Further Forward

Ashley Mitchell

Honest conversations on the art of becoming.  Through solo reflections and conversations with soulful, sharp, and courageous guests, Ashley creates room for the stories that don’t always get told—the pivots, the struggles, the magic, and the mess. Part spiritual, part practical, always human—Further Forward is a space for women invested in their becoming, who know growth is both messy and worth embracing.

  1. 1일 전

    Self-Trust in Action

    In this solo episode, Ashley shares what shifted after stepping away from social media, why space is essential for creativity, and how self-trust becomes the foundation for real growth. From redefining core values to building something new, this episode explores what it means to move forward with intention— even when it’s messy. Ashley also opens up about:  The five core values currently guiding her decisions  Why constant visibility can disconnect you from your voice  The truth about building something from the ground up  How her perspective on her parents and her own story is evolving  Why you might be the thing holding yourself back  And what it actually looks like to protect your energy, your work, and your life If you’ve been feeling stretched thin, questioning your direction, or trying to force something that doesn’t feel right, this episode is a reset. Key takeaway: Growth is self-trust in action. 👉 Follow the podcast so new episodes drop automatically each week! 👉 Join the Further Forward Substack for weekly essays + updates 👉 Share this episode with someone who needs it Further Forward: Honest Conversations on the Art of Becoming, is hosted by Ashley Mitchell.  📩 Subscribe to Ashley’s newsletter, Mind & Motion: https://blackgirlmagicmama.substack.com/  🎙️ Follow for new episodes + bts footage: https://www.instagram.com/furtherforwardpod?igsh=MWJuaDFiMjlzcjJ1dw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr   🌱 Support this work and share it with a friend who’s ready to move further forward.

    25분
  2. 3월 26일

    The Leadership Myth That’s Holding Us Back with Maya Grevatt

    What if the way we’ve been taught to lead is actually what’s holding us back? In this episode, I sit down with Maya Grevatt- Director of Operations at Artists for Humanity and Chief of Staff at Tomorrow’s Women Today, to talk about leadership, identity, and the quiet beliefs that shape how we move through the world. We unpack the hidden cost of hyper-competence, and why generosity, not ego, might be the most powerful leadership skill we have. This is a conversation about success- but not the version most of us were taught to chase. What we explore:  Why “doing it all on your own” is a myth—and what it costs us  The downside of hyper-competence (and how it quietly pushes people away)  Rethinking imposter syndrome: is it you, or is it the room?  What generous leadership actually looks like in practice  Identity, perception, and navigating spaces that weren’t built for you  Why mentorship matters (and why proximity often matters more than hierarchy) Burnout from the things you love (and how to reframe it)  Decision-making: how to move forward without waiting for certainty  Maya T. Grevatt is the Director of Operations at Artists for Humanity, a nonprofit that employs and mentors young artists, and Chief of Staff at Tomorrow’s Women Today, a cross-industry leadership community for women. Her work focuses on building more equitable leadership pipelines—centering mentorship, access, and a more generous, human approach to leadership. LinkedIn  Tomorrow's Women Today  Artists For Humanity  Further Forward: Honest Conversations on the Art of Becoming, is hosted by Ashley Mitchell.  📩 Subscribe to Ashley’s newsletter, Mind & Motion: https://blackgirlmagicmama.substack.com/  🎙️ Follow for new episodes + bts footage: https://www.instagram.com/furtherforwardpod?igsh=MWJuaDFiMjlzcjJ1dw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr   🌱 Support this work and share it with a friend who’s ready to move further forward.

    50분
  3. 3월 19일

    Pelvic Floor Health Explained: What Most People Aren’t Taught with Dr. Maya Lespinasse

    Most people don’t think about their pelvic floor until something feels wrong. Leakage. Pain. Tension. Discomfort. Or the quiet sense that something in the body isn’t working the way it used to. In this episode of Further Forward, Ashley sits down with pelvic floor physical therapist Dr. Maya Lespinasse, founder of How’s Your Pelvis Physical Therapy, to talk about one of the most misunderstood parts of the body. Dr. Maya explains what the pelvic floor actually is, why so many people suffer in silence, and how pelvic floor dysfunction can affect people across the entire lifespan — from young athletes to aging bodies. They also explore the surprising ways the body is connected, including the relationship between jaw tension, stress, and pelvic floor health. This conversation is honest, educational, and deeply empowering for anyone who wants to better understand their body. In this episode we discuss: • what the pelvic floor actually is  • why pelvic floor issues are more common than people realize  • why young athletes can experience pelvic floor dysfunction  • the surprising connection between jaw tension and pelvic floor tension  • what actually happens during pelvic floor physical therapy  • why many people suffer in silence If you have a body, this conversation will likely change how you think about it. Website  Instagram  About Dr. Maya:  Dr. Maya Lespinasse, PT, DPT, is a pelvic floor physical therapist, entrepreneur, and mentor dedicated to transforming the way women’s health and pelvic floor dysfunction are treated. As the founder of How’s Your Pelvis? a boutique practice in Foxboro, she specializes in complex pelvic pain, and women’s health concerns. She prioritizes whole-body rehabilitation, blending evidence-based care with compassionate, patient-centered treatment. Her work has been featured in Cosmopolitan, and she is recognized for her clinical excellence, education, and advocacy for equitable, stigma-free pelvic healthcare. Further Forward: Honest Conversations on the Art of Becoming, is hosted by Ashley Mitchell.  📩 Subscribe to Ashley’s newsletter, Mind & Motion: https://blackgirlmagicmama.substack.com/  🎙️ Follow for new episodes + bts footage: https://www.instagram.com/furtherforwardpod?igsh=MWJuaDFiMjlzcjJ1dw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr   🌱 Support this work and share it with a friend who’s ready to move further forward.

    47분
  4. 3월 12일

    Her Dream Job Didn’t Exist—So She Made It with Kate of Bucket List Boston

    In this episode of Further Forward, I’m joined by Kate Bergman, founder of Bucket List Boston, for a conversation about building a career that didn’t exist until she created it. We talk about rejection, persistence, social media, entrepreneurship, and what it means to build something meaningful without waiting for permission. From getting rejected three times early on to turning a college passion project into a full-time business, Kate shares what it looks like to trust your instincts, stay true to your values, and create your own lane. If you’ve ever wondered whether the work you want is out there, or whether you might have to build it yourself, this episode is for you. Website  Instagram  TikTok  YouTube About Kate:  Kate is the founder and creative force behind Bucket List Boston, a lifestyle platform dedicated to discovering the best experiences in Boston and beyond. She started the brand as a passion project as a freshman at Boston University and spent the past decade growing it into a full-time business and trusted guide for locals and visitors alike. Through her content, Kate highlights hidden gems, supports small businesses, and inspires people to explore their city with fresh eyes. In addition to creating content, she works with hospitality brands and tourism destinations and runs Bucket List Consulting, where she helps businesses refine their brand storytelling and social media strategy. Kate is passionate about building community, championing local businesses, and showing that a creative idea — when nurtured with consistency and heart — can grow into a meaningful entrepreneurial career. Further Forward: Honest Conversations on the Art of Becoming, is hosted by Ashley Mitchell.  📩 Subscribe to Ashley’s newsletter, Mind & Motion: https://blackgirlmagicmama.substack.com/  🎙️ Follow for new episodes + bts footage: https://www.instagram.com/furtherforwardpod?igsh=MWJuaDFiMjlzcjJ1dw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr   🌱 Support this work and share it with a friend who’s ready to move further forward.

    50분
  5. 3월 5일

    Helping Women Rise with Kim Todd of Dress for Success

    Kim Todd has led Dress for Success Boston for nearly 20 years—and in that time, the organization has served 19,000 women with professional clothing, coaching, and support to not only land jobs, but keep them and build financial independence. In this conversation, Kim and I talk about what service looks like when it’s done with dignity—not savior energy—and how leadership is often something we grow into while we’re already doing the job. Kim shares a pivotal early lesson: even “help” can feel degrading if we aren’t listening. We also get into workplace culture, why flexibility is a form of care, how Dress for Success adapted during COVID, and the mobile boutique that’s now bringing confidence directly into communities. If you’ve ever wanted to be part of the solution, but worried you don’t know enough yet—this one’s for you. Follow Along!  Website  Instagram  Facebook About Kim:  Kim Todd has been involved in fundraising/development for over 30 years. As President of Dress for Success Boston, Kim is responsible for running day-to-day operations, fundraising, Board management and strategic planning. She oversees a staff of four, and over 100 volunteers. Kim also serves as spokesperson for the organization, and has appeared on WCVB-TV's Chronicle, FOX 25 News, and has been a guest on several radio shows. Previously, as Grant Writer/Assistant Director of Development at The New England Center for Children, Kim was responsible for researching and writing grant proposals to secure funding for general operations and special programs. In this position, Kim brought in over $400,000 in grants and in-kind technology. Kim earned a Bachelor’s Degree in English/Theatre from Emerson College, and a Certificate in Non-Profit Management and Leadership from Boston University. Kim is an avid reader and fitness fanatic.  She has two children, Ruby and Alexander, and lives in the suburbs with her husband, Chuck. Further Forward: Honest Conversations on the Art of Becoming, is hosted by Ashley Mitchell.  📩 Subscribe to Ashley’s newsletter, Mind & Motion: https://blackgirlmagicmama.substack.com/  🎙️ Follow for new episodes + bts footage: https://www.instagram.com/furtherforwardpod?igsh=MWJuaDFiMjlzcjJ1dw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr   🌱 Support this work and share it with a friend who’s ready to move further forward.

    53분
  6. 2월 19일

    Why Help For Mothers Takes So Long with Jessie Colbert

    Why does it take years for mothers to get the support we already know they need? We’ve had the data. We’ve had the stories. We’ve had the heartbreak.  In this episode, maternal health advocate Jessie Colbert breaks down how policy shapes maternal mental health — and what we can actually do about it. Jessie and I talk about: what “perinatal mental health” actually means why postpartum depression is only part of the storyhow policy quietly shapes the care mothers receivewhat you can actually do (yes, you) This is part motherhood, part civics lesson, part reality check. If you’ve ever wondered why the system feels slow… this one’s for you. About Jessie:  Jessie Colbert is the Coordinator of the Massachusetts Mind the Gap Coalition, a group of health care organizations, nonprofits, community-based organizations, mental health and maternity care providers, survivors of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) and/or pregnancy and infant loss and other advocates working to improve state policies impacting perinatal mental health.  Under Jessie’s leadership, Massachusetts Mind the Gap was successful in passing the Moms Matter Act – legislation investing in community-based organizations supporting perinatal mental health, particularly in historically marginalized communities – as part of the state’s 2024 omnibus maternal health law. Previously, Jessie was the Founder and Executive Director of the Mass. PPD Fund, a nonprofit focused on improving communities’ capacity to address PMADs through education, training, and advocacy. She has also worked in nonprofit fundraising, and was the first Director of the Ellen Story Special Legislative Commission on Postpartum Depression, now a national model. Jessie is the mom of three kids in college, high school, and elementary school. Although she didn't go through PMADs herself, she brings lived experience as a mom and with other mental health challenges to her work. Resources:  Massachusetts Mind the Gap Coalition Postpartum Support International, including Perinatal Mental Health 101 Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance National MMH hotline: 1-833-TLC-MAMA Bay State Birth Coalition PSI’s postpartum psychosis discussion tool Find your legislator MA MSPCC Further Forward: Honest Conversations on the Art of Becoming, is hosted by Ashley Mitchell.  📩 Subscribe to Ashley’s newsletter, Mind & Motion: https://blackgirlmagicmama.substack.com/  🎙️ Follow for new episodes + bts footage: https://www.instagram.com/furtherforwardpod?igsh=MWJuaDFiMjlzcjJ1dw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr   🌱 Support this work and share it with a friend who’s ready to move further forward.

    1시간 7분
  7. 2월 12일

    Leaving What’s Good for What’s True with Catie Macken

    This episode is about reinvention, embodiment, and trusting the inner call even when your life looks successful. Ashley sits down with breathwork facilitator and equine-guided practitioner Catie Macken to explore what happens when the life you built no longer feels aligned-  even when it looks successful from the outside. Together, they discuss reinvention, listening to intuition, working through limiting beliefs, and why slowing down may be the most powerful path forward in a world that constantly pushes us to move faster. Catie shares her journey from leading wellness spaces in Boston to creating intimate transformational work rooted in breathwork, nature, and equine-guided experiences, as well as what it truly means to trust the inner voice that asks you to evolve. This episode is for anyone standing at a crossroads-  feeling the quiet pull toward something different, but unsure how to begin. About Catie:  Catie Macken is a passionate, embodied guide and mentor offering transformative groups, 1:1 sessions, and corporate experiences in Topanga Canyon. Her work is multifaceted, harnessing the power of the horse - human connection, earth based tradition, nature experiences, and breathwork to increase self awareness, unblock patterns, and live with greater ease and freedom through life.  With a deep appreciation for the power of ritual and intentional living, Catie invites you into deeper intimacy with yourself and your life.  Additionally, she supports organizations, business owners, and executives with impactful, innovative content and mentorship opportunities to develop emotionally intelligent leadership.  Website  Instagram  Further Forward: Honest Conversations on the Art of Becoming, is hosted by Ashley Mitchell.  📩 Subscribe to Ashley’s newsletter, Mind & Motion: https://blackgirlmagicmama.substack.com/  🎙️ Follow for new episodes + bts footage: https://www.instagram.com/furtherforwardpod?igsh=MWJuaDFiMjlzcjJ1dw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr   🌱 Support this work and share it with a friend who’s ready to move further forward.

    55분

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Honest conversations on the art of becoming.  Through solo reflections and conversations with soulful, sharp, and courageous guests, Ashley creates room for the stories that don’t always get told—the pivots, the struggles, the magic, and the mess. Part spiritual, part practical, always human—Further Forward is a space for women invested in their becoming, who know growth is both messy and worth embracing.

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