The Sweet Dreams Podcast

A memorable trip to Spain takes an unexpected turn at the airport, where a stranger’s kindness helps Ava and her husband navigate a frustrating check-in process. But what stays with Ava isn’t the airport kiosk; it’s the way some travelers choose to thank the man who volunteered his time to help. With her signature candor, Ava reflects on privilege, gratitude, and the importance of recognizing kind...

In honor of Jordan Sebastian, who passed away on October 19, 2017, Ava asks if we know Liz, Jordan’s mom. Liz’s strength, kindness, and determination have left a lasting impression on Ava, who reflects on the unimaginable pain of losing a child and the remarkable way Liz honors her son Jordan’s legacy through the Dominate the Day Foundation. Her story is a moving reminder to lead with compassion,...

Ava shares her very short list of men she might leave her husband for, from politicians and athletes to tennis legends and the conductor who brings Beethoven’s Ninth to life. But what begins as a playful look at celebrity crushes takes an unexpected turn as Ava dives into two major pet peeves: people who think knowing the right person means they can skip the line, and those who loudly broadcast th...

Ava has always found joy in giving gifts, especially when she can find something that feels uniquely meant for the person receiving it. But when she’s asked to scale back on gifts for her husband’s grandchildren, she finds herself questioning whether spoiling the children she loves is really doing them a disservice. From personalized puzzles to travel souvenirs and educational toys, Ava reflects o...

A lifelong aversion to lettuce, condiments, and nearly every topping becomes the starting point for Ava’s affectionate reflection on her husband’s many quirks and the nearly 20 years they have spent learning to love each other’s differences. What begins as a humorous look at an unusually particular eater turns into something more tender as Ava considers marriage, compromise, the small rituals of e...

A routine Pure Barre class takes on an entirely new meaning when Ava discovers that the surgeon performing her husband’s hernia surgery is none other than someone she sees in class every week. What follows is a hilarious reflection on unexpected connections, the small-world nature of the Pure Barre community, and the things you simply cannot un-think once you know them. With her signature wit and...

A breathtaking safari through Tanzania becomes the backdrop for an unexpected lesson in respect, cultural awareness, and responsible travel. Ava shares her unforgettable encounters with Africa’s wildlife and the warmth of its people, along with a memorable and frustrating encounter with fellow travelers who seemed determined to bring their Minnesota habits with them. With humor and plenty of disbe...

A childhood memory of a misplaced bracelet becomes a lasting reflection on race, judgment, and the painful experiences that can stay with us long after childhood has passed. Ava revisits an incident in kindergarten that seemed confusing at the time, only to recognize its deeper significance through the lens of her experiences as a child of color. With honesty and vulnerability, she explores the la...

A relationship that once seemed rooted in advocacy and a genuine desire to understand the experiences of people of color leaves Ava questioning the difference between authentic empathy and performative allyship. She reflects on the time, stories, and personal experiences she shared with someone who claimed to care deeply about marginalized communities, only to later discover that those representat...

A night devoted to Ava’s greatest source of joy, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, takes an unexpected and frightening turn when her husband suddenly faints during a standing ovation. As panic gives way to relief, Ava reflects on the many moments that bring joy to her life, from family and music to travel and the simple pleasures of everyday life. This deeply personal episode is a poignant reminder that...

A routine membership renewal and an unfulfilled promise prompt Ava to reflect on integrity, trust, and what it truly means to support a local business. Drawing from her own experiences, she explores the gap between the values some businesses promote and the way they treat loyal customers behind the scenes. With honesty and thoughtful perspective, this episode is a reminder that kindness should be...

  A routine stop at Walgreens takes an unexpected turn when a moment of impatience gives way to an act of kindness. After a brief encounter with an elderly stranger, Ava finds herself reflecting on compassion, second chances, and the quiet ways we can show up for one another. This touching episode is a reminder that every person carries a story we cannot see and that sometimes the smallest gesture...

A lifelong love of golf and dreams of one day playing St. Andrews lead Ava to reflect on the traditions, etiquette, and unwritten rules that make the game so unique. From the debate over "ready golf" to an unforgettable outfit on the course, she explores where common courtesy ends and personal expression begins. With humor, honesty, and a touch of playful skepticism, this episode considers whether...

A New Year's Day gathering on the Connecticut shoreline sparks an unforgettable encounter that leaves Ava reflecting on humility, authenticity, and the difference between confidence and self-importance. Through a series of memorable conversations, she explores how first impressions can reveal more than credentials ever could, and why genuine connection begins with listening rather than impressing....

What begins as a minor fender bender in the Hamptons turns into a candid reflection on accountability, personal responsibility, and the moments that reveal a person's true character. Ava shares the story of an unexpected car accident, the surprising response that followed, and the lasting impression it left behind. With her signature wit and honesty, this episode explores why owning our mistakes m...

A simple Saturday tradition of picking up sandwiches from a beloved neighborhood deli becomes a celebration of friendship, family, and the rituals that quietly shape our lives. Ava shares the story behind her weekly visits to Saldamarcos and reflects on how small traditions, from familiar lunch orders to time spent catching up with loved ones, create lasting connections and cherished memories. Thi...

A trip to see Hamilton with her niece becomes something far more meaningful than a day on Broadway. Ava reflects on the assumptions we make about others, the emotional power of storytelling, and the quiet lesson she learned from a fellow theatergoer experiencing the musical for the very first time. This heartfelt episode is a reminder to lead with compassion, embrace joy without reservation, and r...

In this humorous and observant episode of the Sweet Dreams Podcast, Ava shares a neighborhood mystery that has unfolded one dog walk at a time. What begins with a rusty filing cabinet marked “FREE” quickly turns into a reflection on human nature, curbside optimism, and the curious belief that someone, somewhere, might actually want your unwanted junk. Through the eyes of her daily walks with Jozi,...

In this deeply personal episode of the Sweet Dreams Podcast, Ava shares the heartbreaking story of her father's final days and the questions that have never been answered.  With honesty and grief, Ava reflects on the difference between legal obligation and moral responsibility, exploring the lasting pain that comes when those entrusted to help fail to do so. This episode is a powerful meditation o...

In this thought provoking episode of Sweet Dreams, Ava challenges the modern tendency to label ourselves as “Superwoman” for simply getting through life’s everyday struggles. Reflecting on the extraordinary courage and sacrifices of women who changed history, she explores the difference between resilience, accomplishment, and true heroism. It’s a candid look at perspective, humility, and how we me...