creativity, fear, and the discipline of sitting down to write
• The quiet bravery required to stay open to love, community, and possibility

Connect with Gwen: 

• Gwen’s book: Did I Ever Tell You? 
• NYT Modern Love essay: “She Put Her Unspent Love in a Cardboard Box”
• Gwen on Instagram

Books/authors mentioned:

• Educated by Tara Westover (audiobook read by Julia Whelan)
• Autobiography of a Face by Lucy Grealy
• Truth & Beauty by Ann Patchett
• In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado
• Wild Game by Adrienne Brodeur
• Collective Illusions by Todd Rose
• Sidle Creek by Jolene McIlwain

Misc:

• Botanical Brothers (NYC flower subscription Gwen sends to herself)

Genevieve (Gwen) Kingston is an actor, playwright, and author based in Brooklyn, New York. She holds an MFA in Acting from Brown University and BAs in Theater and Linguistics from UC Berkeley. Her viral essay “She Put Her Unspent Love in a Cardboard Box” appeared in the New York Times Modern Love column in 2021, and her 2024 memoir, Did I Ever Tell You?, was a New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice and is currently being translated into 16 languages worldwide.

Further Forward: Honest Conversations on the Art of Becoming, is hosted by Ashley Mitchell.

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