Vision Quest

In this episode of Vision Quest, Ashley talks to her beloved friend/sibling/lover, writer/improviser/sketch comedian Jayden Masciulli about how they are pretty much the same person in two separate bodies, their mutual obsession with Spy Kids as children and how Schitt's Creek has given people a positive version of the classic coming out story. And of course, they get into Jayden's topic for the episode: The "Harry Potter" Franchise. They get into the controversy of She Who Must Not Be Named, separating art from the artist and sorting female pop icons into Hogwarts Houses.

In Episode 12 of Vision Quest, Ashley talks to the incredible genuine, thoughtful and hilarious comedian, writer, cartoonist, Josh Chodziesner about their mutual love of Chicago, the sad catchphrases they spat out as children and a relentless bit about eggs. Josh then delves into his topic for the episode, what he calls "unexceptional-ness" (and yes, he is trademarking this term so please credit him if you use it, kind regards). The two friends discuss the importance of staying in your lane, doing things for the sake of being happy and grounded, and past experiences where their motivations behind goals haven't lined up with their needs.

In Episode 11 of Vision Quest, Ashley talks to her whimsical, awe inspiring friend, writer/actor Heather "Hetty" Pasquazzi. They talk about meeting at UCB, Hetty's resilience after facing two life changing events in her youth, the beautiful feeling of seeing a movie alone and Hetty's topic for the episode: Vampires. They discuss which lore is which, whether or not they would choose to be immortal if they could, and how Bella from Twilight is not a protagonist.

In episode 10 of Vision Quest, Ashley talks to old pal, kindred spirit, music producer and creative wizard YAAK (aka Jacob Trad) about the origin of their decade+ friendship, Jacob's proclivity to pee in open spaces as a child, and a whole lot of tangents - and of course, Jacob's topic for the episode; Creativity. He asks "do you think creativity is learned or innate" and Ashley does a loud burp (and more).

In episode 9 of Vision Quest, Ashley talks to the creative, genuine, hardworking YouTuber, food blogger and podcaster Amanda Ducks. They discuss how much has changed since they met years ago, seeming strange to parents at birthday parties, the value in being emotionally available and Amanda's topic for the week: The "Survivor" Franchise! Amanda educates Ashley on just how in depth the strategic aspects of the show have developed and changed over time, goes into how the show has handled some scandalous moments and how her next big dream after accomplishing being a full time YouTuber is to become a contestant on Survivor Australia. This episode will truly make anyone a diehard Survivor fan after you hear what Amanda has to say!

In episode 8 of Vision Quest, Ashley talks to dear friend, the hilarious, open, earnest comedian and writer Lena Moon about their old podcast (Teenage Squeam), making out with a stuffed toy as a child and Lena's topic of choice for the week: The First Wives Club. She educated Ashley on how the film shaped her as a woman, how it taught her to value female friendships and the significance they can have on a person, and shares her obsession with Diane Keaton.

In Episode 7 of Vision Quest, Ashley speaks to her guest all the way in Vancouver, Canada - the cool, adventurous and funny Duncan Peat, screenwriter and podcast co-host. They discuss what they want to happen to their bodies when they die, the many lives of Ernest Hemingway and Duncan's (kind of) topic for the episode: Books! With many fun tangents and lots of Frankie Muniz tid-bits, they discuss what they're currently reading, what they had to read in high school and what they SHOULD have been learning in high school, instead.

In Episode 6 of Vision Quest, Ashley speaks to kindred spirit, creative mastermind and full-on loose unit Melissa Viola! They discuss how much they both love mooning, reminisce about their love of Scott Pilgrim that brought them together, and Mel's topic for the week: what she calls "Wes Craven's 1996 Masterpiece, Scream". After forcing Ashley to watch a horror film, they discuss the beauty in it's meta, and how watching anything at 10:00am makes it less scary.

Welcome to episode 5 of Vision Quest, where Ashley is accompanied by kindred spirit, reading and writing juggernaut and authentic angel, Kara Ready. They bond over their love of rollercoasters, John Mayer and having big imaginations, then Kara launches into her topic of the week: Taylor Alison Swift. We hear about the perspective of a long-time Taylor fan, how the media criticises women in pop music for expressing emotion but praises men, and Kara’s take on the “Girl Gang” era of models and surprise tour guests.

In episode 4 of Vision Quest, Ashley is joined by the compassionate, intelligent and truly authentic Christian Schulte – her High School Musical buddy. They talk about how it’s normal to accidentally pee/poop your pants on stage, how their summer together doing improv in Chicago enriched their lives and careers, and Christian’s very thorough explanation of his topic for this episode: The 2020 U.S Presidential Election. With grace and empathy, Christian breaks down the craziness of what’s happened in the last couple of weeks, what the potential outcomes could be after November 3rd, and gives his perspective of what it feels like to be American in a very confusing political climate.