The Inner Space Project Podcast

In this closing episode of Season 2, Dr. Patti Ashley explores the powerful concept of  liminal space —those in-between moments when life feels uncertain, undefined, and unresolved. Whether it’s transitions in relationships, career changes, grief and loss, or personal growth, these spaces can feel uncomfortable, yet they are essential for emotional healing and transformation. Using the metaphor of...

In this powerful “Endings” episode of  The Inner Space Project , Dr. Patti Ashley sits down with psychologist and CEO of Judy’s House, Micki Burns, to explore the profound impact of grief—especially in children—and how we can better support those navigating loss. Micki shares the mission of Judy’s House and the JAG Institute, which provide free, research-informed care to grieving children and fami...

In this episode of the Inner Space Project podcast, Dr. Patti Ashley interviews Christian Austin, whose life journey from a chaotic childhood filled with trauma, addiction, and incarceration to recovery and academic success serves as a powerful testament to resilience. Christian shares his experiences with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), the role of music in his healing process, and the impo...

In this episode, Dr. Patti Ashley is joined by maternal mental health clinician Amber Chamberlain for a thoughtful conversation about navigating motherhood in the early years. Together, Patti and Amber explore why maternal mental health has reached a critical turning point, how anxiety and depression often predate pregnancy and intensify postpartum, and why the early weeks of motherhood can feel u...

In this episode Dr. Patti talks with dream expert, spiritual counselor, and bestselling author  Dr. Kelly Sullivan Walden (aka “Dr. Dream”)  about how exploring your dreams can become a practical, soul-led guide for change. Together, Patti and Kelly talk about why dreams aren’t random or meaningless—but a kind of  spiritual GPS  that helps us walk forward with more clarity, confidence, and grace....

In this episode, Dr. Patti Ashley explores some profound lessons about grief that she learned from losing her father at age eleven and the mid-life man of her dreams, Laurence Freedom nine years ago. Patti emphasizes the importance of embracing grief as a transformative experience and highlights the value of being present and aware of our emotions. Through mindful awareness, we honor our grief and...

In this episode of the Inner Space Project Podcast, Dr. Patti Ashley engages with Dr. Catherine Holt, a depth psychotherapist, to explore the complexities of body image, body hatred, and the intersection of behavioral and depth psychology. They discuss the symbolic meanings behind body discontent, the importance of integrating different therapeutic approaches, and the role of cultural norms in sha...

In this episode Dr. Patti talks with psychologist and author of the book Post Traumatic Parenting about repairing the trauma from your own childhood as you parent your children. Such an important topic as no one these days is exempt from trauma. Learn how trauma impacts your responses and parenting behaviors. Do you ever wonder why you are yelling at your child when you know that is not the best p...

In this episode Dr. Patti tells you about what to expect in Season Two of The Inner space Project Podcast. There will be one episode each month that will air on the third Tuesday. She is asking for sponsors and resources to continue to bring these important messages to you. Spread the word. Like, subscribe, and share. Her upcoming guests so far include experts on children and trauma, disordering e...

In this episode of the Inner Space Project Podcast, Dr Patti talks to you about all that happened in season one of the project. She shares her passion for creating it, a little bit about some of her guests, and the generous help she's had along the way. This project is truly a work of heart with absolutely no financial resources. In this liminal space episode between season one and season two,...

In this special endings episode of The Inner Space Project Podcast, Patti focuses on the grief and loss of the empty nest. Even though we often don't think about that time as one of mourning, the Inner Space Project opens our eyes so that we can allow ALL feelings to be explored. May is the time of year when many parents are preparing for high school and college graduations. To help you walk throu...

In this heartfelt episode of The Inner Space Project Podcast , Dr. Patti Ashley welcomes longtime friend Patrick Wilson, founder of Balance Mind Coaching. Patrick Wilson is an advocate and coach for people who are wanting to create change and navigate transition but are struggling with mental patterns that undermine their progress.  He focuses on helping people practice and apply simple, practical...

Dr. Patti talks with family and community specialist Florence Ann Romano about the best practices for raising children in this polarized new world. Florence speaks to the pros and cons of digital media and the importance of being a good role model. She also gives parents permission to seek resources, keeping in mind that they are "learning on the job." She invites parents to be more inte...

In this liminal space podcast episode Dr. Patti talks with artist Tanya Torres about her art and the Mary Magdalen archetype. Tanya shares how art helps her get out of worry and into heart-brain coherence. Patti and Tanya introduce their new Magdalene Muses inspirational card deck that Patti created during the pandemic using Tanya's beautiful Mary Magdalen images. Patti reads messages about sensua...

In this deeply personal episode of The Inner Space Project Podcast, Dr. Patti Ashley honors the 55th anniversary of her father’s sudden passing by taking you on a reflective journey through her life of loss, love, and healing. Unlike previous episodes, this is not an interview, but rather an intimate solo exploration of how losing a parent at a young age can leave a lasting imprint your heart and...

In this episode of The Inner Space Project podcast, Dr. Patti Ashley welcomes Dr. Anita Johnston, a clinical psychologist, eating disorder specialist, and author of the bestselling book Eating in the Light of the Moon . Together, they dive into the complexities of disordered eating and recovery, exploring the tension between our innate drives for connection and authenticity. Dr. Johnston shares he...

This heartfelt episode of The Inner Space Project Podcast highlights the beginnings of our lives and the importance of mental health care in the first 18 years of life. Host Dr. Patti Ashley welcomes her daughter, Elizabeth Herman, a seasoned school psychologist and mother of two, for an insightful discussion on the challenges and importance of mental health support in schools. Together, they delv...

In this episode of The Inner Space Project Podcast , host Dr. Patti Ashley dives further into the concept of "liminal space"—a period of transition filled with uncertainty, yet rich with possibilities. Known for her heart-centered and authenticity-focused approach, Dr. Ashley defines liminal space as the "in-between" moments in life that challenge our need for control, inviting listeners to embrac...

In this episode of the Inner Space Project Podcast, Dr. Patti Ashley speaks with Karen Van Allen, a facilitator of A Course in Miracles and volunteer at the Hospice of the Valley, about navigating grief and endings. Karen shares her personal story of loss, focusing on the tragic death of her daughter over 20 years ago. This life-altering event led her on a journey from an analytical, business-focu...

I hope you enjoy this rich conversation with Dr. Patti Ashley's dear friend, Laura Deal. Laura and Patti talk about how listening to stories can positively impact your emotional health. They also dive into the importance of metaphor in traditional tales and what that means for healing and wholeness. Laura shares with you ways that personal storytelling can be used to improve emotional health. Laur...

Dr. Patti talks to Zeynep Biringen about the world-wide used emotional availability scale that she created. Biringen has identified four qualities of parents and two qualities of children related to emotional availability. For parents she looks for sensitivity, structuring, non-intrusiveness, and non-hostility. The two qualities in children that she looks for is child responsiveness and child invo...

In this episode of The Inner Space Project Podcast, Dr. Patti Ashley introduces a new installment of the show focused on 'Liminal Space'. Being the state of uncertain transition, between the 'where we were' and 'where we're going,' and in the midst of everyones Beginnings, Middles, and Endings, Liminal Space is the perfect addition to Dr. Ashleys podcast structure and discussion of Inner Space. In...

In this episode Dr. Patti Talks with Ted Wiard, the founder of Golden Willow Grief Retreat Center in Taos, NM. Ted lost his brother, wife, two small children, and his mother-in-law all within a few years of each other. He found himself lost and unable to know how to fully be alive without them. Many years later he bought a property on piece of land in Taos, NM, and from there began his amazing wor...

Dr. Patti Ashley interviews Christie Sears Thompson, a licensed marriage and family therapist, relationship coach, author, speaker, and creator of the transformative The Partnerhood program. Christie Sears Thompson brings extensive expertise to the discussion on the multifaceted nature of relationships and family dynamics in today's society. This episode delves into the essential components of a h...

In this episode, DeAnn Davies guides listeners through the intricate landscape of infant mental health, parenting challenges, and their connection with personal well-being. With a background in psychology and infant mental health, Davies offers insights into the delicate dance between parenting and mental wellness. Dr. Patti Ashley and Davies discuss the profound impact of early experiences on the...