Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Carbenia.
Hi Ashley, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, you could tell our readers some of your backstory.
My story began years ago as a stay-at-home mom who devoted 9 years to being the best mom I could be. That experience was fulfilling and challenging in all the ways motherhood truly is. I spent many years thinking about my next career move once my kids were in school. It wasn’t until recently that I found my podcasting passion. I’ve always valued people who speak their minds, and I am someone who always speaks mine. Listening to podcasts over the years gave me confidence that I could share my message and life experiences with others to connect and relate to people like myself. I’ve experienced love and loss, heartache, and grief that I never felt I could talk to anyone about during those times. My goal has been to start a podcast where I can share those pieces and parts of me and what I have learned in hopes that I can make a difference in someone’s life who needs to hear the words I never heard.
This first season has been a labor of love, with blood, sweat, and tears embodied in hours of research and planning to develop a meaningful podcast. I have been extremely fortunate and grateful for Kat’s support, who has been my ride-or-die in helping launch this first season. This season with Kat has been so much fun and taught me the many layers a podcast requires. I sincerely appreciate her support as I learned how to communicate my message for others to hear and connect to.
We have lived in two different cities, Orlando and Clearwater, so if any obstacles stopped this podcast from happening, it would be an I-4 to anyone who knows. My female friendships, specifically with Kat, encouraged me to learn how to make this podcast come to life. I can’t wait for the listeners to relate to the very definition of what the Meet My Friend podcast represents. The dynamic of this season is that I am the wild card with a potty mouth and am unapologetic. Kat is hilarious, charming, and quick-witted. The beauty of our differences makes this first season of Meet My Friend so relatable. I’ve enjoyed the labor of love, and Kat is helping to kick off this crazy ride with me, but wait for what’s to come in season two!
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The dynamic of Kat and I living in 2 different cities presented numerous hurdles over the 9 months of recording the first season. However, our unwavering desire and the space we created to make the podcast happen served as the catalyst for a beautiful outcome, showcasing the power of resilience and determination.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m most proud of showing my sons that I’m not just one thing as their mother. Through hard work, determination, and tenacity, I’ve taught myself aspects of audio, editing, content design, and producing an entire conceptual season. What sets me apart from others is that I never thought I could learn all of the aspects that becoming a podcaster requires. I’m so proud when my sons tell me, “It’s cool what you are doing, Mom.” That is fulfillment as a mother trying to build an empire one step at a time.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I am truly captivated by Bunnie, also known as The Dumb Blonde podcast. Her unapologetic honesty and truth have earned my utmost respect. She has been a guiding light, showing me how to build a brand by embracing and projecting my authentic self, an invaluable lesson for anyone in the podcasting world.
Contact Info:
- Website: Meetmyfriendpodcast.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meetmyfriendpodcast?igsh=MThsMHVrdWR3c20zbA==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555532064089&mibextid=LQQJ4d
