Queen Me! with Ashley Lynn Priore

Ashley Lynn Priore

Welcome to Queen Me!, where we get real about what it takes to claim your power, make bold decisions, and lead with intention. Hosted by strategist and entrepreneur Ashley Lynn Priore, the podcast features candid, high-impact conversations with cultural leaders, founders, athletes, and changemakers shaping what leadership looks like now. Each episode explores the moments that change everything - the risks taken, the internal shifts made, and the confidence built along the way. Expect honest conversations, sharp insights, and lessons you can actually use.

  1. Built to Win: Culture, Leadership, and the Relentless Pursuit of Greatness with Coach David Saur

    Jun 26

    Built to Win: Culture, Leadership, and the Relentless Pursuit of Greatness with Coach David Saur

    What does it take to transform a struggling team into a championship program? In this episode of Queen Me!, Ashley sits down with David Saur, Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Chatham University, to discuss how strong leadership, intentional culture, and a relentless commitment to excellence can change the trajectory of an entire organization. When Coach Saur took over Chatham’s women’s basketball program in 2018, the team had not experienced a winning season in nearly 40 years. Since then, he has helped lead the program to historic winning seasons, a conference championship, and its first NCAA Tournament appearance. This episode is for athletes, coaches, leaders, and anyone working to build a winning culture while remaining authentically themselves. Share with a Friend Know an athlete, coach, aspiring sports professional, or leader working to build a stronger culture? Share this episode. It’s an honest conversation about transformation, persistence, role acceptance, and what it truly takes to build something that wins. Guest Appearing in This Episode David Saur: https://gochathamcougars.com/staff-directory/david-saur/145 Head women’s basketball coach at Chatham University, where he has helped transform the program into a conference champion and NCAA Tournament team. Coach Saur is passionate about culture-building, player development, leadership, and creating opportunities for athletes to achieve at the highest level.

    35 min
  2. Social Security, Financial Freedom, & Building a Life That Lasts with Marcia Mantell

    May 29

    Social Security, Financial Freedom, & Building a Life That Lasts with Marcia Mantell

    What does financial freedom actually look like and why are so many women unprepared for it? In this episode of Queen Me!, Ashley sits down with Marcia Mantell, retirement consultant and advocate for women’s financial security, to unpack one of the most important and misunderstood topics facing women today: money, retirement, and long-term independence. This episode is for women at every stage of life who want to build confidence, make informed decisions, and create financial freedom on their own terms. Share with a Friend Know someone navigating career decisions, retirement questions, or building financial independence? Share this episode. It’s a thoughtful conversation about money, confidence, and creating a future designed on your terms. Guest Appearing in This Episode Marcia Mantell: https://mantellretirementconsulting.com/ Retirement consultant, speaker, and advocate helping women better understand Social Security, retirement planning, and the financial decisions that shape long-term independence.

    49 min
  3. Building Winning Cultures: Leadership, Development, & Sustainable Success with Ryan Larsen

    May 1

    Building Winning Cultures: Leadership, Development, & Sustainable Success with Ryan Larsen

    What actually sustains success in sports… and in leadership? In this episode, we sit down with Ryan Larsen, Head Football Coach at Carnegie Mellon University, to break down what it really takes to build a program that lasts. Ryan shares how his approach to coaching goes beyond playbooks and schemes, focusing instead on people, culture, and long-term development.  From earning trust early in your career to building systems that prioritize players as individuals, this conversation explores how strong leadership translates into consistent performance. This episode is for athletes, coaches, and leaders who want to understand how culture is built, how trust is earned, and how small decisions shape long-term success. Share with a Friend Know a coach, athlete, or leader focused on building something that lasts? Share this episode. It offers a real look at how culture, consistency, and leadership shape long-term success. Guest Appearing in This Episode Ryan Larsen: https://athletics.cmu.edu/sports/fball/coaches/larsen_ryan Head Football Coach at Carnegie Mellon University, focused on building high-performing teams through player development, strong culture, and leadership rooted in trust and accountability.

    46 min
  4. The Healing Power of Art: Trauma, Creativity, & Human Connection with Matt Sandoval

    Mar 6

    The Healing Power of Art: Trauma, Creativity, & Human Connection with Matt Sandoval

    What if art isn’t an extra, but an essential part of healing and human connection? In this episode, Ashley sits down with Matt Sandoval, CEO of Art Heals Arizona (formerly Free Arts), to explore the science and power of creativity as a tool for trauma recovery, self-compassion, and community building. Matt shares how creative expression helps young people and adults process difficult experiences, build resilience, and reconnect with themselves and others. From the biology of creativity to the real-world impact of mentorship programs, this conversation highlights why art belongs at the center of well-being - not the margins. This episode is for educators, nonprofit leaders, mentors, and anyone interested in how creativity can transform lives and strengthen communities. Share with a Friend Know someone passionate about youth development, trauma-informed care, or the power of creativity? Share this episode. It might change how they see the role of art in healing and leadership. Guest Appearing in This Episode Matt Sandoval: https://arthealsaz.org/matt-sandoval/ CEO of Art Heals Arizona (formerly Free Arts), a nonprofit dedicated to helping children and families heal from trauma through creative expression, mentorship, and community-based art programs.

    46 min
  5. Building Bold Brands: Transparency, Risk, & Reinvention with The Original Southside

    Feb 27

    Building Bold Brands: Transparency, Risk, & Reinvention with The Original Southside

    What does it take to disrupt an industry built on tradition and regulation? In this episode, Ashley sits down with Meredith Mills-Merritt, Founder and CEO of The Original Southside and Clean Alcohol Collective, to talk about building a modern CPG brand rooted in transparency, intuition, and bold decision-making. From leaving the beauty industry to launching a spirits company, Meredith shares the realities of entrepreneurship inside one of the most regulated industries in the world. She breaks down what founders really face behind the scenes - from distribution hurdles to investor setbacks - and why trusting your instincts can be your greatest competitive advantage. This conversation is for founders, brand builders, and leaders who want to understand what it actually takes to create something category-defining in a crowded market. Share with a Friend Know a founder, operator, or brand builder navigating risk and big decisions? Share this episode with them. It might change how they think about leadership and growth. Guest Appearing in This Episode Meredith Mills-Merritt: https://www.drinksouthsides.com/ Founder & CEO of The Original Southside and Clean Alcohol Collective, building modern beverage brands centered on transparency, quality, and bold identity.

    39 min
  6. Every Voice Matters: Raising Confident Young Leaders with Leah Ellis

    Jan 30

    Every Voice Matters: Raising Confident Young Leaders with Leah Ellis

    What if we stopped underestimating children and started listening to them as leaders? In this episode, Ashley sits down with Leah Ellis, founder of the Society of Child Entrepreneurs, for a powerful conversation about youth empowerment, creativity, and what true intergenerational leadership actually looks like. Leah challenges the belief that children should wait their turn to lead. Instead, she shows what happens when kids are trusted with real responsibility, real decision-making power, and real-world learning through entrepreneurship.  This conversation is for parents, educators, nonprofit leaders, and anyone rethinking how we prepare the next generation to lead with confidence, curiosity, and courage. Share with a Friend Know a parent, educator, or leader rethinking how we empower young people? Share this episode. It might change how they see leadership - at every age. Guest Appearing in This Episode Leah Ellis: https://societyofchildentrepreneurs.org/ Founder, Society of Child Entrepreneurs and championing youth-driven leadership, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy for the next generation.

    32 min
  7. Money, Mindset & Power: Building Financial Confidence with Nancy Griffin

    Jan 23

    Money, Mindset & Power: Building Financial Confidence with Nancy Griffin

    What if financial confidence wasn’t about having more money but about trusting yourself? In this episode, Ashley is joined by Nancy Griffin, founder of Women, Worth, and Wellness, for an honest and empowering conversation about money, mindset, and the systems that have historically kept women from fully owning their financial power. Nancy breaks down the myths that hold women back from financial independence and reframes wealth as a tool for freedom, health, impact, and choice - not intimidation or shame.  Together, Ashley and Nancy explore how confidence compounds, why asking questions is a leadership skill, and how women can take small, intentional steps to build long-term financial clarity. Share with a Friend Know a woman who wants to feel more confident with money but doesn’t know where to start? Share this episode with her. It could be the mindset shift she’s been waiting for. Guest Appearing in This Episode Nancy Griffin: https://womenworthwellness.com/about-us/ Founder of Women, Worth, and Wellness and leader in financial confidence, holistic well-being, and purpose-driven wealth.

    32 min
  8. From Overlooked to In Demand: Visibility, PR & Owning Your Expertise with KJ Blattenbauer

    Jan 16

    From Overlooked to In Demand: Visibility, PR & Owning Your Expertise with KJ Blattenbauer

    What does it really take to stop being overlooked and start being recognized for your expertise? In this episode, publicist and brand strategist KJ Blattenbauer joins Ashley to break down the truth about public relations, visibility, and why so many women undervalue their voice before they’re even seen. This conversation is for founders, creatives, nonprofit leaders, and builders who know they’re doing meaningful work but haven’t yet stepped fully into being seen for it. If you’ve ever hesitated to pitch yourself, share your story, or claim authority in your space, this episode will challenge your mindset and give you practical tools to show up with confidence, clarity, and courage. Share with a Friend Know someone who’s doing incredible work but still hiding in plain sight? Share this episode! It might be the push they need. Guest Appearing in This Episode KJ Blattenbauer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kjblattenbauer/ Publicist, brand strategist, and visibility expert helping founders and leaders get seen, heard, and respected. Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kjblattenbauer/ Explore Hearsay PR: https://www.hearsaypr.com/ Buy her new book: https://www.hearsaypr.com/buy-my-book

    32 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Welcome to Queen Me!, where we get real about what it takes to claim your power, make bold decisions, and lead with intention. Hosted by strategist and entrepreneur Ashley Lynn Priore, the podcast features candid, high-impact conversations with cultural leaders, founders, athletes, and changemakers shaping what leadership looks like now. Each episode explores the moments that change everything - the risks taken, the internal shifts made, and the confidence built along the way. Expect honest conversations, sharp insights, and lessons you can actually use.

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