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The Conscious Publicist® Podcast with Ashley Graham

The Conscious Publicist® Podcast with Ashley Graham

Hosted by Ashley Graham

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Episodes

55

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN

About the show

Welcome to The Conscious Publicist® Podcast, a space where thoughts become ideas to advocate for a more conscious human experience in the media. Our thoughts and ideas inspire action, and the most notable leaders and organizations have transformed thoughts and ideas into global initiatives that have impacted the lives of millions. Join your host, Ashley Graham, she guides leaders, visionaries, and creators in discovering their conscious voice and methodologies that inspire connection, community, and impact through media and leadership channels. In this podcast, you’ll dive into thought leadership, business, and entrepreneurship, all through the lens of being a conscious human being. Ashley will take you behind the scenes into the habits, thoughts, and modalities that have helped leaders shift past paradigms of limiting beliefs, comparison, and self-doubt to show up for themselves to become the subject matter experts they were called to be. Subscribe to the show on Apple or Spotify and join her on this journey of awakening the conscious leader within YOU.

Listen to episodes

55 recent
June 9, 202653 min

Tiffany Yu on Building Diversability, The Anti-Ableist Manifesto, and Being Your Most Authentic Self

What if the thing that broke you open at nine years old became the very gift you spent the rest of your life giving to the world? In this episode, I sit down with Tiffany Yu—CEO and founder of Diversability, author of The Anti-Ableist Manifesto, and one of the most soul-led entrepreneurs I've had the pleasure of knowing. What started as a college disability club at Georgetown has grown into a global movement spanning 17 countries, over $100,000 in microgrants, and a platform that is redefining what disability pride looks like today. This conversation goes to the messy middle. We talk about what it really means to build something from nothing, how Tiffany navigated getting fired as the catalyst that launched Diversability full-time, the internal voice that still tells her she can't—and why she shows up anyway. Tiffany shares the five pillars that shape her advocacy, the gentle nudges from the universe she's learned to trust, and the profound reminder that the greatest gift you can give the world is simply being yourself. Key Talking Points:In this episode, we discuss… What it means to be an "accidental entrepreneur" and how Diversability evolved from a Georgetown student club to a global disability pride movement The pivotal moment of getting fired in 2017 and how it became the unexpected launchpad for going full-time with her mission Tiffany's five pillars of disability advocacy: community, education, economic empowerment, civic engagement, and joy The Anti-Ableist Manifesto and the Anti-Ableism Series that inspired it—with over 8 million views across Instagram and TikTok The Awesome Foundation Disability Chapter and why micro-grants are about more than money—they're about someone believing in you The power of community (and specifically Dreamers and Doers) in providing the encouragement to keep going before she believed in herself Navigating loud negative self-talk as someone with high adverse childhood experiences, and why she takes action despite it The difference between being a human doer versus a human being—and what she's calling in as her word of the year: rooted How "gentle nudges from the universe" have shown up as signs she was on the right path, from a $500 grant to modeling for Adidas Why being the most authentic version of yourself is not just a personal practice—it's a PR and business strategy Time Stamps: [04:08] Million-dollar question—what story and message is Tiffany here to tell?  [05:58] The origin story—how Diversability began as Georgetown's first disability student club  [09:34] Getting fired on March 3rd, 2017—and how it became the beginning of everything  [14:00] Tiffany's five pillars of disability advocacy  [39:45] Gentle nudges from the universe—how to keep going when you're not sure it's working  [42:54] Overcoming loud negative self-talk and taking action anyway  [51:31] Her word for the year—rooted—and shifting from human doer to human being  [52:15] Calling in more integration, stillness, and just being Tiffany Connect with Tiffany Yu and Diversability: CEO & Founder, Diversability (donate) | Founder, Awesome Foundation Disability ($100k granted | 100+ projects | 17 countries) NIH National Advisory Board on Medical Rehabilitation Research (NABMRR) TiffanyYu.com | LinkedIn | TED Talk | Forbes Accessibility 100 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 | Blog | Business *As for mentions of Dreamers and Doers, if you would like a personal invitation to the community, please email me at hello@theconsciouspublicist.com, and I can make the introduction for you! Copyright 2026 – The Conscious Publicist® – All Rights Reserved

June 2, 202644 min

Infrared, Red Light & Postpartum Wellness with Danielle Yanke of Clearlight Saunas

Are you a new mom drowning in guilt every time you try to take a moment for yourself—and what if the most powerful thing you could do for your child is actually invest in your own well-being? I sit down with Danielle Yanke of Clearlight Saunas for a personal and powerful conversation. We open up about the very real struggle of mom guilt, postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, and even postpartum OCD—and how finding the right self-care rituals can quite literally bridge you back to yourself. I also share my own postpartum healing journey and how a single sauna session became a turning point in my recovery. Danielle breaks down the science and soul behind Clearlight's suite of wellness technology—from infrared saunas and red light therapy to PEMF mats and chromotherapy—and we explore how you can build intentional rituals around these tools from the comfort of your own home, without ever leaving your family behind. Key Talking Points: In this episode, we discuss… Mom guilt—why it's so hard to logic your way out of it, and how to give yourself permission to take space without shame Postpartum depression, anxiety, and OCD—breaking the silence and normalizing the full spectrum of the postpartum experience Identity shifts in motherhood—rediscovering yourself and embracing the new version of you Infrared sauna benefits—deeper sleep, toxin release, depression symptom relief, and training your body to sweat more effectively Red light therapy—the science behind the wavelengths, emotional well-being benefits, and how I use it before every podcast recording PEMF mats—what pulsed electromagnetic frequency does for your body and how to layer therapies together at home Chromotherapy—how different light colors support healing and mood Making wellness accessible—how Clearlight brings spa-level technology into your home on your schedule Clearlight's global expansion—the Sapling reforestation program, first responder discounts, social wellness studios, and the new Clearlight Plunge The founder's mission—Dr. Raleigh Duncan's 28-year commitment to healing as many people as possible through safe, patented technology Timestamps: [01:31] Meet Danielle Yanke of Clearlight Saunas  [02:14] Mom guilt, identity shifts, and the pressure of "perfect" motherhood  [05:35] Grace, intention-setting, and becoming the best version of yourself  [08:18] Bringing wellness tech into the home as a new mother  [11:34] Ashley's experience with the Clearlight red light tower and PEMF mat  [13:07] Red light therapy: the science, the product lineup, and what makes Clearlight different  [20:27] Sleep, emotional well-being, and calm from red light and infrared  [21:16] The sauna and PEMF mat: layering therapies and building a home ritual  [26:54] Infrared sauna, deeper sleep, and the UCSF depression study  [27:55] Ashley opens up about postpartum depression, anxiety, and OCD  [28:33] The sauna session that changed everything in Ashley's postpartum journey  [34:05] Clearlight's global expansion and what's new  [38:14] Social wellness spaces and immersive wellness studios on the rise  [40:23] Giving back: the Sapling program, first responders, and community access  [43:17] Closing reflections & how to connect with Clearlight Connect with Clearlight Saunas: Website | Infrared Therapy | Red Light Therapy To shop my personal favorites from Clearlight, visit here. It would be an honor if you purchased through my affiliate link, as I’ll receive a slight commission to support my work. 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 | Blog | Business Copyright 2026 – The Conscious Publicist® – All Rights Reserved

May 26, 202646 min

What an Intuitive Reading Can Reveal About Your Next Chapter with Janine of Cloud Nine Intuitive

What if the answers you've been searching for have been inside you all along—and you just needed someone to help you hear them? Janine is an intuitive guide and facilitator with over a decade of experience in the spiritual arts. Through tarot, channeled guidance, and her one-of-a-kind written poetry readings, she helps people cut through the noise, see past their blind spots, and reconnect with the one thing that has always known the way—their own inner wisdom. She calls herself an uncomplicated spiritualist, and trust me, once you hear her, you'll understand exactly why. In this conversation, we go deep on trusting your desires as your most powerful compass, how spirit guides actually communicate, and what it means to truly hear them, the magic behind Janine's written poetry readings, why owning your spirituality out loud is an act of courage right now, and the beautifully aligned, perfectly timed way that she and I found each other. If you've ever felt called to something bigger but weren't sure how to begin—this one is for you. Janine's message is clear: no one knows your desires as you do. The time to trust yourself is now. Key Talking Points:In this episode, we discuss… Why desire is your most powerful internal compass—and how self-trust is the bridge to acting on it The difference between seeking external validation vs. tuning into your own intuition Janine's spiritual journey: from Catholic school to tarot cards, poetry, and becoming an intuitive guide What it means to be an "uncomplicated spiritualist" and why simplicity is the gateway to transformation The three types of readings Janine offers—live one-on-one, pre-recorded, and written poetry readings—and why each serves a unique purpose Why readings are meant to empower action, not replace it How spirit guides communicate: through numbers, sounds, symbols, synchronicities, and more The divine feminine, the maternal lineage, and the spiritual awakening that comes with motherhood Owning your spirituality publicly—and why the world needs lightworkers, empaths, and compassionate voices at the front The aligned, serendipitous way Ashley and Janine found each other—and what it proves about trusting the nudge Time Stamps: [03:57] Janine shares her message of brilliance and wisdom  [09:55] Janine's spiritual journey to becoming an intuitive guide  [11:04] The moment Janine received her first tarot deck and everything clicked [17:40] The three types of readings Janine offers & the magic of written poetry readings [23:27] How intuitive work made Janine more confident—and why she lives what she preaches [29:43] The divine feminine, motherhood, and the power of the maternal lineage [32:24] How Janine connects with spirit guides during readings [41:13] Janine's closing message [45:42] Where to find Janine & how to book a reading Connect with Janine Beaman and Cloud Nine Intuitive: Website | Book A Reading | Patreon | 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 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 | Blog | Business Copyright 2026 – The Conscious Publicist® – All Rights Reserved

May 19, 202649 min

Trusting Your Intuition in Business and Motherhood with Intuitive Business Coach Samantha Fackler

What happens when a woman stops following everyone else's blueprint and finally builds something that feels like her—in business, in brand, and in life? In this episode, I sit down with Samantha Fackler, intuitive business coach and host of Confessions of a Spiritual Entrepreneur, for a deeply honest conversation about identity, transformation, and surrender. Samantha shares how 14 years in Fortune 500 marketing led her to a pivotal reckoning—one that sparked a complete rebrand, a podcast relaunch, and a season of ease she describes as leaping five years forward. She also opens up about one of the most profound identity shifts of all: stepping into motherhood. From her journey of conception to how pregnancy has amplified her intuition, Samantha invites us into the messy, magical, and deeply sacred process of becoming—and reminds us that clarity doesn't always come the way we expect. Key Talking Points:In this episode, we discuss… Why every business has a unique fingerprint—and what happens when you stop building someone else's way The difference between brand as a logo vs. brand as identity How Samantha's rebrand of Confessions of a Spiritual Entrepreneur catapulted her business forward The role of intuition in business clarity and decision-making Navigating the conception journey with grace, surrender, and letting go of timelines How pregnancy amplified Samantha's intuitive gifts and reshaped her business from the inside out The Alice in Wonderland metaphor: surrendering to the unknown of motherhood The energetic and spiritual dimensions of pregnancy—crown chakras, soul contracts, and generational DNA Why grounding practices are essential for intuitive women, especially in transition The power of women's community and finding your village Time Stamps: [3:16] Introducing Samantha + What She Does  [4:46] The Brand Edit: Nailing Your Identity  [6:51] Identity Is the Heart of Business  [9:19] Samantha's Rebrand Story & Finding Her Sweet Spot  [11:26] The Podcast Relaunch & Quantum Leap Forward  [15:57] Transitioning into Motherhood & Identity Shifts  [23:28] The Conception Journey: Letting Go of Timelines  [24:21] The Joshua Tree Meditation & Surrender  [24:21] The Cacao Night & Connecting with Baby Spirits  [34:34] How Pregnancy Amplified Samantha's Intuition  [39:19] DNA, Generational Lineage & the Mother-Child Tether  [44:15] Crown Chakra, Grounding & Energetic Protection  [45:57] Closing Thoughts: Talk to Someone & Find Your Village Connect with Samantha Fackler: Website | Podcast | The Brand Edit 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 | Blog | Business Copyright 2026 – The Conscious Publicist® – All Rights Reserved

April 29, 202623 min

Mother's Day Gift Guide 2026—Gifts That Nourish Her

What does it truly mean to nourish the women who give everything to everyone else? This Mother's Day, I'm so excited to debut the first-ever Mother's Day Gift Guide on The Conscious Publicist® Podcast—a consciously curated collection of brands and gifts chosen not for convenience, but for the real transformations they create in how mothers feel in their bodies, move through their days, and see themselves. I curated this guide as a new mother, nine months postpartum, living inside the beautiful and sometimes exhausting reality of giving everything I have to someone who needs and deserves all of it. Every brand I chose earned its place through the experience it offers and the intention behind it—from deeply restorative wellness tools to elevated everyday luxuries, skincare that actually works, and gifts designed to remind the mothers in your life that they deserve to be nourished too. Whether you're shopping for your mother, your sister, your best friend, or yourself, consider this your invitation. (Shop these brands here) Key Talking Points: In this gift guide, I showcased… The heart behind the guide and why two annual gift guides—Mother's Day and Holiday—are now a permanent fixture on the podcast Spanx—Elevated shapewear and apparel for women at every stage, including postpartum, plus an exclusive 15% off code: CONSCIOUSXSPANX ClearLight Amethyst Infrared PEMF Mat—A luxury restorative wellness tool combining infrared heat, PEMF therapy, and amethyst crystals for deep healing and postpartum recovery Felix Gray Blue Light Glasses—Science-backed eyewear that protects sleep quality and focus for the mother burning the candle at both ends Moonbird—A screen-free, handheld breathwork coach that guides slower breathing and activates the nervous system's natural calm response Hugz—Weighted stuffed animals using deep touch pressure science to ease stress, with 10% of proceeds from their animal of the month collections donated to mental health charities Shoal—An Australian marine collagen skincare brand formulated with ingredients gentle enough for postpartum and sensitive skin The Holistic Facelift Starter Kit—A face yoga, massage, and lymphatic tool kit paired with a mindful ritual program that transforms how women feel in their own skin Irresistible Me—Inclusive clip-in extensions and human hair wigs for the postpartum mother navigating hair loss, with $1 from every purchase donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation HEIRÉE x Bitchin’ Blooms—A limited edition Mother's Day collaboration pairing a luxury cuticle treatment pen with a signature floral bouquet, available for local LA delivery through May 11th Oliva Dorado—Single-farm, cold-pressed organic extra virgin olive oil from Spain, perfect for mothers who cook with intention, plus 15% off with code SIMPLY15 Zeroe Caviar—Plant-based, vegan caviar made from sustainably harvested French seaweed, a pregnancy-safe indulgence for the mother who loves to host beautifully Josephinenhütte’s Josephine No. 4 Champagne Glasses—Hand-blown champagne glasses with an architectural curve that aerates every sip, designed for the mother who sets a table with intention Loop Frames—A wifi-enabled digital photo frame that lets loved ones send photos from anywhere in the world, so the best moments are always within sight Shop these brands 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 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 | Blog | Business Copyright 2026 – The Conscious Publicist® – All Rights Reserved

April 21, 202639 min

The Voice, Worthiness, and the Energetics of Your Space with Rachel Larraine Crawford

What does it really take to reclaim your voice, shed an old identity, and create spaces—physical and energetic—that hold people in their fullest expression? In this episode, I sit down with Rachel Larraine Crawford, founder and creative director of Tiger Vale, a holistic interior design studio based in Southern California. Rachel brings over two decades of experience in interior design, along with certifications in classical Feng Shui and training as a Reiki master, to create immersive environments where concept, strategy, and guest experience don't just coexist—they align. We go deep into the invisible things we leave behind—in spaces, in relationships, in old identities—and what it truly takes to clear them and come home to who we're becoming. Rachel is in her own season of emergence right now, and there is something profoundly powerful about witnessing someone who does this depth of work for others while learning to receive it for herself. Key Talking Points:In this episode, we discuss… Why your voice is your greatest gift and how giving yourself permission to share it is an act of empowerment Rachel's journey from a childhood of silence and unworthiness to finding her voice through theater and broadcast How a tarot card pull set the tone for the entire conversation: your art is your gift Setting an intention to be intentionally visible—and the inner work required to follow through The live, in-real-time moment Rachel caught herself shrinking mid-conversation, and what she did about it Working with the inner critic: acknowledging it, thanking it, and moving forward anyway The spiritual side of interior design—crystal grids, land blessings, entity clearings, and why spaces hold energy How we energetically leave parts of ourselves behind in old homes, relationships, and identities Shedding old style and identity to show up as your next-level self before you feel ready Rachel's dream: designing boutique hotels and getting on stages to share her story Time Stamps: [01:31] Introduction & what it means to be truly seen  [04:32] Rachel's core message: finding and sharing your voice  [07:46] Tarot card reveal: "Your gift is your art."  [10:22] Rachel's childhood: growing up feeling unworthy and silenced  [11:38] Enrolling in drama class to force herself out of her shell  [15:54] Setting an intention to be intentionally visible in 2026 and beyond  [17:14] Mentor reframe: "It's not the design firm—it's YOU as a personal brand."  [20:06] Live vulnerability: Rachel catches herself shrinking mid-conversation  [20:13] Working with the inner critic: "I hear you, I see you, I know you want to keep me safe."  [27:27] Spirit clearing story: a young girl reclaims her bedroom after an entity is removed  [32:13] "We are constantly leaving parts of us everywhere"—on energetic attachment  [34:13] Shedding old identity through style: showing up as the new version before you're ready  [37:21] Rachel's vision: boutique hotel design and speaking on stages Connect with Rachel Larraine Crawford:Website | Instagram | PodcastNamed on the Power List by Modern Luxury Magazine as a San Diego Interior Design Luminary to Know Now! 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 | Blog | Business Copyright 2026 – The Conscious Publicist® – All Rights Reserved

April 14, 202644 min

Identity Work, Limiting Beliefs, and Stepping Into Your Boldest Self with Whitney Alexandra

What does it really take to step into the boldest, most expansive version of yourself—and what's been stopping you? In this episode, I sit down with Whitney Alexandra, a performance coach for top women entrepreneurs, for one of those conversations that feel like they were always meant to happen. We go deep on identity—specifically the big, bold dream you've been sitting on that feels too large to say out loud, too far from where you are, or too different from what the people around you might understand. Whitney brings over 20 years of experience helping powerful business owners unlock their peak potential, and in this episode, she shares the practical and energetic tools that create real, lasting transformation. From visioning exercises to interrogating limiting beliefs, to the difference between wanting something and truly desiring it—this conversation will move something in you. Key Talking Points:In this episode, we discuss… Why 2026 is the year to finally claim that big, bold dream you've been sitting on Whitney's "Becoming Her" visioning exercise and how to use it to close the gap between who you are today and your next level self How to navigate limiting beliefs and the "mind junk" that tries to talk you out of your vision Building identity-driven habits that reflect your future self—not your current circumstances The difference between wanting something and truly desiring it, and why that distinction changes everything Why clarity on what you actually want is the most underrated step in any goal-setting process How to interrogate your beliefs and determine whether they're actually true—or just rules you accepted Sales as love: reframing the transaction as an act of service and impact Trusting intuitive nudges and detaching from outcomes while still taking inspired action The importance of discernment in community—and why it's your number one job to protect your dream Why real external challenges are valid, and how the right community can support you through them Time Stamps: [01:31] Introduction of Whitney Alexandra & today's theme  [03:42] Guest intro & what story Whitney is here to share  [06:57] Navigating limiting beliefs & mind junk  [07:31] Whitney's "Becoming Her" visioning exercise  [08:01] How to send for the free visioning exercise  [09:25] Building the bridge between current self & future self through habits  [13:28] Breaking out of constructs & allowing things to simmer  [14:40] Interrogating beliefs: is it actually true?  [23:52] Sales as love & trusting intuitive nudges  [24:51] Detaching from outcomes & taking inspired action  [38:43] Real external challenges & the role of community  [40:10] Discernment in community & protecting your dream  [43:29] Closing reflections & gratitude Connect with Whitney Alexandra: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn Social(s): Instagram—Send her a DM with the word "becoming her" to receive her free visioning exercise Other Call-To-Action(s): Work with Whitney to unlock your peak potential and step into your next level self 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 | Blog | Business Copyright 2026 – The Conscious Publicist® – All Rights Reserved

March 7, 202620 min

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

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 Day The economic impact of supporting female entrepreneurs and redistributing economic power How women-led businesses outperform in revenue growth, team culture, and product innovation despite being underfunded Eight inspiring women-owned brands across diverse industries—from luxury goods to conscious marketplaces Practical ways to support women entrepreneurs beyond making a purchase The 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.com HEIRÉE - Clean, elevated hand care | heiree.com Just Call Me Shirley - Fun twist on classic beverages | drinkshirley.com Pearl Spark Pages - Journals for female founders | pearlsparkpages.com Mave & Chez - Luxury ergonomic slippers | maveandchez.com Veganist - Conscious marketplace for planet-friendly brands | veganist.com Lunnie - Leak-proof nursing bras | lunnie.com Yvonne Liao NYC - Designer footwear for day to night | yvonneliaonyc.com Community Shoutouts: The 10th House (Female Founders Collective) Entreprenistas Ragdoll PR Set 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 | Blog | Business Copyright 2026 – The Conscious Publicist® – All Rights Reserved

February 10, 202638 min

Why Your Visual Identity Should Be as Bold as Your Beliefs with Michelle Wintersteen

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 together Self-loyalty vs. self-care—Michelle's framework for knowing what you stand for so deeply that you're unshakeable when others challenge you Values 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 line Building brag-worthy brands—creating proprietary experiences (like custom silk scarves and subscription boxes) that make people want to talk about your business unprompted Community building done right—why people need to feel seen, heard, AND valued (not just seen), and how brands have replaced monoculture Retention 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 relationships Niching by style, not industry—how to work across multiple industries while maintaining exclusivity and a distinct visual signature The 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 permission Time 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 Change Connect with Michelle Wintersteen: MKW Creative Co.: Website | Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast Social: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Threads | YouTube | 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 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 | Blog | Business Copyright 2026 – The Conscious Publicist® – All Rights Reserved

February 3, 202636 min

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

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 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 | Blog | Business Copyright 2026 – The Conscious Publicist® – All Rights Reserved

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