The Powder Room

Send us Fan MailWhen a parent is diagnosed with debilitating disease, life doesn’t just change — it redefines everything.In Part 1 of this deeply personal conversation, I sit down with my sister, Terrie Slaughter — our mom’s primary caregiver — to talk about what happens after the diagnosis. From the moment everything shifted, to the quiet realization that she would become “the one” responsible for our mother’s care, we unpack the emotional, physical, and the mental weight of caregiving.We talk about:The shock of diagnosis vs. the reality of progression What caregiving really looks like day-to-day The invisible responsibilities no one prepares you for How family roles shift — sometimes unevenly The beginning of grief… long before loss This is an honest look at what it means to show up when it’s hard, when it’s exhausting, and when there’s no roadmap. If you’ve ever found yourself stepping into a role you didn’t ask for — but couldn’t walk away from — this conversation will meet you there.

Send us Fan MailThis isn’t a typical episode.With everything happening in the world, this is a moment to pause, reflect, and check on the ones who are always holding it together.If you’ve been carrying a lot… quietly… this conversation is for you.Being human doesn’t mean we lack faith—it means we’re still feeling, still believing, and still showing up.

Send us Fan MailAre you dating… or interviewing?In this episode of The Powder Room, we’re conducting a First Date Audit—a funny but honest breakdown of how women 40+ approach dating after divorce, loss, or years of frustration.From who should plan the date to what actually matters during those first conversations, we’re shifting the focus from pressure to presence. We’ll unpack the difference between real red flags and simple nervous habits, settle the post-date text debate, and give you the top questions to ask (and avoid) on a first date.If you’ve been dating without success—or you’re just getting back out there—this episode will help you release unrealistic expectations, show up authentically, and start treating dating for what it truly is: A chance to gather data, enjoy the experience and rediscover yourself.Because every date is not a potential mate—and that’s the point.I’ve included a First Date Audit Checklist for you—so you can stop overthinking, start observing, and actually enjoy the dating experience.https://drive.google.com/file/d/1t9V7ybIU2_Qh1MncoIATa2Ifm9UtVmO6/view?usp=sharing

Send us Fan MailModern dating isn’t just different—it’s a completely different language, culture, and experience. And for women over 40—whether divorced, widowed, or long-time single—it can feel like stepping into unfamiliar territory with no map.In this episode of The Powder Room, we’re breaking it all the way down.From determining if you’re truly ready to date, to getting clear on what you actually want, to understanding the confusing (and sometimes ridiculous) language of today’s dating world—this episode is your survival guide to navigating the “dating streets” with wisdom and self-awareness.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, discouraged, or just plain confused by modern dating… this conversation will ground you, guide you, and remind you that you don’t have to lose yourself to find love.

Send us Fan MailMidlife is often framed as a crisis—but for women, it’s so much deeper than that. In this episode of The Powder Room, we’re unpacking the truth about midlife and why it’s less about falling apart and more about evolving into who you’re meant to be.From perimenopause and menopause to shifting identities, aging parents, caregiving, changing relationships, career transitions, and the emotional weight of it all—this season of life can feel overwhelming, confusing, and isolating. But what if these changes aren’t signs that something is wrong… but signals that something is shifting?Whether you’re single, married, navigating an empty nest, or redefining your purpose, this conversation will help you understand the physiological, emotional, and social changes happening in midlife—and how to move through them with clarity, confidence, and grace.If you’ve been feeling restless, disconnected, or like your life no longer fits the way it used to… this episode will remind you: you’re not expiring—you’re evolving.

Send us Fan MailAfter unpacking trauma and emotional patterns, it’s time for a reset. In this episode of The Powder Room, we’re shifting the focus from red flags to something we don’t talk about enough—green flags.What does healthy actually look like in dating and relationships? And more importantly…would you recognize it if you saw it?We’ll break down the green flags women often overlook, why emotional safety can feel unfamiliar, and how past experiences may have conditioned us to misinterpret peace as boredom. We’re also introducing yellow flags—those behaviors that aren’t dealbreakers, but require awareness, communication, and discernment.If you’ve ever questioned whether something is “too good to be true” or found yourself drawn to chaos over consistency, this conversation is for you. It’s time to stop overanalyzing healthy behavior—and start recognizing it.

Send us Fan MailIn Part 1 of this conversation, we explored how trauma can develop through life experiences and how it sometimes quietly influences our emotional responses.In Part 2, Ivy Ashley continues the conversation by examining how trauma can follow us into adulthood—shaping our behaviors, relationships, and reactions in ways we may not immediately recognize.In this episode, Ivy discusses:How unresolved experiences can influence adult relationship patternsWhy trauma can leave us emotionally “stuck in time”The first steps toward recognizing and addressing unresolved woundsWhat healing can actually look like in everyday lifeWhy experiencing triggers does not automatically mean you haven’t healedHealing is not about pretending the past never happened. It’s about learning how to understand the experiences that shaped us and choosing responses that move us toward growth.

Send us Fan MailToday, we are replaying one of the most played dating episodes in The Powder Room History. We'll be back next week with part 2 of "When Trauma Speaks"In this premier episode of The Powder Room we're posing the question "Are your dating expectations helping or hurting your love life?"  In this discussion, we take a deep dive into the cultural influences, media portrayals, and personal life experiences that shape our ideas about love and relationships. From the fairytale of instant chemistry to the myth that love should be effortless, we unpack a list of common but unrealistic expectations—like finding a partner with zero baggage or expecting perfection from day one. Could these beliefs be standing between you and a meaningful connection? Tune in as we break down the delusions and offer a reality check on what truly makes relationships work. 

Send us Fan MailSometimes our reactions feel bigger than the moment in front of us. A comment lingers longer than it should. A situation stirs emotions we didn’t expect. And we’re left asking ourselves, why did that affect me so deeply?In this episode of The Powder Room, Ivy Ashley begins an honest conversation about trauma—what it really is and how it can quietly influence the way we experience life, relationships, and ourselves.In Part 1, Ivy explores:What trauma really is and how it develops from life experiencesThe difference between trauma and everyday discomfortCommon misconceptions about trauma in today’s social media cultureTypes of trauma that are often overlooked or minimizedA personal reflection on recognizing when past experiences may still be influencing present emotionsTrauma isn’t always loud or obvious. Sometimes it speaks through patterns we don’t immediately recognize. 

Send us Fan MailBy the time you’re over 40, you’ve earned your standards.You’ve lived enough life to know what you won’t tolerate.You’ve healed enough wounds to recognize red flags.You’ve built enough stability to protect your peace at all costs.But here’s the real question:Are your standards creating alignment… or preventing access?In this episode of The Powder Room, we’re having an honest, grown-woman conversation about the fine line between discernment and defense. Because sometimes what we call “high standards” are actually high walls — and walls keep pain out… but they also keep connection out.We’re unpacking:“He has to make more than me” — Is that security or protection?“He should pursue me relentlessly” — The difference between pursuit and ego-driven chasing.“He needs to be fully healed” — Are we looking for growth or perfection?And the subtle ways independence can quietly harden into rigidity.This conversation isn’t about lowering your standards.It’s about refining them.Because mature love doesn’t require armor — it requires alignment.If you’re an accomplished, independent woman who still desires partnership but refuses chaos, this one is for you.Let’s talk about it.

Send us Fan MailBy the time you’re over 40, you’ve earned your standards.You’ve lived enough life to know what you won’t tolerate.You’ve healed enough wounds to recognize red flags.You’ve built enough stability to protect your peace at all costs.But here’s the real question:Are your standards creating alignment… or preventing access?In this episode of The Powder Room, we’re having an honest, grown-woman conversation about the fine line between discernment and defense. Because sometimes what we call “high standards” are actually high walls — and walls keep pain out… but they also keep connection out.We’re unpacking:“He has to make more than me” — Is that security or protection?“He should pursue me relentlessly” — The difference between pursuit and ego-driven chasing.“He needs to be fully healed” — Are we looking for growth or perfection?And the subtle ways independence can quietly harden into rigidity.This conversation isn’t about lowering your standards. It’s about refining them.Because mature love doesn’t require armor — it requires alignment.If you’re an accomplished, independent woman who still desires partnership but refuses chaos, this one is for you.Let’s talk about it.

Send us Fan MailYou can love God, love your life, and still be tired of coming home alone...Are you a Christian woman over 40 (or close to it) who loves God, has done the healing work, built a full life — and you’re still single?In this vulnerable episode of The Powder Room, Ivy opens up about the quiet frustration many faithful, healed, successful single women experience but rarely admit out loud. You pray. You serve. You’ve grown. You’re content. But sometimes, you’re tired of coming home to an empty house.We’re unpacking the tension between faith and longing, why desiring marriage does not mean you lack trust in God, and five things the church needs to stop telling single women about waiting on a husband.If you’ve ever felt guilty for wanting partnership while still trusting God’s timing, this episode will remind you: contentment doesn’t cancel desire — and you are not alone. 

Send us Fan MailIn honor of Valentine's Day and the 1 year anniversary of The Powder Room Podcast, I'm pressing rewind on (2) of my favorite dating episodes. Enjoy!Description: Dating isn’t for the faint of heart — it’s a whole different game with new rules, unexpected hurdles, and let’s be real, a lot of “pee” in the pool. In this episode, we’re diving into why dating gets harder as we get older, what exactly is contaminating the waters (spoiler: unresolved trauma, emotional baggage, and dating drama) and how to navigate the mess without drowning in it. Whether you’re treading carefully or ready to cannonball in, this episode will help you stay afloat and maybe even find a clean corner of the pool. Grab your floaties—it's about to get real!

Send us Fan MailIn honor of Valentine's Day and the 1 year anniversary of The Powder Room Podcast, I'm pressing rewind on (2) of my favorite dating episodes. Enjoy!Description: Dating isn’t for the faint of heart — it’s a whole different game with new rules, unexpected hurdles, and let’s be real, a lot of “pee” in the pool. In this episode, we’re diving into why dating gets harder as we get older, what exactly is contaminating the waters (spoiler: unresolved trauma, emotional baggage, and dating drama) and how to navigate the mess without drowning in it. Whether you’re treading carefully or ready to cannonball in, this episode will help you stay afloat and maybe even find a clean corner of the pool. Grab your floaties—it's about to get real!

Send us Fan MailFaith was never meant to be a list of rules—it was meant to be a relationship.In this episode, we shift from naming the wound to exploring the healing. I talk about what happens when rules replace the Holy Spirit, and why teaching the Bible without teaching people how to hear God leads to dependency, confusion, and fear-based faith.We’ll unpack the role of the Holy Spirit—how He loves, convicts, teaches, directs, and guides us—and why discernment matters more than blind compliance. I also make a clear distinction between religion and relationship, breaking down how intimacy with God develops beyond the four walls of the church.This is a conversation about reclaiming faith that feels safe, honest, and whole—faith that invites surrender, not shame.If you’re ready to move from fear to freedom…From performance to presence…From rules to relationship…This episode will meet you right where you are.

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when faith is taught through fear instead of love? When rules replace relationship—and shame masquerades as holiness? In this episode of The Powder Room, I’m sharing my personal journey growing up in a fire-and-brimstone church culture where everything outside of church was labeled sinful, sex was framed as dirty (especially for women), and questioning was discouraged. I unpack how fear-based teaching shaped my view of God, my body, intimacy, and myself—and how much of what I was taught turned out to be denominational preference, not biblical truth. This conversation isn’t about abandoning faith—it’s about examining how religious systems can distort God’s intent and leave people spiritually silenced, sexually shamed, and disconnected from themselves.If you’ve ever loved God but struggled with church…If you’ve ever felt afraid instead of free in your faith…If you’ve ever wondered, “Is this really what God meant?”This episode is for you.

Send us Fan MailVision doesn’t end with insight — it requires action. In Part 2, we move from understanding the power of vision to applying it personally. This episode guides you through creating a clear, faith-aligned vision for your 2026 that goes beyond resolutions and goal-setting.We’ll explore what a life vision should include, how to stay focused when distractions compete for your attention, and why protecting your vision is just as important as writing it down. You’ll also be guided through a reflective vision-writing exercise designed to help you clarify direction, priorities, and purpose for the year ahead.This episode includes access to the free 2026 Vision Worksheet, created to help you write, revisit, and live out your vision — even when you can’t yet see the outcome. https://docs.google.com/document/d/19XkT6RFD1Kk98u08FIy5qGjrO1Qmu9tnT6Qzwfkqi4Y/edit?usp=sharing

Send us Fan MailBefore anything meaningful is built, vision is cast. In this episode, we explore why leaders across every arena — business, ministry, relationships, and life — begin with vision before movement. Vision provides clarity when things feel confusing, alignment when effort feels scattered, and confidence when the path forward isn’t fully visible.Rooted in both leadership principles and Scripture, this conversation unpacks why vision is not optional — it’s foundational. We also examine the moment God instructed Habakkuk to write the vision and make it plain, revealing why vision must be seen, remembered, and trusted even when circumstances feel uncertain. This episode sets the foundation for living with intention, not reaction — and prepares you for the personal work of casting vision for your own life in 2026.

Send us Fan MailIn this holiday episode of The Powder Room, we’re taking a Holiday Rewind — back to the days when Christmas meant family, tradition, and showing up without negotiation. Growing up, the holidays had a rhythm: the food, the laughter, the gathering spot… all anchored by our elders who kept the family stitched together. But as time has passed and priorities have shifted, some of those traditions have faded.Today, we’re pressing rewind to remember what made the season so special, and talking about how we can restore some of that connection. I’ll share a few of my own family traditions, plus my favorite holiday foods, movies, and songs. And as always, we’ll close by centering the truth at the heart of it all — Jesus is still the reason for the season.

Send us Fan MailSaying goodbye is never easy — especially when the love is still present, the memories are still warm, and the connection once meant everything. But sometimes, the peace we’re praying for is waiting on the other side of a goodbye we’ve been avoiding.In this week’s episode of The Powder Room Podcast, we’re talking about how to find the good in goodbye. Building on last week’s “Pause and Reflect,” we’re unpacking why letting go feels so hard, why it’s necessary for our emotional and spiritual growth, and how to shift your focus from what you’re losing to what you’re about to gain.In addition, we’ll explore how nostalgia, comfort, and lingering affection can keep us tied to people and situations that no longer serve us. But even in the pain of release, there is purpose, clarity, and a promise: You can grieve the ending and still embrace your new beginning. Tune in for encouragement, honest reflection, and practical steps to help you walk away with grace, honor your growth, and make room for what God has next.

Send us Fan MailAs we enter December — the season of shopping, gatherings, deadlines, and everybody pulling on your time — this episode invites you to do something radical: pause and reflect. Before we sprint into a brand-new year with the same old habits, let’s stop long enough to understand the year we’ve just lived.  In this episode, we break down what it really means to pause (to stop, breathe, and be still) and what it means to reflect (to think deeply and intentionally about our experiences). Together, we’ll explore why this powerful combination is necessary for emotional growth, mental clarity, and spiritual grounding. From identifying this year’s wins and lessons to releasing patterns that no longer serve you, this conversation will help you enter the next season with purpose, peace, and a renewed sense of direction.Sis / bro, before you cross into a new year, give yourself permission to slow down, look back, and prepare your heart for what’s ahead. This is your invitation to align your mind, spirit, and intentions — on purpose.

Send us Fan MailIn this deeply moving episode of The Powder Room, Lady Ivy sits down with her cousin Lisa to share an extraordinary story of love, loss, and the long road to healing.After 17 years of marriage, Lisa’s husband Tony — the love of her life — was tragically killed in a car accident where she was the passenger. What followed was years of navigating grief, faith, and the slow rebuilding of her world.Through her pain, Lisa found purpose — birthing a ministry called The Healing Concierge, where she now helps others walk through their own journeys of loss with grace and compassion.Together, they discuss how to process deep loss, how faith can both comfort and challenge you, and what it truly means to live and love after tragedy.If you’re walking through grief or supporting someone who is, this episode will remind you that healing is possible — one step, one breath, one prayer at a time.💜 Because sometimes, love’s greatest lesson is found in loss.

Send us Fan MailIn this Thanksgiving episode of The Powder Room, we’re talking about what it really means to live life thankful — not just when the turkey is hot, the family is behaving, and your wig is sitting right. Gratitude is a lifestyle, not a seasonal special… and definitely not something we dust off only in November.Let’s be honest: It’s a whole lot easier to focus on what’s not going right. Bills? Due. Traffic? Horrible. Somebody at work? Getting on your LAST nerve. But God still expects us to give thanks in all things — even the things we didn’t pray for, didn’t plan for, and don’t particularly like. (I know… He be stretching us!)In this episode we’ll dig into:Why negativity feels more natural than gratitudeWhat gratitude really means (beyond the cute journals)How living thankful can shift your mood, your relationships, and your faith walkThe surprising benefits of a grateful heartSimple ways to practice thankfulness daily — without pretending life is perfectWhether this season has your heart full or your patience thin, this conversation will remind you that God is still good, blessings are still present, and joy is still available.So pull up a seat. Let’s laugh, reflect, and talk about how to live life thankful — on purpose, and with God at the center.Happy Thanksgiving, and may your gratitude be real… not performative.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Powder Room, we’re exploring the messy middle between what’s said and what’s heard — because somewhere between our intention and someone else’s perception, the message often gets lost.Lady Ivy unpacks how effective communication has become a lost art in the age of social media, where memes, emojis, and text speak have replaced real conversation. She discusses how easily tone and meaning can be misread, why we must take ownership of our emotional triggers, and the fine line between being honest and just being mean.If you’ve ever felt misunderstood or struggled to express yourself without causing offense, this episode will challenge you to pause, reflect, and communicate with both truth and grace.

Send us Fan MailWaiting on God can be one of the heaviest seasons in life. You start strong—full of faith and hope—but over time, the unanswered prayers, delayed promises, and long stretches of silence can begin to feel like a burden. In this episode of The Powder Room, we’re unpacking what happens when the wait becomes a weight.Join me as we talk about the emotional toll of prolonged waiting, how to keep your heart from growing weary, and ways to stay hopeful when the promise seems far away. We’ll discuss how to guard your spirit during the process, why waiting doesn’t mean inactivity, and how to keep your faith stronger than your feelings.If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “Lord, how much longer?”—this conversation is for you.

Send us Fan MailEven the strongest believers get tired. You pray, you serve, you show up faithfully — but sometimes the results don’t match the effort, and fatigue starts to settle in. In this episode of The Powder Room, we’re getting honest about what it means to be weary while doing well.We’ll explore the human side of weariness, why feeling tired doesn’t mean you’ve lost faith, and how to find grace in your process. If you’ve been doing everything “right” but still feel drained, this episode will remind you that you’re not alone — and that your season of sowing is not in vain.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we continue our discussion on what is means to be "Single and Content".  We’ll talk about what it truly means to be fulfilled on your own, how to avoid seeking someone else to “save” or “rescue” you, and the strength that comes from self-awareness and independence. We’ll also explore the unique benefits of marrying later in life—like increased clarity, maturity, and stability—that can create healthier, more intentional partnerships.Whether you’re single, dating, or just reflecting, this conversation is about embracing your season, thriving where you are, and preparing yourself for love from a place of wholeness.

Send us Fan MailAfter walking through the powerful marriage journeys of our guests in the Why Did I Get Married? series, it’s time to shift the conversation back to singleness. In this episode, we’ll unpack why the greatest gift you can bring into a relationship is contentment in your singleness. Being single doesn’t mean you’re incomplete or living at a deficit—your worth isn’t defined by your relationship status.We’ll talk about what it truly means to be fulfilled on your own, how to avoid seeking someone else to “save” or “rescue” you, and the strength that comes from self-awareness and independence. We’ll also explore the unique benefits of marrying later in life—like increased clarity, maturity, and stability—that can create healthier, more intentional partnerships.Whether you’re single, dating, or just reflecting, this conversation is about embracing your season, thriving where you are, and preparing yourself for love from a place of wholeness.

Send us Fan MailJust as we know summer is giving way to fall by the cooler nights and changing leaves, our lives also give us signs when we’re entering a new season. In this episode of The Powder Room, we talk about the major transitions many of us face after 40 — from caring for aging parents, shifting careers, and navigating menopause (for both men and women), to changes in relationships, finances, and identity.Together, we’ll explore how to recognize these shifts, embrace them with grace, and gather practical tools to manage them well. Because just like the beauty of autumn, life’s transitions can be rich, meaningful, and even empowering — if we learn to lean into them.

Send us Fan MailIn this special recap episode, we close out Why Did I Get Married? series by reflecting on the powerful stories, challenges and experiences shared by each couple. From navigating communication and trust, to healing past wounds and embracing faith, this conversation brings together the biggest takeaways from every episode.Whether you’re single, newly married or have decades of marriage under your belt, you’ll walk away with practical wisdom, fresh perspective and encouragement for your own relationship journey. Listen in as we highlight the common threads that connect every marriage story, the surprising insights we didn’t see coming and my personal reflections as your host. 💬 Join the conversation: What was your favorite takeaway from the series? Share your thoughts with us!#WhyDidIGetMarried #MarriageLessons #MarriageWisdom #RelationshipGoals #LoveAndMarriage #MarriageJourney #FaithAndLove #ChristianMarriage #RelationshipAdvice #MarriagePodcast #ThePowderRoomPodcast

Send us Fan MailIn the final installment of The Powder Room’s Why Did I Get Married? series, we sit down with Lawrence and Joycelyn Sheard, a couple who prove that love has no expiration date. Married for just 2.5 years, their story is one of second chances, unexpected blessings and a love that is equal parts heartfelt and enjoyable.Lawrence, a widower and Joycelyn, previously divorced and widowed — never imagined they would marry again. But God had other plans. What neither was seeking, they found in each other: Joy, companionship and a partnership built on mutual respect and honest communication.In this candid conversation, Lawrence and Joycelyn let us peek into the beauty of encountering love later in life—a love that’s fun, spicy, and ever evolving. Their journey is a reminder that it’s never too late to experience love, laughter and God’s perfect timing.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Powder Room’s Why Did I Get Married? series, we sit down with Pablo and Kesha Smith, high school sweethearts who met at just 15 years old and have now been married for 26 years. Their journey is one of intentional love, rooted in faith, boundaries, and a commitment to building something stronger than the cycles they came from.With toxic patterns and broken homes on both sides of their families, Pablo and Kesha made a vow early on that their marriage would be different. For Pablo, that meant being the kind of father he never had—present, engaged, and fully invested in the lives of his sons. For Kesha, it meant standing firm in boundaries and creating a safe, healthy foundation for their family.Together, they share how their faith in God has been the glue that keeps them grounded through challenges, and how commitment—not convenience—has carried them through. This is a story of resilience, redemption, and the power of choosing to rewrite your family’s story.

Send us Fan MailIn this heartfelt season opener of The Powder Room, we sit down with Osby and Kai Watts — who met at 19 and have been married for 25 years. They open up about the beauty and the bumps in the road of their journey, from learning the hard way about communication, co-parenting, and the delicate dance of submission and leadership, to discovering what it really means to “leave and cleave.”Though they married for love, Osby and Kai stay married for something deeper—the sacred vow they made to God and each other. Their story is one of faith, growth and choosing each other every day, even when it’s hard. This episode is filled with wisdom, vulnerability, and the kind of truth-telling that reminds us why marriage is more than a feeling — it's a commitment.

Send us Fan Mail In this two-part season finale, we’re building your personal Balance Blueprint — a guide to aligning the areas of your life that matter most. We’ll unpack what true balance looks like across six key pillars: physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, financial, and relational. Whether you're overcommitted, under-nurtured, or somewhere in between, this conversation will help you identify where things are out of sync and how to begin restoring alignment. From setting boundaries and honoring your body, to repairing your relationship with money and cultivating healthier connections — this episode is your invitation to pause, reflect, and realign. This isn’t about doing more — it’s about becoming more in tune with what you truly need.

Send us Fan MailIn this two-part season finale, we’re building your personal Balance Blueprint — a guide to aligning the areas of your life that matter most. We’ll unpack what true balance looks like across six key pillars: physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, financial, and relational. Whether you're overcommitted, under-nurtured, or somewhere in between, this conversation will help you identify where things are out of sync and how to begin restoring alignment.From setting boundaries and honoring your body, to repairing your relationship with money and cultivating healthier connections — this episode is your invitation to pause, reflect, and realign. Plus, we’re introducing a 6-Day Alignment Challenge to support your journey during the season break and keep the work going.This isn’t about doing more — it’s about becoming more in tune with what you truly need.

Send us Fan Mail In this final installment of the Daddy Issues series, I open up about two pivotal moments that forced me to truly confront how my father’s absence shaped my decisions, my emotional patterns, and my deepest wounds. I walk through the beginning of my healing journey—where mindset, heart, and emotional work became essential tools. I also reflect on the broken state of our relationship at the time of his death and share how, surprisingly, my healing didn’t begin until after he was gone.  This episode is a reminder that healing is still possible, even without an apology, closure, or acknowledgement. I close by exploring what it means to move beyond daddy issues—with intention, through therapy, and by holding myself accountable to God, to myself, and to others. If you're ready to do the hard work of healing and let go of what never served you, this episode is for you. 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Ivy shares what happened after the uncovering. Confronting Daddy Issues takes you deeper into her personal journey—two defining moments that forced Ivy to face the lingering impact of growing up without a consistent father figure, and how that awareness shifted everything. She opens up about how she processed this realization and how it impacted her relationship with her dad. This conversation isn’t about blame—it’s about honesty, healing and finding peace in the truth. If you’ve ever wrestled with the weight of a complicated father-daughter dynamic, this episode is for you.

Send us Fan MailIn the first episode of this heartfelt new series, we’re gently pulling back the curtain on a topic that many women quietly carry: daddy issues. So often dismissed, misunderstood, or reduced to stereotypes, the truth is far more layered—and far more personal.This conversation isn’t about blame, but about impact. We’re exploring how absent or inconsistent fathers can leave invisible marks on our sense of self, our relationships, and the way we move through the world. And while men can experience this too, today we’re focusing on the emotional journey from a woman’s perspective.I’ll share what it looked like for me to uncover my own daddy issues—and how simply acknowledging them became the first powerful step toward healing. This episode is an invitation to reflect, release, and begin to reconnect with parts of yourself you may not even realize were waiting to be seen. 

Send us Fan Mail In this deeply personal episode of The Powder Room, host Ivy Ashley continues the discussion about her 25+ year journey with ovarian cysts and fibroids. From the physical pain to the emotional weight, the mental toll to the strain on relationships — she shares her unfiltered truth about living with chronic reproductive health issues.As the episode unfolds, she highlights the often unspoken impact these conditions have on everyday life, identity, and womanhood. She also addresses the broader issue: the silence in our communities around reproductive health — and why it's time for mothers to talk to daughters, aunts to nieces, and women to each other. This is the final episode of a two-part conversation that aims to educate, validate, and liberate. If you've ever struggled with your body or felt unseen in your health journey, this episode is for you.

Send us Fan MailIn this deeply personal episode of The Powder Room, host Ivy Ashley opens up about her 25+ year journey with ovarian cysts and fibroids. From the physical pain to the emotional weight, the mental toll to the strain on relationships — she shares her unfiltered truth about living with chronic reproductive health issues.As the episode unfolds, she highlights the often unspoken impact these conditions have on everyday life, identity, and womanhood. She also addresses the broader issue: the silence in our communities around reproductive health — and why it's time for mothers to talk to daughters, aunts to nieces, and women to each other.This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation that aims to educate, validate, and liberate. If you've ever struggled with your body or felt unseen in your health journey, this episode is for you.

Send us Fan MailMother’s Day isn’t joyful for everyone—in fact, for many, it can be a tender reminder of deep loss. In this special tribute episode, I’m joined by my two best friends, Rakisha and Katrina — fellow motherless daughters as we honor the women who raised us, shaped us, and continue to live on through us. Rather than dwell in grief, we choose celebration. We’re sharing the vibrant personalities of our mothers, the things that make us smile when we think of them, the wisdom they passed down, and the unique legacies they left behind. This episode is a love letter to our moms and a gentle reminder that even in their absence, their presence is still felt.Whether you’ve lost your mother or are simply missing her more than usual, this one’s for you.

Send us Fan MailIn this heartfelt finale of the Dating For Dummies series, I’m pulling back the curtain on some of the most powerful love lessons I’ve learned—all of which are featured in my book, Daddy Issues: Love Lessons in Healing from Toxic Relationships. These aren’t just theories or clichés—they’re lived experiences, born from moments of pain, reflection, and growth.From learning to not confuse sex with intimacy, to the hard truth that you should not date damaged, I’m sharing personal stories in the hope that you can sidestep the heartaches I endured. If you’ve ever found yourself dating potential, rescuing broken hearts, or losing yourself trying to be "the one," this episode is especially for you.Let my healing be your lesson. Tune in and take notes—because real love starts with real awareness. 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Powder Room, we’re continuing our Dating For Dummies series with a deep dive into the infamous Must Haves, Preferences, and Lists. Are your dating standards guiding you—or are they guarding you from the love you desire? We're unpacking how rigid expectations, unrealistic preferences, and overly curated lists might be limiting your dating experience and keeping you stuck in singleness. From fantasy vs. reality to the difference between standards and inflexibility, this episode is your gentle reminder that love doesn’t always look like your list. Tune in for real talk and a little humor as we challenge you to shift your focus from perfection to connection.

Send us Fan MailWelcome to the first installment of our Dating for Dummies series — and we're kicking things off in the digital deep end: online dating. Whether you're newly single, back on the market after a long break, or just plain confused by today’s swipe culture, this episode is your no-nonsense guide to navigating love in the age of apps.We’ll break down why online dating is more necessary than ever, decode confusing dating jargon (what are we doing when we’re “talking”?), and walk you through the most popular dating apps and who they're actually for. Plus, we’ll give you a crash course in online dating do’s and don’ts to help you avoid common pitfalls—and maybe even spark something real.Dating doesn’t have to feel like a job interview or a game show. Let’s simplify things and get you back out there, one swipe at a time.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Powder Room, we’re diving into the world of red flags—what they really mean, how our past experiences shape the way we interpret them, and why sometimes, what we see as a red flag might just be a difference in perspective. From true signs of concern to misunderstandings rooted in fear or past hurt, we’ll explore it all.I’ll share a few personal stories that highlight moments when I got it right—and when I didn’t—and we’ll talk about specific behaviors to keep an eye on, as well as those that deserve a closer look before being dismissed. Most importantly, we’ll discuss the power of communication: how asking questions and having honest conversations can help us better understand each other instead of jumping to conclusions. This episode is a gentle reminder not to be so focused on spotting red flags that we miss the green ones.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Powder Room, we dive into the hidden dangers of unforgiveness and how holding onto resentment can impact your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. We’ll define unforgiveness, explore its consequences, and share practical steps to release the weight of past hurts. If you’ve ever struggled to let go, this conversation will help you find the freedom and peace you deserve. Tune in for an honest, healing discussion!

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Powder Room, "Whole, Not Broken – Transformative Self-Awareness," we dive into the profound connection between self-identity and self-awareness. I’ll explore how our upbringing shapes our ability to truly know ourselves, sharing my own struggles with identity and awareness along the way. We’ll unpack the consequences of living without self-awareness and the incredible power that comes from embracing it. To close, I’ll offer practical daily strategies to help you cultivate a stronger, healthier sense of self. Tune in for an honest, transformative conversation on becoming whole—inside and out. 

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we dive deeper into the consequences of misinterpreting the term unequally yoked and how this misunderstanding can impact relationships, decision-making, and personal growth. We’ll also explore how to apply this concept properly to foster alignment in faith, values, and life goals. Don’t miss this eye-opening discussion on making wiser, more intentional connections! 

Send us Fan MailMany people use the phrase "unequally yoked" to describe all kinds of relationship struggles, but what does it really mean? In this episode, we break down the biblical definition of being unequally yoked, why it refers to spiritual alignment —not financial, emotional, or goal differences — and how to recognize true incompatibility. Are you facing real misalignment, or just two different life visions? Let’s talk about it!

Send us Fan MailDating isn’t for the faint of heart—it’s a whole different game with new rules, unexpected hurdles, and, let’s be real, a lot of “pee” in the pool. In this episode, we’re diving into why dating gets harder as we get older, what exactly is contaminating the waters, and how to navigate the mess without drowning in it. Whether you’re treading carefully or ready to cannonball in, this episode will help you stay afloat and maybe even find a clean corner of the pool. Grab your floaties—it's about to get real!