Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Simpson.
Ashley, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
The Audacity of Ash was originally created in December of 2020. After carefully picking topics and guests, it launched on January 6, 2021. It originally started out as a podcast that talked about different topics ranging from mental health to pop culture. I wanted to talk about topics that could help inspire people to be a better version of them selves. After giving out advice and going through the trials of life and coming out 10 times better emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Remembering the advice that Delores Littlejohn aka Granny gave me at the lowest point in my life If God placed these trials in your life and you survived them then you are a walking testimony that is an example of what prayer can do. Soaking up the conversations with my mom Lawann Simpson and my aunt Tonya and Uncle Cedric Dobson and believing if I can just help one stranger be better by listening to my show, then I have done my job here on this earth. I had to relaunch May 16, 2021 due to a conflict but the relaunch was a success. I had some sponsors that were willing to still support me (created by nique, xvii roses, house of gains and young soul media) even though I had to relaunch. I have a team that is amazing.
Carolina Music award producer of the year Deuce Tyrell revamped my theme song and created a new logo for me. Demetrius “DX” Harrison (worked with Lil Zane, Missy Elliott, etc) does my engineering and editing. Also, SteadiiBeats has helped on a few episodes. I have had the pleasure of interviewing Dame Dash, Cali rapper Kdotoh, as well as celebrity spiritual advisor Bootz Tarot, Atl Artist Sumiala Squire, Atl comedian Tee Washington, Instagram wellness influencer Janiatheinspiration, CEO Angelo Finney of Nonprofit Organization New Legacy Foundation and many others just to name a few. I am a member of Hadassah #330 Order of the Eastern Star and at a conference, I was approached by the owner of Hidden City Radio Tiffany Bennett about giving my podcast a new radio home. She listened and watched on my YouTube channel as well as my podcast website and fell in love with the concept. So now The Audacity of Ash has grown to now have a permanent radio spot on Hidden City Radio every Wednesday at 1:45pm which is an Atlanta-based internet radio station. The rest is history.I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Heck, no it hasn’t been a smooth road by any means, lol. When I first started, I didn’t really know as much as I know now about being consistent with content as well being careful who you let in your circle to “help” you along the way. I have had my content stolen and completely erased by my previous co-host due to greed. I have my visual ideas shut down because of my lack of knowledge in this industry, I have had ACL replacement surgery which had me pause my show for almost a year. My Best Friend Brynn Freyler died, Guest back out at last minute, technology issues, website issues, you name it, it has happened, however, I would not trade it for the world because it made me way stronger, more determined, more hungry to take my show to its full potential. I refuse to give my power to anyone because I did once before and had to fight to get it back. Now I am more powerful mentally than ever before.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Outside of my radio show, I work in corporate. It is exactly that…corporate world. I specialize in fundraising and community service. I know I get that from my Dad Edwin Simpson Sr and my Grandma Nell Armstrong. Throughout my entire life, I have watched them fundraise whether it was for NC Special Olympics or for Church organizations. Watching them taught me the importance of giving back to my community. As a mom, I instill that same thing into my son now. My radio show gives me the ability to express myself as well as educate others by having guests on that are really loving, living, and mastering the topic of the episode. I am most proud of the response I am getting from my show as well as have not 1 but 2 celebrity interviews within six months of rebranding. I am known for getting the interviews for my show that matter. Not the gossip but the actual philanthropy, encouraging and motivating stories…
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Coming a the Small town of Burgaw NC, there is not a lot of access to culture. You have to drive 30 mins just to get to the mall and the movies. Here everything is within reasonable reach. From the concerts to festivals, to African American history to cultures of other countries, Atlanta is amazing. I love being able to raise my son here and he has so many opportunities to see people that look like him doing great things. My son is autistic so Atlanta also has ALOT of resources like Autism’s Got Talent to help him grow into his dreams of being an entertainer. The thing I like least about the city is probably what everyone dislikes….traffic.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://audacityofash.libsyn.com/website
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/the_audacityofash?igshid=ODBkMDk1MTU=
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCBoBZHFlUv3ttx-ikcnQKNA
Image Credits
B.Jamal Photography StillGoodMike production Bootz Tarot Managament
