The Inner Space Project Podcast

S2Ep8 The Spaces in Between with Dr. Patti

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 the caterpillar in the chrysalis, Patti reflects on the importance of allowing ourselves to “sit in the goo” rather than rushing toward answers. She shares personal insights about navigating uncertainty, coping with life transitions, and learning how to be still, trust the process, and connect with your inner self—even when clarity isn’t yet available. This episode also revisits highlights from Season 2, including conversations on attachment trauma, body image healing, addiction recovery, resilience, grief support, dream work, and mental health. Patti reflects on the deeper purpose of The Inner Space Project: helping us better understand our emotional world, build self-awareness, and reconnect with the parts of ourselves we were often taught to ignore or suppress. As she stands in her own liminal space between seasons, Patti opens up about the future of the podcast, the challenges of sustaining meaningful mental health content, and her hope to continue creating a space for healing, authenticity, and deeper human connection. ✨ A heartfelt invitation to slow down, turn inward, and honor the sacred in-between.

S2Ep7 Helping Children Grieve with Dr. Micki Burns

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 families. Drawing from both professional expertise and personal loss, she highlights the critical importance of addressing grief early and compassionately. The conversation dives into eye-opening research, including the statistic that 1 in 11 children will experience the death of a parent or sibling before age 18, and discusses how unaddressed grief can have lasting effects. Patti and Micki also offer practical, meaningful ways to support grieving individuals—moving beyond “let me know what you need” to intentional, concrete acts of care. Together, they explore the emotional landscape of grief, challenging the idea of “stages” as linear and emphasizing the importance of allowing the full spectrum of emotions without judgment. The episode also touches on how to talk to children about death with honesty and clarity, avoiding confusing euphemisms and supporting their developmental understanding. Ultimately, this episode is a heartfelt invitation to become more compassionate, present, and courageous in the face of grief—reminding us that while we cannot fix loss, we can walk alongside one another through it. For information about Micki and Judi's House https://judishouse.org For information about Dr Patti https://www.pattiashley.com

S2Ep6 How Prison and Music Saved My Life with Christian Austin

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 importance of agency in overcoming adversity. The conversation delves into the impact of shame, the significance of mental health awareness, and the exploration of inner space as a means to foster emotional literacy and personal growth. Christian is a writer, musician, and speaker who spent much of his early life in chaos-including over a decade behind bars and almost two decades addicted to heroin. Today, he holds a master's degree from Cambridge University and speaks openly about trauma, recover, and resilience. His work bridges the gap between lived experience and public understanding drawing from a life shaped by both systemic neglect and fierce personal transformation. For more information about Christian and his book- https://www.christianaustin.org Former information about Dr Patti -- https://pattiashley.com

S2 Ep 5 Navigating Motherhood in the Early Years

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 uniquely overwhelming to the nervous system. They speak candidly about the cultural pressure to be a “good mother,” the grief that can accompany becoming a parent, and the shame many women carry when bonding and joy don’t unfold as expected. Rather than offering formulas or advice, this conversation emphasizes emotional literacy, mindfulness, and the importance of tending to our inner space. This conversation recognizes the layered reality of motherhood, and offers perspective on how healing and connection are built over time. Amber Chamberlain is a behavioral health industry professional based in the Washington, D.C. area. With over 30 years of experience, she is an accomplished speaker and consultant. Her career includes work with many national health care entities to include, Managed Care Organizations (MCO), Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), Department of Defense (DoD) Psychological Health Programs, and Hospital Systems. Amber currently works in Maternal Health providing clinical support to people during the perinatal phase of their parenthood journey. She also provides consultation in the field of spirituality and consciousness integration. Learn more at www.pattiashley.com [http://www.pattiashley.com/]

S2 Ep4 Dreamifesting with Dr. Kelly Sullivan Walden

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. Kelly introduces her new book Dreamifesting and explains her memorable JET SET method for working with dreams in a grounded way: * J — Just the facts (write the dream as-is) * E — Emotion (name what you felt) * T — Title (as if it were a movie) * S — Standout symbols (your personal associations first) * E — Embodiment (become a symbol and let it speak) * T — Tangible action (take a real-world step) You’ll also hear a vivid story of a client whose dream encouraged him to “walk through the door”—leading to a major career shift, increased happiness, and a dramatic upgrade in his life. Patti and Kelly reflect on the hero’s journey, the importance of integrating growth without “preaching,” and how true inner work creates a ripple effect that uplifts communities. Even if you don’t remember your dreams, Kelly offers simple ways to begin: start writing anything down upon waking, use daydreams as dream material, and prime your psyche by reading dream-centered content before sleep. This conversation is a playful, soulful reminder that the outer world can distract us—but the answers we’re seeking are often waiting inside. Key themes: dreams + manifestation, unfinished nightmares, inner space, spiritual bypass vs. embodiment, soul-led goals, symbols, intuition, and tangible action. For more information: www.kellysullivanwalden.com www.pattiashley.com