Builders of a Better World

9. Finding Your True Self: Human Design, Shadow Work, & Authenticity

What if the parts of you that feel confusing, “too much,” or hard to define are actually your greatest gifts? In this episode of Builders of a Better World, Ashlieya sits down with her dear friend Sophie, a human design guide and shadow work coach, to explore how human design and shadow work can help you understand who you really are—and finally feel at home in yourself. Together, they unpack what it means to take a “vow of authenticity,” why some people don’t feel like they have a fixed identity, and how human design can transform that pain into freedom, self-acceptance, and clarity of purpose. You’ll hear about: * How human design blends ancient systems and modern science to create an energetic “map” of who you are * What it means to have open vs. defined centers, and why feeling like a chameleon might actually be your superpower * The basics of shadow work and how your subconscious patterns quietly run your life * Why facing your shadow is the gateway to true authenticity, emotional freedom, and aligned choices * Ashlieya’s journey from depression and feeling “broken” to embracing her unique design and owning her power If you’ve ever felt lost, inauthentic, or unsure of who you’re “supposed” to be, this conversation will help you see yourself with more compassion, curiosity, and courage. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on healing, alignment, and building a better world from the inside out.

8. Teaching the "Starfish": Impact in Low-Income After-School Programs

In this episode of Builders of a Better World, “Teaching the Starfish: Impact in Low-Income After-School Programs,” we sit down with consultant and curriculum writer Marisa Miller to explore what real impact looks like in under-resourced communities. With more than 20 years in public schools, museums, and after-school organizations, Marisa designs programs where kids don’t feel like they’re “still in school,” even as they’re learning, growing, and seeing themselves as capable doers. Marisa shares why she chose to leave comfortable, well-resourced classrooms to work with youth who often don’t get the best teachers, and how she custom-builds curriculum across literacy, wellness, STEM/STEAM, rural and agriculture programs, and everyday life skills. We talk candidly about broken systems, “what you don’t know you don’t know,” and the quiet workarounds—like leveraging public libraries and low-cost resources—that help staff and families succeed. We also dive into the power of investing in adults, not just kids: how lighting up staff members can multiply impact across every child they touch, and why Marisa lives by the “starfish story” of making a difference one young person at a time. If you work in youth development, after-school, or simply care about educational equity, this conversation will leave you both grounded and inspired. 👉 Learn more about Marisa’s work or inquire about consulting: https://afterschoolpublishing.com/team/marisa-miller/

7. How Solo Travel Builds Self-Trust & Leadership

In this episode of Builders of a Better World, “How Solo Travel Builds Self-Trust and Leadership,” we explore how traveling alone becomes a living laboratory for nervous system regulation, identity evolution, and embodied confidence. Stepping away from your routines, social mirrors, and familiar environments reveals how your body actually responds to novelty, uncertainty, and subtle risk—turning each delayed train, language barrier, and lonely evening into data that builds self-trust and emotional resilience. We dive into identity plasticity (who you become when no one knows your story), the connection between solo travel and leadership, and how sacred geometry and the “geometry” of cities, landscapes, and architecture can recalibrate your perception and internal state. If you’ve ever felt called to travel alone—or to simply take yourself out without your phone—this episode will give you language, frameworks, and gentle challenges to start your own micro solo adventures and become the kind of regulated human who can build a better world.

6. Teaching Emotional Literacy Through the Arts: Thriving Kids, Grounded Adults

What if emotional literacy felt less like a scripted “SEL lesson” and more like stepping into a dance studio, rehearsal room, or canvas—where kids and adults can safely explore who they really are? In this episode of Builders of a Better World, Ashlieya and Neff dive into how the arts, nervous system mastery, and radical accountability work together to help both kids and adults truly thrive. You’ll hear: * Why emotional literacy is an internal discipline of truth, coherence, and embodiment—not just “being nice” or following social rules. * How visual and performing arts create an ideal playground for kids and adults to feel, express, and alchemize big emotions. * The key differences between typical school‑based SEL and a fully embodied emotional literacy practice. * Radical accountability: moving from “life is happening to me” to “I am responsible for my meaning‑making and responses.” * Why nervous system mastery is foundational for speaking, teaching, performing, and showing up as your most authentic self. * How Builders of a Better World and Dance Masters weave emotional literacy into arts‑based programs for homeschoolers, schools, and communities. If you’re a parent, educator, creative, or community builder who knows there has to be a more embodied way to teach emotional skills, this conversation is for you. 🔗 Explore I Thrive Academy [https://ithriveacademy.com] and the I Thrive ebook series 🔗 Learn more about Builders of a Better World [https://buildersofabetterworld.org] and our arts‑based emotional literacy programs

5. Mommunes as a Better World Blueprint: Community Living for Single Moms

In this episode of Builders of a Better World, host Ashlieya interviews Marissa Merrill, founder of the Mommune movement, about community living for single moms and their kids. They dive into what a “mommune” is, how shared housing and co‑living support single mothers, and Marissa’s real experience with domestic abuse, the family court system, and building her first Mommune property in Oregon. If you’re a single mom, co‑parent, or advocate for women’s shelters, affordable housing, trauma‑informed support, and village‑style parenting, this conversation will show you how intentional community can help moms and children truly thrive. Links mentioned: https://www.mommune.org/ [https://www.mommune.org/] - Learn more about Mommune. Donations welcome! https://marsfougere.com/ [https://marsfougere.com/] - Mommune Market. If you are a creative, contact us to get your goods on our marketplace.