In 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.

Mother’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.

In 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.

In 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.

Welcome 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.

In 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.

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!

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.