This is for anyone who has ever been labeled, judged, or misunderstood and still had to show up like nothing was wrong.

In this episode of The Real Connect Podcast, Tamika Carlton sits down with TV personality, writer, and entrepreneur Ashley Silva from OWN’s Love & Marriage: DC. Ashley opens up about growing up in Baltimore near the world of The Wire, becoming a young wife and mom, and what really happens behind the scenes of reality TV when the cameras go down and the comments start rolling in.

She shares candidly about anxiety, suffering in silence, and how writing her book Do That Sht* helped her face her own story. Ashley and Tamika talk about friendship breakups, being labeled “mean” for telling the truth, navigating marriage when your partner is always working, and why so many women lose themselves in the roles they play for everyone else. They also dive into Ashley’s dreams of acting, her love of true crime, and building a beauty brand with her daughter.

What You Will Hear About:

1. Growing up in West Baltimore

2. The cost of being “the honest one” on camera and online

3. Mental health, insomnia, and suffering in silence

4. The story behind Ashley’s book Do That Sht* and what she hopes readers feel

5. Friendship, loyalty, and why she does not play with the word “friend”

6. Big dreams, acting classes, and what is next for Ashley

🔗 Watch, subscribe, and share this episode if you have ever felt misunderstood, mislabeled, or tired of pretending. This one is for the people who are finally ready to be who they really are.

Connect with Ashley Silva on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleybrittney or visit her website: https://ashleybrittneysilva.com/

Connect with Tamika on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamika_carltonjbp.

Join The Connect—a free weekly newsletter with real insights on everything relationships! https://www.tamikacarlton.com/newsletter

Visit Tamika's: https://www.tamikacarlton.com to stay connected.

00:00 Introduction and Personal Struggles

00:46 Welcome to the Real Connect Podcast

01:00 Discussing Sleep and Daily Routine

02:16 The Real Connect Mission and Ashley's Journey

03:05 Life Changes and Reflections

04:01 Growing Up in Baltimore

05:26 Early Love for Entertainment

07:06 Reality TV Experience

10:52 Friendships and Authenticity in Reality TV

11:11 Podcasting and Social Media

15:19 Friendship Dynamics on Reality TV

25:09 Importance of Authentic Friendships

26:51 Writing 'Do That Shit' and Scorpio Energy

29:03 Silent Suffering and Misconceptions

29:34 Breaking the Silence and Finding Balance

30:14 Reflecting on Family and Personal Growth

30:58 Journaling and Relating to Others

31:23 Book Reveal and Reality TV Insights

33:22 Challenges of Reality TV and Personal Growth

36:52 Future Aspirations and Personal Projects

48:41 Balancing Public Life and Mental Health

54:53 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts

#TheRealConnectPodcast #TamikaCarlton #AshleySilva #LoveAndMarriageDC #RealityTV #RealConnections #DoThatShit #FriendshipGoals