Living an Intentional Life Podcast

Ashley Strong Smith
  • 4.9 (40)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to Living an Intentional Life Podcast — a space for women who are remembering their hearts, reclaiming their energy, and creating lives that actually feel like home.This is a place where you don’t have to perform, push, or prove — a place where you are met in your truth, your tenderness, and your becoming.I’m your host, Ashley Strong Smith, and I believe that the deepest transformation doesn’t come from doing more — it comes from living with intention and listening more deeply to who you really are.Each week, I share honest conversations and supportive tools you can gently try on in your own life — invitations to come back to your heart, trust your inner knowing, and create a life that supports your nervous system, your dreams, and your wholeness.Here, we honor growth that is rooted, not rushed. We honor boundaries, embodiment, and the quiet wisdom of your own heart. You’re not here by accident. You’re here because something in you is ready for more — more truth, more softness, more alignment, more belonging.​So take a breath… and let yourself arrive.

  1. 2D AGO

    The Evolution of You: Intuition, Creativity & Becoming — with Kelsey Erickson, Founder of Everme & Co. | Episode 183

    Send a text In this expansive and heart-led conversation, I sit down with Kelsey Erickson, founder of Everme & Co., intuitive leadership coach, depth psychologist, 3x author, and guide for one-of-a-kind creative souls. Kelsey works with thoughtful overthinkers, recovering control freaks, and visionaries who long to “let go and let it flow” — but aren’t quite sure how. Her signature philosophy, Intuition + Action = Magic, offers a grounded and accessible way to lead a Creatively Designed Life. We explore what it really means to live with intention — not as something rigid or performative, but as the absence of rushing, forcing, and controlling. For Kelsey, intentionality begins with intuition. When we slow down enough to observe, to be curious, and to be present, we remember who we are. This conversation weaves through: • The evolution of identity — in business and in motherhood • Navigating creative entrepreneurship while pregnant with her first child • How grief and death continue to shape her inner landscape • Journaling as a daily non-negotiable (and the power of Morning Pages) • Why she writes books as a way to always have a gift to offer Kelsey describes herself as rhizomatic — nonlinear, interconnected, ever-evolving — and this conversation beautifully reflects that. We follow the threads of intuition wherever they lead. If you are craving a softer way to lead… If you are tired of forcing and ready to trust… If you sense there is a more aligned way to create your life… This episode is for you. CONNECT WITH KELSEY :  Website Instagram Morning Pages ClubUse code - INTENTIONAL5MORE FROM THIS PODCAST :  Intentional Living Weekend Immersion SPRING RETREAT Secure your seat with a deposit! PURCHASE YOUR "Fall in love with yourself + your life : 2026 Planner!" FREE DOWNLOADABLE GUIDE - Creating a Heart-Centered Foundation Follow on INSTAGRAMWork 1:1 with Ashley : Book an Intentional Living Connection CallMusic by :  Tristen Whaley / @t_whales / tristenwhaley@me.com / SpotifySupport the show

    43 min

  2. FEB 24

    Non-Negotiables & Boundaries — A Return to Alignment | Episode 182

    Send a text In this episode of Living an Intentional Life Podcast, we explore what it truly means to create a life rooted in alignment and self-trust. Burnout is not a failure. It is information. At the beginning of this year, I found myself walking in the forest feeling exhausted, depleted, and out of alignment. I had been operating from the energy I thought I needed — pushing forward, striving, and doing more — but what I actually needed was to recalibrate and reclaim. This conversation is about: The difference between non-negotiables and boundariesHow non-negotiables are the heart-aligned standards that guide intentional livingHow boundaries act as the “bouncer” that protects those standardsPractical ways to try this on in your life, starting small and sustainablyThe importance of space, integration, and allowing your world time to recalibrateNon-negotiables are devotion. They reflect what matters most and how you choose to live. Boundaries are protection — creating space for those values to thrive. If you are tired of self-abandonment, overcommitment, or living in ways that feel out of alignment, this episode is for you. We also explore how this work connects to deeper support — including 1:1 coaching and our upcoming retreat — spaces designed for recalibration, sisterhood, and coming home to yourself. You are not broken. You are not behind. You are being invited back to your truth. Tune in for a grounded, heart-centered conversation on reclaiming alignment and living intentionally. More from the Podcast :  Intentional Living Weekend Immersion SPRING RETREAT Secure your seat with a deposit! PURCHASE YOUR "Fall in love with yourself + your life : 2026 Planner!" FREE DOWNLOADABLE GUIDE - Creating a Heart-Centered Foundation Follow on INSTAGRAMWork 1:1 with Ashley : Book an Intentional Living Connection CallMusic by :  Tristen Whaley / @t_whales / tristenwhaley@me.com / SpotifySupport the show

    42 min

  3. FEB 17

    A Return to Wholeness: A Candid Conversation on the Power of Somatic Healing with Ashley & Chelsea | Episode 181

    Send a text In this deeply moving and first-of-its-kind episode, Ashley sits down with Chelsea Horton, the somatic therapy practitioner who guided her through a 3.5-month intensive that profoundly changed the way she understands her body, her nervous system, and her healing.  Together, they share a raw, honest conversation about what somatic healing truly looks like — beyond the buzzwords and into the lived experience. Ashley opens up about discovering her trauma responses, sitting with her body through uncontrollable shaking, and being held in a deeply safe and compassionate container as her nervous system learned to release what it had been carrying.  Chelsea gently explains what the body is actually doing in those moments, and why these physical responses are not something to fear — but something to honor.  They also explore how high-achieving, perfectionism, and people-pleasing are often rooted in trauma, and how returning to the body allows us to come back to our wholeness, safety, and truth.  This episode is for anyone who has ever felt disconnected from themselves, stuck in survival mode, or longing for a deeper, more embodied way of healing.  ✨ A powerful invitation to remember what it feels like to come home to yourself. Connect with Chelsea :  $150 off Wholly Human: INTENTIONALLIVING | Sign up here Website More from the Podcast :  Intentional Living Weekend Immersion SPRING RETREAT Secure your seat with a deposit! PURCHASE YOUR "Fall in love with yourself + your life : 2026 Planner!" FREE DOWNLOADABLE GUIDE - Creating a Heart-Centered Foundation Follow on INSTAGRAMWork 1:1 with Ashley : Book an Intentional Living Connection CallMusic by :  Tristen Whaley / @t_whales / tristenwhaley@me.com / Spotify Support the show

    52 min

  4. FEB 10

    Creating Space to Listen: Trusting Your Inner Voice & Building a Heart-Centered Life | Episode 180

    Send a text What happens when you finally slow down enough to hear yourself? In this deeply personal episode of Living an Intentional Life, Ashley shares what unfolded when she created space at the beginning of the year — space to breathe, to walk in the forest, and to listen to the quiet, persistent voice within. Feeling exhausted, deflated, and disconnected from the energy she wanted to carry forward, Ashley began to receive clear inner guidance: to step away from social media, release alcohol, pause photoshoots, let go of her membership, and invite in more space. None of it felt easy — but all of it felt true. This episode is an invitation into that same kind of listening. You’ll explore why space is where clarity lives, how to trust the nudges you receive, and how to take small, intentional steps that bring your life back into alignment. Ashley also shares how your values and what fills your cup form the foundation of a heart-centered life — and how creating space is the doorway to what wants to come next. If you’re feeling tired, overwhelmed, or disconnected, this episode is a gentle reminder that you don’t need to push your way into clarity — you can listen your way there. More from the Podcast :  Intentional Living Weekend Immersion SPRING RETREAT Secure your seat with a deposit! PURCHASE YOUR "Fall in love with yourself + your life : 2026 Planner!" FREE DOWNLOADABLE GUIDE - Creating a Heart-Centered Foundation Follow on INSTAGRAMWork 1:1 with Ashley : Book an Intentional Living Connection CallMusic by :  Tristen Whaley / @t_whales / tristenwhaley@me.com / SpotifySupport the show

    18 min

  5. FEB 3

    Soft, Seen & Sovereign : Holding your creativity, body & truth while building a personal brand with Kaysha van der Heyden | Episode 179

    Send a text In this episode of Soft, Seen & Sovereign, I sit down with Kaysha van der Heyden of Branding by Kaysha for a deeply honest conversation about what it really means to be visible in a creative life — without losing yourself in the process. To live with intention, for me, means listening to the quiet signals. The subtle yes in your body. The gentle no you keep ignoring. The inner knowing that doesn’t always make sense, but never leads you astray. This conversation is an invitation into that kind of listening — especially when your creativity, your body, and your livelihood are all intertwined. Kaysha and I talk about what it’s like to build a personal brand while staying soft, grounded, and true. We explore body image, being seen online, and the tender dance of sharing your work and your face with the world — especially when doubt, comparison, or old stories try to keep you small. I also share about one of the most intentional decisions I’ve ever made in my business: letting go of my wedding and family photography work to fully step into personal brand photography. It was scary. It was a financial leap. And it was one of the most aligned choices I’ve ever made. Letting go created space for what actually fit. We don’t skip over the messy middle either — those in-between seasons where things feel uncertain, capacity shifts, and creativity asks for room to breathe without needing to be productive. This episode is for the creatives, the entrepreneurs, the sensitive souls, and the women learning how to be visible without hardening. You’re allowed to be soft. You’re allowed to be seen. And you’re allowed to remain sovereign in the way you show up. About Kaysha :  Kaysha helps women overcome body image struggles and show up confidently in front of the camera. Kaysha is a personal brand photographer who empowers women to embrace their bodies, express their authentic selves, and feel confident in every photo. She combines her expertise in photography with a deep understanding of self-image challenges, guiding women to step in front of the camera without fear and leave with images that reflect their true power and personality. Her mission is simple: help women reclaim confidence, tell their story visually, and finally feel comfortable, and proud, being seen. Connect with Kaysha :  WebsiteInstagram Free 5 Day Self-Portrait Challenge More from the Podcast :  Intentional Living Weekend Immersion SPRING RETREAT Secure your seat with a deposit! PURCHASE YOUR "Fall in love with yourself + your life : 2026 Planner!" FREE DOWNLOADABLE GUIDE - Creating a Heart-Centered Foundation Follow on INSTAGRAMWork 1:1 with Ashley : Book an Intentional Living Connection CallMusic by :  Tristen Whaley / @t_whales / tristenwhaley@me.com / SpotifySupport the show

    47 min

  6. JAN 27

    Creating a Sanctuary: Boundaries, Rhythms, and Living Intentionally | Episode 178

    Send a text What if your life could feel like a sanctuary—not just on retreat, but in the everyday? In this episode, I share why I’m stepping away from social media for the month of February—not as an escape, but as an act of intentional love. From that place, I invite you into a deeper conversation about what it means to create a life that truly supports your energy, your nervous system, and your truth. I talk about how sanctuary isn’t a place you go—it’s a relationship you build with your time, energy, and attention. I share gentle reflections, simple practices, and honest questions to help you slow down, reconnect, and live in alignment with what matters most. In this episode, I share: Why sanctuary begins with subtraction, not additionHow boundaries become the structure that protects what you valueWhy your nervous system needs rhythm, not intensityHow small, consistent practices can restore clarity and creativityWhat it means to live intentionally through choice—not pressureThis episode is an invitation to soften, to listen, and to remember that your life is allowed to feel supportive. If you’d like to learn more about the Spring Intentional Living Weekend Immersion, you’ll find the details in the show notes. And if not—let this episode be enough. May your life become the sanctuary you’ve been seeking. More from the Podcast :  Intentional Living Weekend Immersion SPRING RETREAT Secure your seat with a deposit! PURCHASE YOUR "Fall in love with yourself + your life : 2026 Planner!" FREE DOWNLOADABLE GUIDE - Creating a Heart-Centered Foundation Follow on INSTAGRAMWork 1:1 with Ashley : Book an Intentional Living Connection CallMusic by :  Tristen Whaley / @t_whales / tristenwhaley@me.com / SpotifySupport the show

    28 min

  7. JAN 20

    From Depletion to Alignment: Intentional living + planning with care | Episode 177

    Send a text So many of us try to plan what’s next from a place of exhaustion—asking ourselves to move forward when our cups are already empty. In this episode, I’m inviting you to pause. To honor the season you’re actually in, rather than the one you think you should be in. We explore what it means to practice intentional living when energy feels low, clarity feels distant, or life has been asking more of you than you’ve had to give. Instead of pushing or fixing, this conversation offers a gentler approach—one rooted in honesty, self-trust, and care. Inside the episode, I share: Why honoring your current season is the foundation of intentional livingHow I personally support myself when my cup is emptyWhat it looks like to plan ahead from presence instead of depletionWhy planning for joy, rest, and support is an act of alignment—not indulgenceHow intentional space can help you reconnect with yourself and what matters mostWe also explore what it means to choose support before burnout—creating space to be held, nourished, and witnessed as you are. This understanding is what inspired the Spring Intentional Living Weekend Immersion, a gentle Friday–Sunday gathering in nature designed to support refilling your cup and planning forward with care. Whether you’re feeling tired, reflective, or simply craving a slower, more intentional way of living, this episode is an invitation to soften, listen, and trust yourself. Nothing is asking to be rushed. Least of all you. More from the Podcast :  Intentional Living Weekend Immersion SPRING RETREAT Secure your seat with a deposit! PURCHASE YOUR "Fall in love with yourself + your life : 2026 Planner!" FREE DOWNLOADABLE GUIDE - Creating a Heart-Centered Foundation Follow on INSTAGRAMWork 1:1 with Ashley : Book an Intentional Living Connection CallMusic by :  Tristen Whaley / @t_whales / tristenwhaley@me.com / SpotifySupport the show

    35 min

  8. JAN 13

    From Fear to Faith: Learning to Trust Your Journey with Isabelle de Cuba of The Mindful Journal | Episode 176

    Send a text Life moves in seasons—times of planting, blooming, and rain. Each stage carries its own lessons and its own beauty. In this episode, I sit down with Isabelle de Cuba of The Mindful Journal to reflect on what it means to trust your journey—to honor the seeds you’ve planted, to hold the vision you’ve asked for, and to move forward even when fear shows up. Living intentionally isn’t about perfection or certainty. It’s about pausing, noticing, and asking yourself: “Does this feel aligned?” It’s moving with purpose and awareness, recognizing resistance as it arises, and choosing faith over fear. Join us as we explore how to cultivate quiet trust, deep inner knowing, and peace in every stage of your life. About Isabelle :  Isabelle is a writer, speaker, and founder of The Mindful Journal, a wellbeing brand dedicated to helping people reconnect with themselves and live with greater intention. Through her journals, writing, workshops, and online presence, she inspires others to cultivate self-love, mindfulness, and intentional living. Connect with Isabelle :  Website Instagram JournalsJournaling experienceSubstack NewsletterMore from the Podcast :  PURCHASE YOUR "Fall in love with yourself + your life : 2026 Planner!" FREE DOWNLOADABLE GUIDE - Creating a Heart-Centered Foundation Follow on INSTAGRAMWork 1:1 with Ashley : Book an Intentional Living Connection CallMusic by :  Tristen Whaley / @t_whales / tristenwhaley@me.com / SpotifySupport the show

    43 min
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4.9
out of 5
40 Ratings

About

Welcome to Living an Intentional Life Podcast — a space for women who are remembering their hearts, reclaiming their energy, and creating lives that actually feel like home.This is a place where you don’t have to perform, push, or prove — a place where you are met in your truth, your tenderness, and your becoming.I’m your host, Ashley Strong Smith, and I believe that the deepest transformation doesn’t come from doing more — it comes from living with intention and listening more deeply to who you really are.Each week, I share honest conversations and supportive tools you can gently try on in your own life — invitations to come back to your heart, trust your inner knowing, and create a life that supports your nervous system, your dreams, and your wholeness.Here, we honor growth that is rooted, not rushed. We honor boundaries, embodiment, and the quiet wisdom of your own heart. You’re not here by accident. You’re here because something in you is ready for more — more truth, more softness, more alignment, more belonging.​So take a breath… and let yourself arrive.

Information

  • Creator
    Ashley Strong Smith
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    184
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Living an Intentional Life Podcast
  • Show Website
    Living an Intentional Life Podcast