Nap Time Conversations with Look Beneath the Surface

Ashley and Nathan Smith
  • 5.0 (3)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Naptime Conversations is our way of slowing down and processing life together—health, healing, faith, marriage, parenthood, and all the growing pains in between. These are the conversations we're having in real time: what we're learning, what we're struggling through, and how we're choosing to live with more purpose and less pressure. It's imperfect, unscripted, and full of heart. Connect with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lookbeneath__thesurface/

Episodes

  1. 08/22/2025

    Fat Loss With Calories and Macros - Keep Your Muscle, Protect Your Hormones

    In this episode, we're diving into how to do a fat loss cut the right way - losing fat while preserving muscle, protecting your hormones, and keeping your energy up. Cutting doesn't have to mean crash diets, super low calories, endless cardio, or feeling miserable. I'll show you how to approach a cut in a way that actually works long-term.

    28 min

  2. 08/07/2025

    Reverse Dieting 101: A Step-by-Step Guide to Healing Your Metabolism

    Ever feel like you're doing everything right-eating clean, working out, low calorie eating-and still not seeing results? You might be stuck in a place so many women land without even realizing it: under-eating. In this episode, I'm breaking down what reverse dieting actually is, who it's for (and who it's not), how to do it, and why it can be a total game changer for your metabolism, energy, hormones, and long-term fat loss. We'll cover: Why most women are unintentionally under-eating (and how it's keeping them stuck) How your metabolism actually works-and how to rebuild it What "maintenance calories" really mean and how to find yours Why eating more might be the key to finally losing fat, sleeping better, and building muscle A step-by-step guide to reverse dieting (without gaining a ton of weight) Why this isn't something you have to do forever-but can be a powerful tool for healing and long-term results Whether you're stuck eating 1400 calories and seeing no progress...or you're just tired of feeling tired...this episode will help you understand how to reset your body and feel strong again. Start tracking with our app—free 7-day trial, then just $17/month: >>Click HERE Want personalized support? Book a free strategy call to see if 1:1 coaching is a good fit: >>Click HERE

    34 min

  3. 08/02/2025

    Our Peaceful Home Birth Story: Laughter, Tears, and God's Presence - Part 2

    In Part 2 of my birth story, I share what helped me push through the hardest hours of labor, how my birth team held space for me, and the way Nathan anchored me when I needed it most. You'll hear about the spiritual covering I felt in the room, the tears, the triumph, the moments of doubt, and the deep peace that carried me as we brought our little Malakai into the world-36 hours later. A few things I forgot to mention in the episode: One, I had the tiniest tear on the inside that my midwife glued together - it healed within a few days. I truly think I didn't tear more because of a few things: I did perineal massage leading up to birth, my entire birth team supported me with oils, hot compresses, and hands-on help during pushing, and they coached me on exactly how to push, which made such a difference. All the birth books I read on pushing really helped prepare me too. Two, I ended up pushing the most while lying on my side (not fully on my side), knees to chest.  I switched sides each time. I was exhausted, and because of Malakai's position (LOP), every other position was not comfortable.

    52 min

  4. 07/23/2025

    What Your Period Pain Is Trying to Tell You - and What to Do About It

    Period pain is common, but it's not normal. If your cycle knocks you out every month or you've been told to "just deal with it," this episode is for you. We're breaking down what's really going on when your cramps, mood swings, and fatigue feel out of control, why symptoms like this are signs of hormonal imbalance (a condition called dysmenorrhea), and how to start healing from the root. You'll walk away with clarity, direction, and simple ways to begin supporting your cycle today 👉 If you're interested in booking a free strategy session to talk through your goals and symptoms, click here to schedule. We'd love to support you

    26 min

  5. 07/16/2025

    This is Why You Don't Feel Like Yourself - 5 More Hidden Hormone Disruptors - Part 2

    You feel like you're eating clean, working out, and doing all the right things...but you're still tired, bloated, moody, gaining weight, or just feeling off. If that's you, this episode is for you. In Part 2 of this hormone disruptor series, I'm walking you through 5 more sneaky things that could be messing with your hormones without you even realizing it. Listen in, take what sticks, and start making some simple shifts that actually support healing. Want personalized support? Book a free strategy call HERE. I'd love to help you figure out what's really going on.

    32 min

  6. 07/09/2025

    Our Peaceful Home Birth Story: Laughter, Tears, and God's Presence - Part 1

    If I could do a home birth, I honestly believe anyone can. You'll hear why in this episode. But deep down, I kept coming back to this unshakable belief: our bodies were made for this. Designed to do this. This episode is full of laughs, tears, raw honesty, God moments, and me facing myself in ways I never had before. It was hands down one of the most empowering experiences of my life, and one where I felt God's presence closer than ever. That doesn't mean it was easy. 48 hours of back labor is no joke. But I felt so at peace throughout the process. I knew what my body was doing. I had the most incredible birth team. And most of all, I had my husband right there with me through it all. If you've ever dreamed of having a peaceful home birth-or even just a peaceful unmedicated birth-I hope this encourages you.

    52 min

  7. 07/02/2025

    This is Why You Don't Feel Like Yourself - 5 Hidden Hormone Disruptors - Part 1

    Ever feel bloated, exhausted, anxious, or just off - even when you're eating well and trying to take care of yourself? You're not alone, and your hormones might be the reason. In this episode, I'm walking you through 5 sneaky hormone disruptors that could be impacting your energy, metabolism, mood, and cycle. I break down exactly what's going on in your body, what these disruptors do, and most importantly - what you can actually do about it. This is Part 1 of a 2-part series, so be sure to subscribe so you don't miss the rest.  Want personalized help? Book a free strategy call to chat about your goals and explore my 1:1 coaching options:  >>HERE

    31 min

  8. 06/26/2025

    Travel Recap + Untangling the Fear of Being Misnderstood Online

    In this episode, Nathan and I share a little travel recap and get honest about the mental side of showing up online - the overthinking, the fear of being misunderstood, and the pressure to get it just right before hitting post. We talk about the stories we tell ourselves, how they can hold us back, and also how we're learning to move through it. How to shift your mindset, manage the fear, and keep sharing from a place of purpose instead of perfection. If you've ever felt stuck in your own head about posting, this one's for you.

    30 min

  9. 06/04/2025

    Birth Without Fear: Your Guide to a Peaceful Unmedicated Birth

    Thinking about having a home birth (unmedicated birth) - or already planning one - and wondering how to actually prepare for it without feeling overwhelmed or anxious? In this episode, I'm sharing 7 practical tips and mindset shifts that helped me walk into labor feeling grounded, calm, and ready. From creating a soothing birth space and practicing pain-coping techniques, to training your body like you're preparing for a marathon (because you kind of are), this episode is filled with things I wish more women knew before giving birth. I also talk about the power of affirmations, building the right support team, and how to mentally prepare for the unknown while still feeling confident in your plan. Whether it's your first baby or your third, I hope this gives you the encouragement and tools to prepare for a truly peaceful, unmedicated birth.

    36 min

  10. 05/28/2025

    Macros Made Simple: What They Are and Why They Matter

    Ever wonder what people mean when they say they're "tracking macros"? Or maybe you've tried eating healthier but still feel stuck, tired, or constantly hungry. In this episode, I'm breaking down the basics of macronutrients - what they are, how they impact your energy, metabolism, and hormones, and how to build balanced meals without obsessing over numbers. We'll cover: What calories and macros actually are The role of protein, carbs, and fat How to estimate your own macro needs How to build macro-balanced meals without tracking Whether your goal is fat loss, muscle building, or simply feeling better in your skin - this episode will give you the tools to fuel with confidence and build real, sustainable habits.

    18 min

  11. 05/01/2025

    From Striving to Surrender: Learning to Live in God's Overflow

    Two years ago, we sat down to start this podcast… and never released it. Since then, life has taken us through some of the hardest and most refining seasons—pausing our business, navigating mental health struggles, and being reminded again and again that we were never meant to do this on our own. We also became parents to the most beautiful baby boy, which has brought us more joy, clarity, and purpose than we could've imagined. But even in the sweetness of this season, we've still had to face the hard stuff—wrestling with identity, letting go of timelines, and learning how to rebuild not from hustle, but from a place of overflow. In this episode, we catch you up on all of it—the breakthroughs, the ongoing struggles, and the quiet ways God has been showing up in the middle of it all. We're learning to walk forward from a steady, unshakable foundation of God's perfect love—the love we always have access to, even when we forget. We talk about the masks we wear, the pressure to keep it all together, and the freedom that comes when we finally let go. Our prayer is that this episode reminds you that you're not alone—and that you were never meant to carry it all by yourself either.

    25 min

  12. 05/01/2025

    Undoing the Guilt Loop Around Food

    In this episode, Nathan and I dive into a big one—unpacking the guilt loop so many of us carry around food. We talk about how the diet industry shapes the way we think, eat, and relate to our bodies, and how easy it is to lose trust in ourselves along the way. We explore the difference between emotional eating and simply being under-fueled, why even people who know what to do still feel stuck, and how it's often not a lack of discipline—but a disconnection from your body, unhealed patterns, and a mindset shaped by years of pressure and perfectionism. We talk about what it really looks like to rebuild that trust with your body, learn to understand its hunger and fullness cues, and let go of the shame that's been weighing you down. This isn't about doing it all perfectly—it's about finally feeling safe in your body again and learning how to listen to it with compassion. This episode is raw, honest, and full of those "wait, me too?" moments. If you've been trying to eat better but keep feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or defeated—this conversation is here to remind you that you're not broken, and you're not alone. Want 1-1 support in healing your relationship with food and reconnecting with your body? Book a free call here: >>HERE Instagram

    35 min
  • 12 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Naptime Conversations is our way of slowing down and processing life together—health, healing, faith, marriage, parenthood, and all the growing pains in between. These are the conversations we're having in real time: what we're learning, what we're struggling through, and how we're choosing to live with more purpose and less pressure. It's imperfect, unscripted, and full of heart. Connect with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lookbeneath__thesurface/

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