Instant Icks & Dirty Little Secrets - Listener Confessions

The Struggle Bus Has Wi-Fi

In this episode, we’re getting real about the battles we face behind the scenes—from comparison, self-worth, and physical appearance to relationships, purpose, and the pressure of who we think we’re supposed to be. We share the struggles we’re actively working through, the challenges we’re facing right now, and even some of the things people would never guess we’ve wrestled with. 🚎  This conversation isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about the experience of struggling, the expectations we place on ourselves, and why giving ourselves grace can feel so difficult. We explore what it means to let go of roles, release perfection, and embrace the messy reality of being human. Raw, honest, and deeply relatable, this episode is a reminder that you’re not the only one carrying what you carry—and there’s a good chance you’ll find a piece of your own story somewhere in ours. Remember: you always have a seat at our table. 💛 Love, Ash & Chess

Plot Twist: We’re Starting Over

Starting over isn’t easy—but sometimes it’s exactly what we need. ❤️‍🩹 In this episode, we discuss what it means to rebuild after divorce, heartbreak, job loss, financial setbacks, friendship breakups, motherhood shifts, mental health struggles, addiction, and life’s unexpected detours. We unpack the pressure of timeline culture, social media comparison, and the feeling that we’re somehow “behind.” What if starting over isn’t failure—but redirection? ↪️ Join us as we talk about letting go of expectations, embracing small wins, building quietly, and finding the courage to begin again. Because your life isn’t over, you’re not ruined, and it’s never too late for a fresh start. Grab and chair and join our table! 🪑  Love,  Ash & Chess

The First Man We Ever Loved

Father’s Day can bring gratitude, celebration, grief, memories, and sometimes all of those emotions at once. In this week’s episode, The First Man We Loved, we’re having an honest conversation about the men who shaped our lives long before we knew how much they would impact us. Ashley shares what it’s been like navigating life after losing her dad just a few years ago, while Chess reflects on losing her father as a young child and the lasting effects of growing up without him. We also asked dads a simple question: “What’s the perfect Father’s Day gift?” Their answers surprised us. Not one dad mentioned expensive gifts or gadgets. Instead, they talked about quality time, feeling appreciated, being recognized for what they do, and receiving something as simple as a handwritten letter from their children. This conversation reminded us that fathers need encouragement too. They want to feel seen, valued, loved, and affirmed. Whether you’re celebrating your dad, missing him, honoring a father figure, or raising children alongside a great dad, pull up a seat and join us for a heartfelt conversation about the first man we loved. Love, Ash & Chess

Best Friends or a Liability: You Decide

In a world where friendships can feel surface-level, temporary, or transactional, we're pulling back the curtain on what genuine friendship has looked like in our lives. In this episode, we dive deep into the kind of friendship that doesn't hide the messy parts, keeps showing up through every season, gives grace when life gets hard, celebrates wins without jealousy, and provides a safe place to be fully known. We talk about the highs, the heartbreaks, the healing, the laughter, and all the life we've walked through side by side. We also explore why some people have never experienced true friendship, the barriers that can keep us from authentic connection, and why community is so important for growth, healing, and living out our faith. Through it all, we share how pursuing Jesus together has strengthened our friendship and shaped who we are. And because no episode about our friendship would be complete without some fun, we wrap things up with a game full of questions, inside jokes, favorite memories, and all the little things that make our friendship what it is. Whether you've found your person or you're still searching for meaningful community, this conversation is for you. As always, remember—you always have a seat at our table!  Love,  Ash & Chess

Breaking What Broke Us: Generational Curses

Some family patterns don’t start with us… but they can end with us. 🫶🏼 In this episode, we’re diving into generational curses, unhealthy family patterns, and the learned behaviors many of us carry without even realizing it. From toxic communication and emotional suppression to relationship struggles, survival-mode coping mechanisms, and repeating cycles we swore we’d never become—we’re unpacking how these patterns get passed down from generation to generation. We share real-life examples, honest conversations, and the importance of acknowledgment as the first step toward healing. Because you can’t change what you refuse to recognize. Our hope is that this episode helps listeners identify the cycles they may have inherited, understand where they come from, and begin the work of breaking them so they aren’t passed on to future generations. Healing may start with awareness—but it changes everything after that. ❤️‍🩹  Bring a seat and join our table for this one.   Ash & Chess 💛💛