The guilt of surviving when Nathan—kind, generous, life of the party—didn’t nearly ended Ashley’s life. After 2016 strangulation, sexual assault, and being forced to clean up the homicide, she faced complex PTSD and a deliberate suicide attempt. Quick intervention from hospital teams, victim services, detectives, nurse practitioner, and counselor provided the foundation. Daily gym work became her escape and power source—solo sessions challenging limits and rebuilding confidence.

She channels pain into blogs, videos, and her book with proceeds helping survivors. Conversation highlights systemic failures in mental health and domestic violence response, parole realities, re-triggers, and the power of chosen family. Ashley emphasizes healing as ongoing daily practice: showing up for yourself first so you can show up for others. Essential listen ...