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:

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

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Copyright 2025 – The Conscious Publicist® – All Rights Reserved

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!
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Copyright 2025 – The Conscious Publicist® – All Rights Reserved

What if the stories that keep you stuck aren't really your stories?

Finally pulling this gem of a conversation from my archives, I sit down with leadership coach Heather Chauvin to explore how our most uncomfortable emotions—especially anger—can become our greatest teachers. Heather shares her powerful journey from social worker to leadership coach, including how her stage 4 cancer diagnosis in 2013 became the catalyst that taught her to surrender and trust herself completely.

We dive into the messy, beautiful process of distinguishing between the roles society imposes on us and the truth trying to emerge from within. This isn't another inspirational conversation with a five-step plan—it's a raw, honest exploration of what transformation really looks like when you stop running from difficult emotions and start asking, "How good can this actually get?"

Key Talking Points:
In this episode, we discuss…

• Why anger and frustration are symptoms of life trying to get your attention
• How to have conversations with your emotions as if they were children seeking attention
• The difference between cultural expectations and your inner truth
• Heather's transformative approach: asking anger "Why are you here?" and "What do you need to feel safe to leave my body?"
• Moving from external validation to deep self-trust and intuition
• && So much more…

Time Stamps:

[1:35] Introduction and the story Heather is ready to share more of
[5:20] Why Heather gets angry watching women believe limiting stories about themselves
[9:45] How to alchemize anger for creative transformation
[15:30] Treating emotions like children trying to get your attention
[21:15] The two internal dialogues: fear-based vs. expansive voices
[26:40] Learning to trust your inner guidance system over external validation
[30:50] Ashley's journey through grief and the power of surrender
[34:20] Heather's cancer diagnosis and the moment of complete surrender
[38:15] Redefining brilliance and the courage to ask "How good can this get?"
[41:00] Final thoughts on authentic storytelling and transformation

Connect with Heather Chauvin:

Website: Link Here
Podcast: Emotionally Uncomfortable — Link Here
Social: Instagram | YouTube | Facebook
Free Resources: Check out the free resource section on her website for time-rich reset challenges and more

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!

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Copyright 2025 – The Conscious Publicist® – All Rights Reserved

How do you transform personal struggles into authentic brand messaging while building a business that truly reflects your values?

I'm so excited to share my conversation with Samantha Gold, founder of Motette—a modern baby and toddler essentials brand that's completely redefining the children's clothing space. Samantha's journey is deeply personal, shaped by her seven years of sobriety and her experience as a mom to two little ones just 19 months apart. What started as pure frustration with cheesy prints and uncomfortable baby clothes has blossomed into something extraordinary—a brand built entirely in public and co-created with a community of 1,500 moms who literally vote on everything from prints to product names.

From her upcoming mommy-and-me pajama line to her weekly "Motette Mom Crush" feature that celebrates women in her community, Samantha's approach to entrepreneurship is pure magic—grounded in faith over fear and community over competition.

Key Talking Points:
In this episode, we discuss…

• Why Samantha chose to share her 7-year sobriety journey on Instagram and how it became her superpower
• How Samantha turned product development into community engagement (even letting her community name the brand!)
• The magic of creating Motette completely in public and why transparency beats perfection
• Samantha's "faith over fear" moment leaving her CEO role to chase her entrepreneurial dreams
• Why two-way zippers matter at 2 AM and how bamboo fabric is changing the baby clothing game

Time Stamps:

[01:30] Introduction to Samantha Gold and her brand Motette
[03:45] Samantha's story and how sobriety is woven into Motette's brand values
[07:20] The decision to share recovery journey openly on Instagram
[12:15] Building community through recovery groups and authentic connections
[15:30] Co-creating Motette with 1,500 moms and the power of community input
[19:45] The sustainable and functional design philosophy behind Motette products
[23:10] Why bamboo fabric and its benefits for sensitive skin and sustainability
[26:40] The trademark journey and how "Motette" got its name using AI
[30:25] Expanding the brand message through elevated prints and thoughtful design
[34:50] Upcoming mommy-and-me pajamas and collaborative product development
[38:15] The "Motette Mom Crush" initiative and supporting other female founders
[41:30] Balancing entrepreneurship, motherhood, and staying present
[45:20] Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: courage over fear and just start

Connect with Samantha Gold and Motette:

Website: Motette— Link Here

Social: Instagram | LinkedIn

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!

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Copyright 2025 – The Conscious Publicist® – All Rights Reserved

Are you ready to transform your relationship with money and manifest the abundance you deserve?

In this high-frequency conversation, I sit down with the incredible Jacqui Vasquez, money mindset coach and manifestation expert, to uncover how our thoughts and feelings about money directly impact our ability to attract wealth. In this episode, Jacqui shares her personal journey from quitting her government job to launching her own flower shop while expanding her coaching business simultaneously. Through her inspiring story and practical advice, we explore how manifestation works, why your inner world creates your outer reality, and simple daily practices that can transform your money mindset without taking hours of your time.

Key Talking Points:
In this episode, we discuss…

• Jacqui’s manifestation journey from government employee to entrepreneur
• How to balance multiple passions without limiting yourself
• The power of affirmations and timer reminders for consistent manifestation
• Why your inner world directly creates your outer financial reality
• Simple 5-minute manifestation techniques anyone can implement
• The relationship between gratitude and receiving money
• How to maintain "happy money" energy in both receiving and spending
• Why embracing "mess" is essential to transformation
• Jacqui’s "Journal Your Business Profitable" workbook and methodology

Time Stamps:

[01:30] Introduction to Jacqui Vasquez and her money mindset expertise
[03:30] Jacqui shares her story of manifesting her way out of her government job
[06:15] Balancing multiple passions and embracing your multidimensional self
[10:45] How our inner world creates our outer reality
[13:20] Simple manifestation techniques for busy people
[17:40] The power of setting reminder alarms for affirmations and "dance parties"
[23:50] The 55x5 and 3-6-9 manifestation methods
[26:30] Introduction to Jacqui’s "Journal Your Business Profitable" workbook
[31:15] Bridging money mindset work with manifestation practices
[34:30] My personal story of clearing credit card debt through manifestation
[39:20] Treating life's challenges as lessons and stepping stones

Connect with Jacqui Vasquez:

Website: Jacqui Vasquez + The Pursuit to Happy— Link Here

Journal: Journal Your Business Profitable Workbook— Link Here

Social: Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | Clubhouse

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 2025 – The Conscious Publicist® – All Rights Reserved

How can women of color reclaim their financial narrative when traditional advice doesn't reflect their reality?

I sat down with Alejandra Rojas, founder, writer, and host of The Brown Way to Money Podcast. Alejandra shares her powerful journey of redefining money for women of color, challenging traditional financial advice that fails to acknowledge generational and cultural experiences. From discovering her pregnancy to transforming her business vision, Alejandra reveals how embracing childlike curiosity can help women of color reclaim their voices in the financial world and break free from limiting beliefs.

Key Talking Points:
In this episode, we discuss…

• How becoming a mother transformed Alejandra's business vision and mission
• The unique financial challenges Black and Brown women face through generational and cultural experiences
• Why traditional financial advice often fails for communities of color
• The five-layer process for identifying and overcoming limiting beliefs around money
• How embracing childlike curiosity can transform your relationship with money
• The Brown Way to Money methodology for achieving financial independence

Time Stamps:

[03:15] Alejandra shares how pregnancy changed her business perspective
[08:45] Why traditional financial advice doesn't work for communities of color
[15:20] Understanding the cultural context behind money beliefs
[20:40] Masterclass on identifying and overcoming limiting beliefs
[27:30] The five-layer process for addressing money blocks
[33:15] Bringing childlike curiosity back to business decisions
[39:50] Reframing how we think about financial milestones
[44:30] Information about Alejandra's platforms and resources

Connect with Alejandra Rojas:

The Brown Way to Money Podcast: www.brownwaytomoney.com

Limiting Beliefs Guide: Link Here

Social: YouTube | Instagram

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 2025 – The Conscious Publicist® – All Rights Reserved

Are you sacrificing your financial well-being to please others?

Over the last two episodes, we've been exploring how the most impactful leaders are those who break the mold and bring their authentic selves to their work—and this conversation is a perfect example of that message. I welcomed Natalie Bullen, founder of Unapologetic Wealth, to the podcast! Our conversation explores how entrepreneurs, especially women and people of color, can approach wealth building with authenticity and without shame. Natalie shares her personal journey through financial hardship to creating her business, which now empowers entrepreneurs earning between $100K and $2 million to make smart financial choices that lead to genuine wealth and freedom.

Key Talking Points:

In this episode, we discuss…

• The problem with hard work culture and why hard work alone doesn't create wealth
• How bankruptcy in her twenties despite "doing everything right" shaped Natalie's perspective
• Why financial systems often oppress women and people of color
• The importance of clearly defining your financial outcomes
• Finding the courage to be controversial and speak your truth in business
• Why authenticity creates deeper connections than maintaining a perfect facade
• Natalie's upcoming projects including digital products and a system for Facebook engagement
• The "Birthright" private podcast and its unique 5-minute daily format

Time Stamps:

[01:55] Ashley introduces Natalie Bullen and shares a personal story
[04:58] Natalie explains her business, Unapologetic Wealth, and its mission
[06:33] The personal catalyst that led Natalie to her wealth-focused business
[10:25] Why hard work doesn't create wealth and following the wrong financial advice
[13:47] Finding courage to share controversial perspectives
[17:21] The power of authentic connection versus false personas
[20:42] The shift toward valuing authenticity and vulnerability in leadership
[23:49] Natalie's upcoming projects and new activations for 2025
[25:26] Where to connect with Natalie and her "Birthright" private podcast
[27:50] The value of recording authentic, unedited content
[29:17] Why being liked is a "defunct currency" worth abandoning
[31:04] The responsibility entrepreneurs have to benefit from their own gifts

Connect with Natalie Bullen:

Website: www.unapologeticwealth.com
Birthright Podcast: www.unapologeticwealth.thrivecart.com/birthright-private-podcast
Social: Facebook | YouTube | Instagram

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 2025 – The Conscious Publicist® – All Rights Reserved

Are you conforming to others' expectations rather than speaking your authentic truth in your content and storytelling?

I felt inspired to continue my thoughts around conformity, especially the power and impact of refusing to conform when telling your story. To further reference the inspiration behind this episode, you can tune into the previous episode that sparked the thought. In this episode, I create a reframe around how breaking free from external standards allows us to own our unique identity and perspective in thought leadership. I shared my observations about the cost of conformity in our messaging and how authentic storytelling creates a genuine connection. I also shared a few practical ways to break free from the measurement trap that often leads us to create content for metrics rather than meaning.

Key Talking Points:

In this episode, we discuss...

• The cost of conformity in storytelling and thought leadership
• How genuine stories create deeper connections than performative content
• The challenge of maintaining authenticity in an AI-driven content landscape
• The biological and psychological impact of authentic communication
• How to speak your truth without filters as a revolutionary act
• Breaking free from the measurement trap and creating your own metrics of success
• Focusing on "resonance moments" over vanity metrics

Time Stamps:

[00:00] Introduction to the episode on conformity
[02:30] The cost of conformity in thought leadership
[05:15] Authentic storytelling vs. mass appeal content
[07:45] Thoughts on AI's impact on authentic messaging
[10:00] Speaking your truth without filters
[12:45] The hidden power of your unique voice
[15:30] Breaking free from the measurement trap
[17:45] Practical approaches to create authentic content
[19:15] Finding your micro-community of truth-tellers

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 2025 – The Conscious Publicist® – All Rights Reserved