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  • 8 Women-Owned Brands to Support on International Women's Day

    8 Women-Owned Brands to Support on International Women's Day
    2026/03/07
    What does it actually look like when a woman sees a gap in the world and refuses to wait for someone else to fill it? This International Women's Day episode is a love letter to the women who build—not quietly, not cautiously, but with conviction, creativity, and a whole lot of intention. I am spotlighting eight extraordinary founders from my community and network who each identified something missing in the world and chose to create it on their own terms: from luxury handcrafted handbags and clean hand care rituals, to leak-proof nursing bras and ergonomic slippers that have landed in Vogue. But this episode goes deeper than a roundup. I open with a grounding reminder of why supporting women-owned businesses matters far beyond a single day on the calendar. With women entrepreneurs consistently underfunded and underrepresented—and women of color facing those barriers at an even greater scale—every intentional dollar spent is an act of economic redistribution. These eight founders are proof that when women build, the whole world benefits. Key Talking Points:In this episode, we discuss… Why women-owned businesses are worth supporting year-round, not just on International Women's DayThe economic impact of supporting female entrepreneurs and redistributing economic powerHow women-led businesses outperform in revenue growth, team culture, and product innovation despite being underfundedEight inspiring women-owned brands across diverse industries—from luxury goods to conscious marketplacesPractical ways to support women entrepreneurs beyond making a purchaseThe common thread that connects conscious female founders: turning personal gaps into solutions that serve others Time Stamps: [01:31] Introduction to International Women's Day [03:00] Why Support Women-Owned Brands? [04:33] DESERI - Luxury Handbags [06:12] HEIRÉE - Clean Hand Care [07:39] Just Call Me Shirley - Beverages [08:59] Pearl Spark Pages - Journals [10:20] Mave & Chez - Luxury Slippers [12:18] Veganist - Conscious Marketplace [13:30] Lunnie - Leak-Proof Nursing Bras [14:48] Yvonne Liao NYC- Designer Footwear [16:40] The Common Thread [17:48] How to Support Women-Owned Businesses [18:59] Closing & Community Shoutouts Connect with These Featured Women-Owned Brands: DESERI - Luxury handbags handmade in Spain | deseri.comHEIRÉE - Clean, elevated hand care | heiree.comJust Call Me Shirley - Fun twist on classic beverages | drinkshirley.comPearl Spark Pages - Journals for female founders | pearlsparkpages.comMave & Chez - Luxury ergonomic slippers | maveandchez.comVeganist - Conscious marketplace for planet-friendly brands | veganist.comLunnie - Leak-proof nursing bras | lunnie.comYvonne Liao NYC - Designer footwear for day to night | yvonneliaonyc.com Community Shoutouts: The 10th House (Female Founders Collective)EntreprenistasRagdoll PRSet PR NY Connect with Ashley Graham: Thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter for more expansive content and stories here. Follow Ashley Graham (@simplyashleygraham) and The Conscious Publicist (@theconsciouspublicist) on LinkedIn. If you loved this episode and want to further support the show, please subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcasting platform!Apple | Spotify | Copyright 2026 – The Conscious Publicist® – All Rights Reserved
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    20 分
  • Why Your Visual Identity Should Be as Bold as Your Beliefs with Michelle Wintersteen

    Why Your Visual Identity Should Be as Bold as Your Beliefs with Michelle Wintersteen
    2026/02/10
    What if the most powerful branding decision you could make isn't about your logo or color palette—but about having the courage to be loud and proud about your values, even when it costs you clients? In this episode, I sit down with Michelle Wintersteen, brand designer and founder of MKW Creative Co., for a conversation that goes far beyond traditional branding advice. Michelle shares her powerful framework of "self-loyalty" over self-care, explaining why knowing what you stand for makes you unshakeable when others challenge you. We dive deep into the messy, real parts of building a values-driven business—from vetting client alignment before it's too late, to why retention is infinitely more valuable than recruitment. Michelle also shares her prediction for the next wave of entrepreneurship in 2026, and why this time it will be proactive rather than reactive. If you've ever felt small in the face of big world events, wondered if your creative work actually matters, or felt the pull to step into your thought leadership, this conversation will remind you why your voice and values are your greatest business assets.Key Talking Points: In this episode, we discuss…The intersection of thought leadership and aesthetic—how your visual identity should be just as bold as your beliefs, and why they must work togetherSelf-loyalty vs. self-care—Michelle's framework for knowing what you stand for so deeply that you're unshakeable when others challenge youValues as a client filter—why Michelle pins her company values to the top of her social media, how to vet alignment before it's too late, and why losing "misaligned" projects protects your bottom lineBuilding brag-worthy brands—creating proprietary experiences (like custom silk scarves and subscription boxes) that make people want to talk about your business unpromptedCommunity building done right—why people need to feel seen, heard, AND valued (not just seen), and how brands have replaced monocultureRetention over recruitment—why keeping aligned clients happy is easier and more profitable than constantly chasing new business, and how Michelle has maintained 3-5 year retainer relationshipsNiching by style, not industry—how to work across multiple industries while maintaining exclusivity and a distinct visual signatureThe proactive 2026 entrepreneurship wave—with 1 million people laid off in 2025, why this next wave will be about autonomy and choice rather than reactive panic, and how to step into thought leadership without waiting for permissionTime Stamps:[04:39] Thought Leadership & Aesthetic: The Intersection [06:57] Self-Loyalty vs Self-Care [14:20] Brand as Belonging & Community [18:09] Being Loud About Your Values (Pinning Values to Social Media) [24:21] Retention Over Recruitment in Business [26:42] Niching by Style, Not Industry [30:53] 2026: The Rise of Autonomy & Entrepreneurship [33:56] The Next Wave: 1 Million Laid Off, What's Next? [35:52] Proactive vs Reactive ChangeConnect with Michelle Wintersteen:MKW Creative Co.: Website | Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast Social: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Threads | YouTube | PinterestConnect with Ashley Graham:Thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter for more expansive content and stories here.Follow Ashley Graham (@simplyashleygraham) and The Conscious Publicist (@theconsciouspublicist) on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.If you loved this episode and want to further support the show, please subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcasting platform!Apple | Spotify | Copyright 2026 – The Conscious Publicist® – All Rights Reserved
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    38 分
  • How Jennifer Yang Is Bringing Letter Writing Back to Schools (And Why It Matters)

    How Jennifer Yang Is Bringing Letter Writing Back to Schools (And Why It Matters)
    2026/02/03

    When was the last time you wrote a letter by hand? As a new mom and someone passionate about conscious communication, I’ve been reflecting on the power of slowing down and connecting more meaningfully—especially for our kids.

    In this episode, I sit down with Jennifer Yang, founder of the Dearist letter-writing program, to explore how she’s bringing the lost art of letter writing back into schools. We talk about the emotional impact of handwritten notes, the inspiration behind Dearist, and why fostering creativity and connection through analog experiences matters now more than ever. Join me as we dive into stories, research, and practical ways to help the next generation rediscover the magic of putting pen to paper.

    Key Talking Points:
    In this episode, we discuss…

    • What inspired Jennifer to create Dearist, and her personal connection to letter writing
    • The unique ways letter writing can foster independence, creativity, and emotional connection in children
    • How analog experiences like handwritten letters can complement (and sometimes counterbalance) our digital world
    • Real stories from families and schools who have used Dearist, and the impact it’s had on students
    • The importance of creative expression and critical thinking in early education
    • Practical tips for parents and educators to encourage letter writing at home and in the classroom
    • Why I believe slowing down and embracing tangible, meaningful communication is so essential for the next generation

    Time Stamps:
    [04:52] Jennifer Yang shares the story behind Dearist
    [09:31] The emotional impact of rediscovering childhood letters
    [14:51] The magic of handwritten letters and why it matters today
    [19:44] Real stories from families using Dearist
    [25:27] Dearest in action: school workshops and community impact
    [31:24] Creative expression, curriculum shifts, and the future of letter writing
    [36:16] Closing thoughts and how to support Dearist

    Connect with Jennifer Yang:
    Dearist: Website | Shop | Educators
    Social: Instagram | Podcast
    Support: Letters from Humanity: Teach Kids How to Write Letters GoFundMe

    Connect with Ashley Graham:

    Thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter for more expansive content and stories here.
    Follow Ashley Graham (@simplyashleygraham) and The Conscious Publicist (@theconsciouspublicist) on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.
    If you loved this episode and want to further support the show, please subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcasting platform!

    Apple | Spotify |

    Copyright 2026 – The Conscious Publicist® – All Rights Reserved
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    37 分
  • My 2026 Phrase and A New PR Strategy for Conscious, Sensitive Leaders

    My 2026 Phrase and A New PR Strategy for Conscious, Sensitive Leaders
    2026/01/12

    What if building your PR and visibility strategies could restore you rather than deplete you? What if visibility didn't require constant hustle, but instead honored your sensitivity as a strength?

    In this episode, I'm sharing my phrase for 2026—"Restore and Nourish"—and how it's shaping everything I'm building this year, including the launch of the Conscious Collective membership this spring. As a new mom and projector in human design, I've learned that success doesn't come from doing more; it comes from honoring your energy and building visibility strategies that actually align with who you are.

    I'm opening up about why sensitive entrepreneurs and leaders deserve to be seen, how to navigate the inevitable "nos" and silence in PR without internalizing them, and what it means to create aligned visibility from a place of restoration rather than depletion.

    This episode is an invitation to choose your own word or phrase for the year and to build a business that nourishes you in the process.

    Key Talking Points:
    In this episode, we discuss…

    • My 2026 phrase "Restore and Nourish" and how it came through meditation
    • The Conscious Collective membership launching Spring 2026 for sensitive entrepreneurs
    • Why choosing a word or phrase is more powerful than setting resolutions
    • How to create your own annual word/phrase ritual
    • What it means to be a sensitive leader in a world designed for "doing more"
    • Navigating rejection in PR and why "nos" don't reflect your story's merit
    • The concept of aligned visibility and operating at a higher frequency
    • How being a projector in human design has transformed my approach to PR
    • Building visibility strategies that honor your energy instead of depleting it
    • My vision for deeper podcast conversations in 2026

    Time Stamps:
    [01:31] 2026 Word: "Restore and Nourish"—My phrase reveal and what motherhood has taught me about presence over productivity
    [02:20] Conscious Collective Membership—Announcing the Spring 2026 launch for sensitive entrepreneurs who want visibility without burnout
    [05:29] Setting Your Annual Word/Phrase—A step-by-step ritual guide for choosing your own word or phrase
    [09:53] Sensitive Leadership in PR—What it means to be a sensitive entrepreneur and how to navigate rejection
    [14:45] Human Design & Energy—My projector journey and building a business that works with your design, not against it
    [17:58] 2026 Podcast Plans—Guest spotlights and the deeper conversations coming this year
    [20:04] Call to Action—How to stay engaged and choose your word for 2026

    Connect with Ashley Graham:
    Thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter for more expansive content and stories here.
    Follow Ashley Graham and The Conscious Publicist (@theconsciouspublicist) on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.
    If you loved this episode and want to further support the show, please subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcasting platform!
    Apple | Spotify |

    Copyright 2026 – The Conscious Publicist® – All Rights Reserved
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    20 分
  • Intentional Giving Featuring My Holiday Gift Guide for Conscious Leaders

    Intentional Giving Featuring My Holiday Gift Guide for Conscious Leaders
    2025/12/03

    What if the gifts you give—and the way you show up—could spark real change in your life and the world around you?

    In this heartfelt year-end episode, I invite you to join me for a journey of reflection, celebration, and vision-casting. I open up about how becoming a mother this year has completely transformed my perspective—not just as a business owner, but as a human being. I share the story behind my annual Conscious Publicist Gift Guide, why I brought it back, and how it’s become a ritual for honoring the people, values, and moments that matter most.

    Together, we’ll explore six powerful themes and 28 handpicked gifts that go beyond “stuff”—they’re tools, rituals, and reminders to help you (and those you love) thrive. Whether you’re shopping for your team, your clients, or yourself (yes, you deserve it!), this episode is your invitation to give—and live—with more intention, joy, and impact.

    Key Talking Points:
    In this episode, we discuss…

    • The impact of becoming a mother and how it’s reshaping my dreams for 2026
    • The exciting launch of my new membership community for conscious leaders (you heard it here first!)
    • The return of my annual gift guide and the deeper meaning behind intentional gifting
    • Six themes for conscious giving: wellness on the go, inner work, celebration, energized workdays, rest & unwinding, and holistic wellbeing
    • How to choose gifts that truly reflect your values and uplift your community
    • Why rest, celebration, and sustainable productivity are non-negotiables for leaders
    • How you can access the full gift guide, connect with me, and join a movement of conscious living

    Time Stamps:
    [01:31] The magic of year-end reflection
    [01:53] How motherhood is rewriting my 2026 vision
    [02:35] Announcing my new membership community (first time ever!)
    [02:55] Why I’m relaunching the Conscious Publicist Gift Guide
    [03:34] The power of intentional gifting
    [04:44] Wellness on the Go—rituals for leaders in motion
    [05:29] Inner Work—tools for transformation
    [06:18] Celebration & Community—gifts that give back
    [07:51] Energized Workdays—sustainable productivity
    [10:15] Rest & Unwinding—permission to pause
    [11:29] Holistic Wellbeing—feeling good inside and out
    [12:16] Why these themes matter now more than ever
    [12:58] How to access the full guide and connect with me
    [13:37] My closing wishes for your holiday season

    Mentioned in Episode:
    Link to article, "Thoughtful Gifts for Wellness, Personal Growth & Celebration" here.
    Instagram Carousel Gift Guide here.

    Connect with Ashley Graham:
    Thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter for more expansive content and stories here.|
    Follow Ashley Graham (@simplyashleygraham) and The Conscious Publicist (@theconsciouspublicist) on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.
    |If you loved this episode and want to further support the show, please subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcasting platform!
    Apple | Spotify |

    Copyright 2026 – The Conscious Publicist® – All Rights Reserved
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    14 分
  • Reclaiming Creative Flow Through Painting with Ali Hall

    Reclaiming Creative Flow Through Painting with Ali Hall
    2025/11/15

    Have you ever felt the magnetic pull of creativity—so strong that it becomes a form of meditation? Have you ever asked yourself what it takes to reclaim a passion you thought you’d left behind?

    In this episode, I sit down with artist Ali Hall, whose journey is a testament to the power of creative expression and the healing it brings. I share how witnessing Ali in her element—painting on the beach, fully present—stopped me in my tracks and inspired this conversation. Together, we explore how creativity is not just for artists, but a portal to presence and reconnection for all of us. Ali opens up about her decade-long hiatus from painting, the pivotal encouragement from her therapist, and how a simple 10-minute daily practice reignited her artistic fire.

    We dive into the rituals that help her access flow states, the role of community, and the serendipitous moments that have shaped her career. Whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, or someone longing to rediscover your passion, this episode is your invitation to return to what makes you feel alive.

    Key Talking Points:
    In this episode, we discuss…

    • The transformative power of creative flow and presence
    • Ali’s journey from a 10-year break to a thriving art practice
    • How small daily rituals can unlock big creative breakthroughs
    • The importance of community and serendipity in an artist’s journey
    • Turning passion into a business and embracing new opportunities
    • The healing energy of art and the intention behind every piece
    • Setting intentions and manifesting joy for the future

    Time Stamps:

    [01:36] Meeting Ali Hall: artistry as meditation
    [02:59] Ali’s creative rituals and accessing flow
    [09:15] Reclaiming art after a decade-long pause
    [17:52] Turning art into a business and building community
    [24:30] The healing power of art and serendipitous connections
    [28:30] What’s next for Ali: upcoming shows and intentions
    [32:45] Manifesting joy and closing reflections

    Connect with Ali Hall:

    Website: Ali Hall Art
    Portfolio: Cohart
    Social: Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest

    Connect with Ashley Graham:

    Thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter for more expansive content and stories here.

    Follow Ashley Graham (@simplyashleygraham) and The Conscious Publicist (@theconsciouspublicist) on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.

    If you loved this episode and want to further support the show, please subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcasting platform!

    Apple | Spotify |

    Copyright 2026 – The Conscious Publicist® – All Rights Reserved
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    33 分
  • Holding Space for Mothers Through Photography with Jennifer Imus

    Holding Space for Mothers Through Photography with Jennifer Imus
    2025/11/03

    Have you ever wondered what it truly means to hold space for mothers during their most vulnerable and transformative moments?

    In this episode, I sit down with Jennifer Imus, a remarkable newborn and motherhood photographer whose work has touched my life in a deeply personal way. As a new mom myself, I know firsthand how powerful it is to feel seen and supported during the early days of motherhood. My conversation with Jennifer goes far beyond photography—we open up about the raw realities of birth, postpartum challenges, and the complex emotions that come with stepping into a new identity as a mother. Together, we explore why honest storytelling and photography matter, and how community and compassion can help us heal and grow through every season of motherhood.

    Key Talking Points:
    In this episode, we discuss…

    • Jennifer Imus’s journey as a newborn and motherhood photographer and her mission to support mothers beyond just taking photos.
    • The realities of motherhood that are rarely shared on social media, including birth trauma and postpartum challenges.
    • The importance of documenting family and legacy, and why mothers should be present in photos.
    • How societal expectations shape women’s experiences of birth, motherhood, and identity.
    • The role of community, support, and honest conversation in healing and empowerment.
    • My personal story of birth trauma, postpartum recovery, and the emotional impact on my first newborn photo session.
    • The evolution of identity from new motherhood to empty nest, and reclaiming personal power as women.
    • The value of vulnerability, authenticity, and self-compassion in the motherhood journey.

    Time Stamps:

    [04:30] Introducing Jennifer Imus and the heart behind her photography
    [06:00] Getting honest about motherhood—what you don’t see on Instagram
    [08:00] How Jennifer and I connected and found instant understanding
    [10:00] The power of support: doulas, community, and holding space for moms
    [13:00] Navigating identity shifts from new mom to empty nest
    [16:00] Why documenting your family’s legacy is everything
    [18:00] Birth trauma, grief, and the healing journey
    [22:00] Society’s expectations and rewriting the motherhood narrative
    [25:00] Finding community and the courage to share our stories
    [28:00] My own birth and postpartum experience—what I wish I’d known
    [32:00] The newborn photo session that changed my perspective
    [36:00] Jennifer’s studio magic: making moms feel seen and beautiful
    [40:00] Manifesting dreams—how Jennifer created her perfect studio
    [44:00] Final reflections: honoring our stories and stepping into our power

    Connect with Jennifer Imus:

    Website: Orange County Photographer | Jennifer Imus Photography
    Social: Instagram | Blog

    Connect with Ashley Graham:

    Thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter for more expansive content and stories here.

    Follow Ashley Graham (@simplyashleygraham) and The Conscious Publicist (@theconsciouspublicist) on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.

    If you loved this episode and want to further support the show, please subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcasting platform!

    Apple | Spotify |

    Copyright 2026 – The Conscious Publicist® – All Rights Reserved
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    45 分
  • From Self-Objectification to Self-Recognition with Lisa Haukom

    From Self-Objectification to Self-Recognition with Lisa Haukom
    2025/09/30

    Have you ever looked back at photos from five or ten years ago and thought, "I looked amazing—what was I so worried about?" Or do you find yourself hovering over the delete button, unable to see what your friends insist is a great photo of you?

    In this episode, photographer, author, and creator of The Photo Club, Lisa Haukom, reveals why you literally don't recognize your own face—and how that disconnect is keeping you from showing up fully in your life and business. We explore the concept of self-objectification (living as an observer of yourself rather than inhabiting your own experience), the neuroscience behind why non-mirrored photos feel "wrong," and Lisa's transformative 30-day photo practice that helps women finally see themselves clearly.

    To add more impact to the narrative, I got vulnerable about navigating self-image changes during pregnancy, and even participated in one of Lisa's exercises live on the podcast. This is a raw and honest conversation about the pressure cooker we create for ourselves and how to find space between reactive thoughts and the truth.

    Key Talking Points:
    In this episode, we discuss…

    • The difference between experiencing a moment versus living as an outside observer of yourself being observed
    • The neuroscience behind why your brain rejects non-mirrored images that show your "true" face to others
    • How taking daily photos without deleting them using the back camera can revolutionize your self-perception
    • Why your brain auto-corrects your appearance in the mirror and how flipping photos upside down reveals what you actually look like
    • How women create impossible expectations about being "ready" or "perfect" before showing up—and why that needs to stop
    • Simple changes like turning off overhead lights, cleaning your lens, and shooting at eye level that transform your relationship with images
    • How keeping the "bad" photos creates the space needed to build empathy for yourself and recognize patterns

    Time Stamps:
    [1:35] Lisa’s introduction and her message for listeners
    [2:46] The “pressure cooker” of self-image and personal history
    [5:15] Discovering self-objectification and its impact
    [8:28] Lisa’s 30-day photo practice and self-acceptance
    [10:48] The disconnect between self-perception and others’ views
    [13:55] The neuroscience of self-image and the mirror effect
    [15:07] The journey of re-parenting and preparing for motherhood
    [28:05] The importance of documenting life and self-reflection
    [35:08] Lisa’s current projects: Photo Club, Substack, and her book

    Connect with Lisa Haukom:
    Website: Substack
    Social: Instagram
    Work with Lisa: Photo Club

    Connect with Ashley Graham:
    Thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter for more expansive content and stories here.
    Follow Ashley Graham (@simplyashleygraham) and The Conscious Publicist (@theconsciouspublicist) on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.
    If you loved this episode and want to further support the show, please subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcasting platform!
    Apple | Spotify |

    Copyright 2026 – The Conscious Publicist® – All Rights Reserved
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    1 時間