Find, foster, & grow the queen inside of you.
Join us for a podcast that dives into the pivotal moments that define extraordinary lives. Each episode spotlights trailblazers who, in their own unique way, say “queen me!” - claiming their power and leaving an unforgettable mark on the world.
Through candid conversations and step-by-step insights, we help you tap into your own potential, equipping you to lead with purpose and confidence. Listen in, get inspired, and discover what it means to say “queen me!” - and mean it.
Queen Me: aka queening; When a pawn reaches the other side of the chess board and becomes a queen.
Explore
Build the Toolbox Before You Need It: Resilience, Reinvention, and Choosing to Try with Colin Owensby
What does it actually mean to build a resilient life - before you know you are going to need one?
In this episode, Ashley sits down with Colin Owensby, former NCAA swimmer, Ironman, ultramarathon runner, model, actor, stunt performer, entrepreneur, and speaker, to talk about resilience, reinvention, movement, vulnerability, and having the courage to try.
After surviving a life-threatening car accident at 15, Colin had to relearn how to walk before eventually returning to competitive athletics. But his story is not simply about getting back to who he was before. Colin shares how he learned to rebuild his identity, embrace an unconventional path, and remain open to where life might take him next.
Together, Ashley and Colin explore why meaningful goals matter, how physical movement can create mental clarity, what endurance sports teach us about possibility, and why resilience is something we can intentionally practice long before a crisis arrives.
Finding the Right Fit: Career Pivots, Workplace Culture, and Standing Out in the Age of AI with Ana Altchek
What happens when the career you thought you wanted no longer feels like the right one?
In this episode, Ashley sits down with Ana Altchek, a reporter at Business Insider, to talk about career pivots, uncertainty, workplace culture, and what it takes to build a career that actually fits.
Ana shares how she went from planning for law school to pursuing journalism, including the unexpected experiences that helped her realize what she did - and did not - want from her career. She reflects on applying to dozens of jobs before landing at Business Insider, why the right opportunity can sometimes feel surprisingly natural, and what she has learned from interviewing CEOs and other successful leaders.
Rebooting Democracy: AI, Public Participation, and Building Government That Works with Beth Simone Noveck
What if artificial intelligence could help people participate more meaningfully in democracy rather than pushing them further away from it?
In this episode, Ashley sits down with Beth Simone Noveck, a government technology expert, professor at Northeastern University, and author of Reboot: AI and the Race to Save Democracy. Beth challenges the idea that democracy is fundamentally broken. Instead, she argues that democratic institutions have not been updated to meet the complexity, speed, and demands of modern life.
Claim Your Seat: Courage, Civic Leadership, and Preparing Girls to Lead with Sarah Jakle
What if girls were taught how to manage self-doubt, advocate for themselves, and claim their place in leadership before the world told them to wait?
In this episode of Queen Me!, Ashley sits down with Sarah Jakle, founder of DemocraShe, a national organization preparing high school girls to become leaders, advocates, voters, and elected officials. Sarah shares how her background in social work, public policy, and voter engagement led her to create a leadership model that combines practical civic skills with brain science and nervous system regulation.
She Leads with AI: Reclaiming Time, Redefining Success, and Building a Life That Works for You with T. Renee Smith
What if artificial intelligence could help you become a more intentional leader - not only at work, but in every area of your life?
In this episode of Queen Me!, Ashley sits down with T. Renee Smith, CEO and author of She Leads with AI, to discuss how women can use artificial intelligence as a strategic tool for leadership, career growth, health, relationships, and family.
Built to Win: Culture, Leadership, and the Relentless Pursuit of Greatness with Coach David Saur
What does it take to transform a struggling team into a championship program?
In this episode of Queen Me!, Ashley sits down with David Saur, Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Chatham University, to discuss how strong leadership, intentional culture, and a relentless commitment to excellence can change the trajectory of an entire organization.
Retire Like a Queen: Social Security, Financial Freedom, & Building a Life That Lasts with Marcia Mantell
What does financial freedom actually look like and why are so many women unprepared for it?
In this episode of Queen Me!, Ashley sits down with Marcia Mantell, retirement consultant and advocate for women’s financial security, to unpack one of the most important and misunderstood topics facing women today: money, retirement, and long-term independence.
Building Winning Cultures: Leadership, Development, & Sustainable Success with Ryan Larsen
What actually sustains success in sports… and in leadership?
In this episode, we sit down with Ryan Larsen, Head Football Coach at Carnegie Mellon University, to break down what it really takes to build a program that lasts.
The Healing Power of Art: Trauma, Creativity, & Human Connection with Matt Sandoval
What if art isn’t an extra, but an essential part of healing and human connection?
In this episode, Ashley sits down with Matt Sandoval, CEO of Art Heals Arizona (formerly Free Arts), to explore the science and power of creativity as a tool for trauma recovery, self-compassion, and community building.
Building Bold Brands: Transparency, Risk, & Reinvention with The Original Southside
What does it take to disrupt an industry built on tradition and regulation?
In this episode, Ashley sits down with Meredith Mills-Merritt, Founder and CEO of The Original Southside and Clean Alcohol Collective, to talk about building a modern CPG brand rooted in transparency, intuition, and bold decision-making.
Every Voice Matters: Raising Confident Young Leaders with Leah Ellis
What if we stopped underestimating children and started listening to them as leaders?
In this episode, Ashley sits down with Leah Ellis, founder of the Society of Child Entrepreneurs, for a powerful conversation about youth empowerment, creativity, and what true intergenerational leadership actually looks like.
Money, Mindset & Power: Building Financial Confidence with Nancy Griffin
What if financial confidence wasn’t about having more money but about trusting yourself?
In this episode, Ashley is joined by Nancy Griffin, founder of Women, Worth, and Wellness, for an honest and empowering conversation about money, mindset, and the systems that have historically kept women from fully owning their financial power.
From Overlooked to In Demand: Visibility, PR & Owning Your Expertise with KJ Blattenbauer
What does it really take to stop being overlooked and start being recognized for your expertise?
In this episode, publicist and brand strategist KJ Blattenbauer joins Ashley to break down the truth about public relations, visibility, and why so many women undervalue their voice before they’re even seen.
How Women Build with Purpose: Leadership, Confidence & Community with Meesha Gerhart
What does it take to build a business from the ground up - without burning out, losing yourself, or shrinking your ambition?
In this episode, founder and CEO Meesha Gerhart (Redtree Web Design) joins Ashley to break down the real story behind purpose-led leadership, women’s entrepreneurship, and how confidence grows when community does.
Stories That Shape Us: Ruth Fleury on Education, Empowerment, and Writing Our Truths
In this episode, we are joined by Ruth Fleury - author, entrepreneur, and founder/CEO of Scholars of Tomorrow Publishing - for a conversation about storytelling, education, and empowerment. Ruth shares how her journey as a teacher and mother led her to write her first children’s book during the pandemic, inspiring a new chapter as both an author and publisher.
Finding Your Voice: Hailey Krajewski on Storytelling, Strategy, and Sustainable Success
In this episode of Queen Me, we are joined by Hailey Krajewski - a conversion copywriter, messaging strategist, and former nonprofit development professional - for a conversation about the power of words, the art of storytelling, and how women can show up boldly in business without burning out.
Redefining Wealth with Love: Jennifer Love on Purpose, Healing, and Legacy
In this episode of Queen Me, we are joined by Jennifer Love, celebrated entrepreneur, money therapist, and CEO of the Livewell Institute. With more than 25 years in the C-suite, Jennifer has guided mission-driven leaders to redefine wealth, align with true purpose, and create legacies rooted in love and gratitude.
Love as Resistance: Denali Sai Nalamalapu on Storytelling, Climate, and Community
In this episode of Queen Me, we sit down with Denali Sai Nalamalapu, author of Holler - a stunning graphic memoir chronicling the fight against the Mountain Valley Pipeline. Through their words and art, Denali explores love as resistance, the human cost of environmental extraction, and the transformative power of storytelling as a tool for survival and change.
Purpose in Power: Erica Reid on Mentorship, Community, and Leading with Love
In this episode of Queen Me, Ashley Lynn Priore is joined by Erica Reid, Senior Director of Chapter Success at Friends of the Children - a national nonprofit pioneering long-term mentorship. Erica shares her inspiring journey through education and community work, reflecting on how a deeply rooted mission of serving youth, supporting families, and strengthening communities has guided her career and life.
From Madison Avenue to Maternal Health: Kate Grant’s Fight for Justice
In this episode of Queen Me, Ashley Lynn Priore is joined by Kate Grant, the founding CEO of the Fistula Foundation and author of No Woman Left Behind. Kate shares her bold leap from a high-powered advertising career to becoming one of the world’s leading advocates for maternal health.