In this inspiring episode of The Bold Route Podcast, I sit down with Allison Guthrie — mama of three (two with special needs), founder of Sterlyng Ash, and creator of The Balanced Mama Notebook and Resource Collection — to talk about motherhood, advocacy, and learning to create balance in the middle of chaos.

Allison’s journey began in the tech world as a software engineer, but life took an unexpected turn when her daughter Aspen was diagnosed with Down syndrome. What followed was a season of transformation — one that pushed her to step away from a career she loved, build a brand from scratch, and find purpose through helping other moms in hard places.

Through Sterlyng Ash, Allison provides beginner-friendly punch-needle embroidery kits designed to bring calm, creativity, and a sense of accomplishment to busy moms. Even more special, a portion of every bulk order goes to NICU moms, offering them a therapeutic outlet during their hospital stays — a mission rooted in her own NICU experience.

Her latest mission, The Balanced Mama Notebook, is a beautifully designed guide that helps moms process big emotions after receiving a new diagnosis for their child. With reflection prompts, grounding exercises, and gentle encouragement, it helps mothers navigate fear, overwhelm, and uncertainty — reminding them that they’re not alone and that hope still exists, even in the hardest seasons.
👉 Learn more or get your copy at balancedmama.me

In this conversation, we dive into:

• How boldness can mean advocating for your children and trusting your instincts
• The story behind Sterlyng Ash and the meaning woven into its name
• Why chaos and calm can coexist — and how balance is something we create, not find
• The heart behind The Balanced Mama Workbook, designed to help moms process new diagnoses and heavy emotions with hope and grace

In the second half of the interview, we chat about:

• Tips for traveling with children with medical needs
• Life in Monument, Colorado
• Climbing Pikes Peak
• and a fun game of Road Trip Would You Rather

If you’re a mom, entrepreneur, or anyone learning to create beauty in the middle of life’s chaos, this episode will touch your heart and remind you that being bold often starts with love.

🎧 Tune in and be encouraged to take your own bold route — one intentional step at a time.

To find Allison’s punch needle kits visit sterlyngash.com

Find The Balanced Mama Workbook at balancedmama.me

Follow along on Instagram @hey.balancedmama

***If this conversation encouraged you, share it with another mama who could use a reminder that she’s not alone.

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FB: @theboldroute

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In Part Two of my conversation with Heather Brumley, we’re buckling up for a 7,000-mile road trip that spans 18 states, countless laughs, and more bold moments than you can count.

Heather shares her favorite stops, lessons from the road, and we play a fun game of road tripWould You Rather that you can play on your own adventures. Plus, she reveals some travel apps and gear she swears by!

✨ Mentioned in this Episode:

• 7,000 miles, 18 states, and unforgettable stories
• Heather’s favorite stops along the way
• “Would You Rather” game ideas for your next trip
• Travel tools:
  ninja cooler
  Apps👇
  Roadtrippers
  Guide Along
  Just Ahead
• How retirement can actually mean MORE adventure

🎁 Podcast Perk: Use code BOLD20 at checkout @ theboldroute.com
for 20% off our Steering Wheel Trays —perfect for road trips, travel days, or working from the car. Offer valid through September 2nd.

Stay connected with Bold Route:
Instagram: @the_boldroute
FB: @theboldroute

😀 Join our Bold Route Newsletter:
Stay inspired with bold stories, exclusive deals, and travel tips!
Sign up here!

🛒 Shop our Travel Solutions:
Discover gear designed for your adventures.
theboldroute.com/shop

In this episode of The Bold Route Podcast, I’m joined by one of my favorite people—my former teaching partner and lifelong adventurer, Heather Brumley.

In this first half of our conversation, we talk about:

• What it means to live boldly in different seasons of life
• Where Heather’s passion for travel came from
• The difference between traveling and vacationing
• Her top three favorite places so far
• A few hilarious stories from her travels
• And a whole lot of laughter, encouragement, and permission to live boldly

Heather is a natural storyteller with a heart for adventure and a ton of wisdom to share—and we laughed a lot in this one.

🎧 This is Part 1 of 2—make sure to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss Part 2, where we dive into her unforgettable 7,000+ mile road trip.

😄 Other things Mentioned in This Episode (Part One):

• A grammar teacher’s take on how to pronounce “Route”… but I'm still saying it my way 😂
• Heather trying to convince me to take a cruise, but I'm not sold:
  • The infamous "Poop Cruise"
  • Cruising during COVID
  • Did she take the toilet paper? Listen to find out 🚢💩😂
• Techniques for getting your spouse to travel with you—hint: just book it 😆

🛒 Check Out Our Products:

We’ve got bold travel-inspired products at theboldroute.com/shop!

🎁 Use code BOLD20 for 20% off your steering wheel tray—perfect for road trips, travel days, or working from the car. Offer valid through August 31st.

🙌 Let’s Connect:

• Follow us on Instagram + Facebook → @theboldroute
• Shop the brand → theboldroute.com
• Got a story to share? Message us—we’d love to hear how you’re taking the Bold Route.

Stay connected with Bold Route:
Instagram: @the_boldroute
FB: @theboldroute

😀 Join our Bold Route Newsletter:
Stay inspired with bold stories, exclusive deals, and travel tips!
Sign up here!

🛒 Shop our Travel Solutions:
Discover gear designed for your adventures.
theboldroute.com/shop