On this episode of Wide Open, Ashlyn Harris sits down with design expert and Queer Eye star Bobby Berk for an honest conversation about what it means to build your life on your own terms. Bobby talks about how the law of abundance applies to queer representation, the grit it took to become self-made, and the emotional clarity that comes with learning to let go.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Ashlyn sits down with poet, comedian, and inspiring public speaker, Alok Vaid-Menon. Ashlyn and Alok jump straight into a complex discussion about what it’s like to exist as a queer person in the present cultural and political climate. From Alok’s experience growing up queer in Texas, to finding heaven in queer spaces, to performing their work in places not considered queer friendly, the conversation leads the two to discover that queer people aren’t actually the “different” ones, despite what society may tell us.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Ashlyn sits down with President of the Human Right Campaign (and friend for life), Kelley Robinson. They talk about Kelley’s secret past as an MMA fighter, organizing the big campaigns to be able to enjoy the small moments, and how to celebrate loudly and proudly this Pride– even when the climate tries to tell us “no.”

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Ashlyn sits down with internet icon Shannon Beveridge to talk about the highs and lows of growing up online. She opens up about what past relationships have taught her, how she's navigated vulnerability in the public eye, and why authentic queer representation still matters. The two talk about identity, growth, and staying grounded while sharing your life with the world.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Consciousness explorer” Deepak Chopra and CEO of The Chopra Foundation, Poonacha Machaiah want to use technology for good. In this episode, the two discuss their new venture, DeepakChopra.ai, which distills all of Deepak’s wisdom onto a platform that people can interact with to seek personal and spiritual growth. The two tell Ashlyn why they decided to work with, not against, AI and Deepak takes us through his past to locate the moment when he knew his true calling was to service.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Ashlyn sits down and turns the mic on her friend, journalist and trailblazer Cari Champion for a candid conversation about carving out space for vulnerability, navigating the demands of a high-profile career, and her mission to amplify the voices of Black women. Cari shares the importance of self belief and representation in a world that often overlooks the power and resilience of marginalized communities.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ashlyn sits down with soccer legend Briana Scurry for a conversation on the realities of what mental health looks like off the field. From Olympian to ‘99er and beyond, Briana has been an advocate for marginalized groups her whole life– even after a shock concussion ended her season, and her career. She talks to Ashlyn about the long journey back to finding herself, and the monumental success she’s had along the way.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Ashlyn talks to organizational psychologist, author, and “Mr. Facts” himself, Adam Grant. From topping bestseller charts, to getting cut from his middle school soccer team, Adam’s gotten to know the ins and outs of why we tick the way we tick. He and Ashlyn talk about the difference between getting it right and being right and hyping up your past self – and digress into talking about high school rivalries, the Tarheels, and Robinhood: Men in Tights.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Ashlyn talks to the GWOAT herself: boxer Claressa Shields. Besides holding two Olympic gold medals, Claressa is the only boxer in history to hold all four major world boxing titles in three weight classes. But growing up in Flint, Michigan, all odds were against her success. Claressa tells Ashlyn how she persevered, a story so moving that it was turned into the 2024 film, The Fire Inside.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today’s episode, Ashlyn talks shop with multi-media journalist, host, and women’s sports and culture amplifier Arielle Chambers. The two bond over their shared love of North Carolina and the power of telling women’s stories. Ari explains what it was like to grow up next to the game, and what made her realize she needed to stay.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.