In this powerful episode of Becoming Her with Ashley Martin, Ashley welcomes a special guest—her producer, Yusuf—for an open and transparent conversation on the power of words and their lasting impact on men. Together, they explore how communication shapes relationships between women and men, mothers and sons, and even within marriages.

Yusuf shares his deeply personal journey through childhood trauma, marriage, divorce, fatherhood, and healing, revealing how the words spoken to him—both uplifting and damaging—have influenced his life, relationships, and self-worth. With honesty and vulnerability, he highlights the importance of respect, intentional communication, and the courage to ask for help.

This episode is a heartfelt reminder that words can build or break, heal or harm—and that no matter what you’ve been through, you are never behind, you are simply becoming.

• (00:00:14) - How to Change The Way You Live
• (00:00:43) - Becoming Her With Ashley Martin
• (00:01:29) - Wonders of the World
• (00:02:51) - The Impact of Women's Communication On Men
• (00:07:38) - Yusuf On Talking About Relationships
• (00:09:33) - How My Mother Helped My Dad Get Out of Jail
• (00:13:19) - Married People Talk About Cheating
• (00:17:39) - My Dad Won't Speak To My Mother About His Past
• (00:22:08) - She Pulled Me Out Of A Hole
• (00:26:43) - Kanye West on His Battle With Mental Issues
• (00:32:04) - Don't Be Too Proud to Ask for Help
• (00:34:07) - A message about Yousef

In this empowering episode of Becoming Her with Ashley Martin, Ashley dives deep into the power of words, frequency, and belief. Through powerful examples like the two-plant experiment and Dr. Emoto’s study on water, she reminds us how our words don’t just carry meaning—they carry energy that shapes our reality.

Ashley shares personal insights on the importance of speaking with intention, affirming your future self, and shifting your mindset from discouragement to empowerment. She also offers a heartfelt prayer for every woman who feels silenced, discouraged, or behind, encouraging you to speak life over yourself, your loved ones, and your future.

This episode is your reminder that you are both the gardener and the soil—your words have the power to nurture or dismantle your dreams. It’s time to claim your voice, step into your next level, and become the woman you were always meant to be.

• (00:00:14) - Becoming Your Woman With Ashley Martin
• (00:01:05) - A Word for Today
• (00:02:26) - The Two-Plant Experience
• (00:11:13) - Becoming Her With Ashley Martin

Trigger warning: This episode includes frank discussion of suicide, grief, and loss.

In this tender, necessary episode Ashley Martin opens a safe space for one of the hardest conversations many of us avoid: suicide. With the warmth and honesty listeners expect from Becoming Her, Ashley explores hidden suffering behind smiles, the power of compassion, and how small acts of grace can make a life-changing difference. She shares moving real-life moments — a listener’s traumatic memory, her daughter’s moment of crisis, and the heartbreaking story of losing the family dog Jack — that underline how easily pain can be missed until it’s too late.

You’ll leave this episode with practical, gentle reminders: ask “really, how are you?”, listen without minimizing, offer compassion, and hold space for people who are hurting.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for help. In the United States, you can:

• Call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

• Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255

Both numbers are free, confidential, and available 24/7.

What you’ll hear in this episode

• Why hiding behind a smile can hide deep pain

• How compassion and presence can prevent tragedy

• Personal stories that illustrate the cost of silence

• A calm, compassionate call to action and resources for help

Resources: If this episode brought up feelings for you, consider pausing and reaching out to someone you trust, a mental health professional, or calling 988 or 1-800-273-8255 for immediate support. Thank you for holding space — for yourself and for others — and for being part of a community that chooses healing.

• (00:00:14) - "I Had to Change My Way Of Living"
• (00:00:32) - Becoming Her: The Topic of Suicide
• (00:06:49) - The Life of a Dog
• (00:10:52) - You matter.