The Calm Collective - a wellness podcast for women

When you think of the word "nourishment," what comes to mind? Is it the food you eat, the rest you get, or the way you move your body? This month on the podcast, Colleen and Ashlee are diving deep into what it truly means to nourish ourselves. In this special solo episode, Ashlee shares a deeply personal, beautifully unexpected way she recently chose to nourish her own nervous system: by finally saying yes to a dream she’s carried for decades.This episode drops a week before the official launch day of Success Redefined, a co-authored book featuring a chapter written by Ashlee alongside 10 other incredible women.Ashlee pulls back the curtain on the real, raw journey of writing this chapter. From the initial instinct to downplay her achievement and let her inner critic take the wheel, to the profound moment she realized this wasn't just a project—it was an act of profound inner child healing. Ashlee opens up about growing up feeling unsafe around other girls, always choosing to do things entirely alone, and how this book allowed her to finally heal that programming by trusting, sharing, and being cheered on by a community of safe women.In this intimate solo episode, Ashlee shares:The 30-Year-Old Journal Entry: Looking back at the moment she first admitted she wanted to write a book, and how life and additional responsibilities almost made her bury the dream entirely.Overcoming the Inner Critic: How she stopped downplaying her success ("it's just a chapter") and shifted her mindset from comparison to pure self-celebration.Healing Through Sisterhood: Releasing the old programming that women aren't safe, and leaning into the deeply regulating power of female community.A Sneak Peek Inside: Ashlee reads a few short passages straight from her chapter, sharing the exact ways breathwork changed—and saved—her life from chronic survival mode.Your dreams aren't a burden, and they aren't something to put off until life is "perfect." This episode is your warm invitation to look at what you’ve been denying yourself for decades and finally claim it.If you are ready to stop letting your inner critic run your life, peel back the layers of your own programming, and see what is possible when women lock arms to redefine what success looks like, we want you to read this book.Purchase Your Copy Today: Support Ashlee and the other incredible co-authors by grabbing your copy right now! [ Purchase Success Redefined Here]Join the Launch Celebration: If you're listening to this before June 11th, Ashlee is stepping onto the stage to celebrate this milestone live. Grab your copy, join the energy, and let's honor our dreams together! [Join Here]Connect with us on Instagram - we love to hear your feedback: ⁠Ashlee⁠ & ⁠Colleen⁠And we encourage you to share this with one person you know who could benefit from this conversation.

If you keep starting and stopping diet changes or a new workout plan because there’s just too much on your plate, grab a cup of coffee and listen in.Colleen is calling out a pattern so many women get stuck in—putting their own health last to keep everything else running smoothly. Over time, that shows up in the body as bloating, fatigue, crashes, and feeling like you’re constantly running on empty.Here’s the shift: your health doesn’t need permission.In this episode, Colleen breaks down how to actually create change without overwhelming your family or yourself—small, realistic steps that stick. She also shares simple communication strategies, boundary-setting tools, and flexible food ideas that support your goals without adding stress at home.If you’ve been stuck in the “I’ll start when life calms down” cycle, this is your reminder—it doesn’t need to be all or nothing. Just one change that finally includes you.If you’re ready to stop guessing and start getting answers:Colleen is offering a 90-Minute Gut Strategy Session where you’ll walk away with a personalized plan, clear next steps, and real direction for your healing.👉 Grab your session here: https://l.bttr.to/KApiuConnect with us on Instagram - we love to hear your feedback: ⁠Ashlee⁠ & ⁠Colleen⁠And we encourage you to share this with one person you know who could benefit from this conversation.

It’s easy to be "zen" when you are in your own quiet space, practicing what you preach. But what happens to that regulation when you’re stuck in traffic, navigating awkward family dynamics, or listening to your teenager clap beats while you’re trying to cook dinner?In this solo episode, Ashlee is getting real about the gap between our "nook of the world" and the chaotic reality of day-to-day life. She's pulling back the curtain on her own struggles with dysregulation—where she loses her cool, how she tried to fake it (and why she's stopped), and the specific moments that trigger the fight-or-flight response.We’re diving into:Connection: Why Ashlee's energy spikes (and eventually crashes) when she's in loud, surface-level environments.The Multitasking Myth: Why being "half-in" on everything is actually destroying your nervous system’s ability to stay present.The Mirror Effect: Why seeing your own frustrated reactions reflected in your child’s behavior is the ultimate and most humbling wake-up call.Practical Regulation: The tools I: use music, humming, and specific breathwork patterns to pull out of the "rage-spiral" before the lash out.Regulation isn't about being perfectly calm 24/7; it’s about having a toolbox you can actually reach for when someone else’s chaos starts leaking into your space. If you’re tired of "spewing" your stress onto the people you love, this episode is your permission slip to stop reacting and start choosing your response.Find your calm with my Take a breath audio - a 10 minute practice to help you get regulated.Learn more about my 6-week program: REGULATE hereGeneral close: Connect with us on Instagram - we love to hear your feedback: ⁠Ashlee⁠ & ⁠Colleen⁠And we encourage you to share this with one person you know who could benefit from this conversation.

What happens when your body finally says "no more"? This week on The Calm Collective, Colleen and Ashlee are joined by Naomi, a fitness and business mentor who learned the hard way that you can’t out-hustle a nervous system in crisis.Naomi shares the raw details of her journey—from the toxic pressures of the fitness industry and seeking external validation in a difficult relationship, to the terrifying emergency surgery that changed everything. We’re talking about why we often wait for a "perforated ulcer" moment before we prioritize our well-being, and how to start climbing back from the low points before you hit rock bottom.We’re getting real about:The Burnout Spectrum: The difference between corporate exhaustion and the unique "always-on" stress of being an entrepreneur.The Search for Approval: How external criticism can drive us into unhealthy habits and how to rebuild a sense of self-worth from the inside out.Hard Boundaries for Soft Living: Naomi’s "sacred time" rules, including why she stops work at 4:30 PM and stays off messages on weekends.Redefining Success: Shifting your focus from just "hitting the numbers" to living a life where you’re actually present for your family.Life is too short to wait for a health crisis to give you permission to rest. Let’s talk about how to choose yourself now, rather than later.Check out Naomi's FitBiz Study Hall Here and follow her hereConnect with us on Instagram - we love to hear your feedback: ⁠Ashlee⁠ & ⁠Colleen⁠And we encourage you to share this with one person you know who could benefit from this conversation.

This episode hits home because we’ve all been there—staring at a to-do list that feels more like a hostage situation than a plan. In this solo session, Ashlee gets into the nitty-gritty of "time leaks" and why most of us are actually just busy-working ourselves into a burnout.If you’re a founder or a mom (or both) who feels like you’re constantly "behind" despite never sitting down, this one is for you. Ashlee breaks down why your traditional to-do list is actually sabotaging your peace and how perfectionism is just a fancy word for procrastination.What we’re digging into:The To-Do List Lie: Why a never-ending list is overwhelm, not a strategy and how to switch to a "Brain Dump & Schedule" flow that actually works.Perfectionism is a Time Thief: Why you’re spending three hours on a 20-minute task and how to finally embrace "done is better than perfect."High-Value vs. Low-Value: Learning to tackle the "needle-movers" first so you stop ending your day wondering where the time went.Decision Fatigue: How a lack of self-regulation is making every tiny choice feel like a mountain.The truth is, you can’t manage your time if you aren’t managing your nervous system. When we’re dysregulated, we leak time through indecision and "polishing" things that don't matter.Shift Your Relationship with Time - Want to help you move out of that frantic "survival mode" and back into the driver's seat? Join Ashlee for a Free Breathwork Session on April 28th at 12:00 PM EST. We’re going to use the breath to clear the mental clutter, regulate your system, and help you reclaim your focus.[Email Ashlee HERE to get your link to join]Missed the session? Email Ashlee directly to get your replay: Ashlee@ashleelivingstone.com OR send me a DM "TIME" on Instagram.Connect with us on Instagram - we love to hear your feedback: ⁠Ashlee⁠ & ⁠Colleen⁠And we encourage you to share this with one person you know who could benefit from this conversation.

It’s the middle of the night, your teen is spiraling, and suddenly, your heart is racing right along with theirs. Sound familiar? This week on The Calm Collective, we’re joined by Certified Master Life Coach and teen expert Becky Funk to talk about the "anxiety loop"—that exhausting cycle where our kids' stress becomes our own.Becky pulls back the curtain on the "Big Six" lifestyle audit and shares how small shifts in sleep, hydration, and even energy drink consumption can radically change a teenager's mental health. We dive deep into:The Perfectionism Trap: Whyteens are struggling more than ever and how to shift from "performing" to "growing."Social Media & Survival: Navigating the "left out" feeling when you're the parent setting the phone boundaries.The Vagus Nerve Secret: Becky’s personal journey through her son’s health crisis and the tools she used to model calm in the chaos.Raising a "Stand Strong" Teen: How to help your child find their voice in the face of bullying and social pressure.As moms, we often try to fix the destination, but Becky reminds us to focus on the journey. Whether you’re dealing with bedtime superstitions or high school social hurdles, this episode is your permission slip to stop being the "fixer" and start being the regulated anchor your teen needs.Grab Becky’s Free Guide: 10 calming responses ⁠For more info reach out to Becky: Website , Instagram Connect with us on Instagram - we love to hear your feedback: ⁠Ashlee⁠ & ⁠Colleen⁠ And we encourage you to share this with one person you know who could benefit from this conversation.

What do you do when your child calls you from school, heart-broken and wanting to be picked up because of a haircut and a group of mean kids? I’m sure, like many of us, your first instinct is to rescue. You want to drive to the school, pick them up, and protect them from the world. But this week on The Calm Collective, Ashlee is sharing why that "rescue" might actually be doing more harm than good.She’s taking you behind the scenes of a recent, raw experience with her 13-year-old son—from the anxiety of a new haircut to navigating mean kids at school. We explore the difficult transition from being the "Rescuer" to becoming the "Empowering Coach."In this solo episode, Ashlee dives into:The Drama Triangle: How to spot when you’re falling into the "Rescuer" role and why it unintentionally reinforces a victim mentality in our kids.Self-Regulation in the Storm: The exact tools she used to calm her own physical stress response (the "Mama Bear" activation) so she could show up for her son with clarity, not impulsivity.The "Guidance Counselor" Victory: Why letting your child use their own voice to set boundaries is the ultimate confidence builder.Parenting isn't about removing every obstacle; it’s about giving our children the tools to climb over them. If you’ve been feeling "activated" by your child's struggles lately, this episode is a roadmap for coming back to center and leading from a place of empowerment.Wanna chat more about this or any of our episodes? We'd love to hear your feedback - connect with us here: ⁠Ashlee⁠ & ⁠Colleen⁠And we encourage you to share this with one person you know who could benefit from this conversation.

In this solo episode of The Calm Collective, Colleen shares heartfelt reflections on the role of community during life’s hardest seasons, including the loss of her daughter, Ainslie, in 2018 and another challenging chapter in 2024. Through honest storytelling, she explores what real support actually looks like—the people who show up quietly, consistently, and without needing the right words—and reminds listeners that true community isn’t about everyone, but about the right people at the right time. Colleen also offers gentle encouragement and practical insight on building meaningful connections through vulnerability, intentionality, and mutual care, inviting listeners to take small steps toward creating the kind of community that can hold them through both grief and healing.Please share with someone who has been there for you.Connect with us on Instagram - we love to hear your feedback: ⁠Ashlee⁠ & ⁠Colleen⁠And we encourage you to share this with one person you know who could benefit from this conversation.

In this episode, Ashlee and Colleen have an honest conversation about something so many women feel—but rarely say out loud: loneliness.They explore why adult friendships can feel harder than ever in a hyper-connected, tech-driven world, and how social media often gives the illusion of connection without the depth of real community. From parenting-centered friendships to introversion labels, busy schedules, and fear of vulnerability, they unpack the subtle ways we avoid building the connections we actually crave.Ashlee and Colleen share personal stories, reflections on grief and life transitions, and practical ways to begin shifting from isolation to intentional community—without needing a massive social circle. This episode is an invitation to take inventory of your relationships, redefine what community means to you, and take small, courageous steps toward deeper connection and support.If you’ve been feeling disconnected, unseen, or longing for more meaningful relationships, you’re not alone—and this conversation is for you.Connect with us on Instagram - we love to hear your feedback: ⁠Ashlee⁠ & ⁠Colleen⁠

In this episode, Colleen is talking about a very unsexy day in her life — the simple, mostly free habits that actually keep her feeling happy, energized, and yes, pooping daily. She dives into morning sunlight, walking, protein at every meal, sitting down to eat, and small nervous system resets — the boring stuff that truly supports gut health, mental health, and hormone balance.Ladies, if you’ve ever felt like you need all the fancy tools, biohacks, or trends to feel good, this episode is your reminder: you don’t. Foundations first, consistency matters, and simple rhythms are what make the real difference.Tune in and discover why the unsexy habits are the secret to feeling good every day.Connect with us on Instagram - we love to hear your feedback: ⁠Ashlee⁠ & ⁠Colleen⁠

In this episode, Ashlee and Colleen dive into one of the most overlooked ingredients of successful goal-setting: consistency. They unpack why motivation fades, how the all-or-nothing mindset keeps people stuck, and why showing up imperfectly still counts.Through real-life examples—from fitness and meal planning to breathwork and self-care—they explore how small, sustainable actions create momentum over time. This conversation is a reminder that consistency doesn’t mean perfection; it means having a plan, staying curious, and continuing even when it feels messy.If you’ve ever set a goal with the best intentions only to fall off track, this episode will help you rethink consistency, build trust with yourself, and create habits that actually last.Connect with us on Instagram - we love to hear your feedback: ⁠Ashlee⁠ & ⁠Colleen⁠

In our final episode of the season, Ashlee and Colleen slow things down and walk you through the power of year-end reflection before jumping into 2026 goal-setting. We explore what it really looks like to review the past year with gratitude—not judgment—by celebrating wins, learning from challenges, and noticing the habits and patterns that shaped the year. We also share our own reflection process, why aligning goals with how you want to feel matters more than checking boxes, and how to set yourself up for a more intentional year ahead.Want your own year end reflection tool? DM us on IG to grab yours: Ashlee⁠ & ⁠Colleen⁠