The Scary, sweaty, sleepy podcast

Episode 28: Why We Love the Way We Love

This week on Scary, Sweaty, Sleepy, Ashley Bates sits down with relationship therapist Courtney Layson to explore one of the most powerful forces shaping our connections: attachment styles. From anxious and avoidant dynamics to the pull of the narcissist, Courtney breaks down why we’re drawn to certain partners, how childhood wiring impacts adult relationships, and what it really takes to create healthy love.
 
Get ready for an eye-opening conversation that just might change the way you look at your relationships—and yourself.
 
This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

Episode #26: Part 2 of The Depth Sessions with therapist Zach Thompson.

Welcome, Scary Sweaty Sleepy listeners! I’m your host, Ashley Bates, and I am so glad you’re here. Today, I’ve got something special for you—
In this conversation, we take a deep dive into Jungian therapy, exploring how it can help us understand the unconscious forces shaping our lives. We’ll talk about shadow work—what it means to face the parts of ourselves we often avoid—and how embracing that work can lead to real transformation. And, of course, we’ll explore the mysterious and symbolic world of dreams and how they can serve as a guide to healing and self-discovery.
 
So settle in, get curious, and join us for this thought-provoking and soulful session. Let’s begin.
 
This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

Episode 25: What the body remembers; somatic healing and the wisdom within with Zed Thompson (Part 1)

Welcome! I’m your host, Ashley Bates, and I’ve got an exciting announcement for all of you Scary Sweaty Sleepy listeners!
 
For the next three episodes, we’re diving into something special—a powerful mini-series called The Depth Sessions—featuring licensed professional counselor Zach Thompson, MA, LPC.
 
Zach is a therapist based in Mississippi who explores the intersection of trauma, transformation, and the human psyche. He brings a grounded and compassionate lens to healing, drawing from somatic therapy, Jungian analysis, Brainspotting, and other depth-oriented practices to help people reconnect with their bodies, explore the unconscious, and move toward lasting integration.
 
In this three-part series, we’ll be exploring big themes like shadow work, dream interpretation, trauma release, existential healing, and spiritual recovery.
 
So if you’re navigating depression, anxiety, insomnia, addiction, or relational wounds—these conversations are for you.
 
The Depth Sessions offers thoughtful, embodied insights to support your inner journey—because healing doesn’t happen on the surface.
 
This is where philosophy meets psychology… and where pain becomes a path to purpose. Let’s dive in.
This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

Episode 24: Menopause Uncovered Featuring Valley Gordon Hildebrand, NP

Meet Valley Gordon Hildebrand — a compassionate, knowledgeable nurse practitioner at Ovation Wellness in Madison, MS. A proud graduate of the University of Mississippi Medical Center, Valley is passionate about helping women navigate the often-overlooked challenges of menopause.In this episode, Valley shares her expert guide to understanding and managing vaginal and bladder health changes during menopause. From prevention strategies to effective treatment options, you’ll walk away empowered with practical tools and deeper insight into your pelvic health.👉 Whether you’re in perimenopause, menopause, or supporting someone who is, this conversation is a must-listen.
#MenopauseHealth #PelvicFloorCare #BladderWellness #WomensHealth #MenopauseSupport
This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

Episode #23: Let’s talk about sex, baby. Let’s talk about you and me.

Episode 23 is here! 🎉 Let’s get real about what a healthy marriage *and* healthy sex actually look like—beyond the myths and expectations. Tune in for honest insights, tips, and empowering conversations to elevate your relationship!
Ever feel stuck in the same fights with your partner? You’re NOT alone! 💔 Join me and Certified Therapist Courtney Layson as we unpack healing from deep hurts, breaking cycles, and yes—maybe even some fun talk about toys! 😉 Let’s learn how thriving, healthy relationships are totally possible. Don’t miss it!  
 
#RelationshipHealing #BreakTheCycle #TherapyTalks #HealthyLove #BigMamaHealingVibes
This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

Episode 22: One-year anniversary celebration of SSS special recap of previous episodes

🚨 Attention *Scary, Sweaty, Sleepy* fam! 🚨  
I’m going SOLO for our ONE-YEAR anniversary celebration! I’ll be recapping my first 10 episodes with unforgettable highlights, powerful words of wisdom, and all the real talk that’s shaped this journey. This episode is about embracing transformation: “This is the age where we bury who we were told to be and birth who we actually are.” — Shazzy Lindley 💫  
 
Let’s celebrate growth, courage, and authenticity — together! You don’t want to miss this! 🔥
 
This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

Episode #21: It’s Not a Midlife Crisis — It’s a Rebirth!

Rick Gregory of The Awakened Collective and his husband, Glen Gregory, share their personal journeys of shedding what no longer aligns with their soul’s purpose, revealing the courage and resilience it takes to live authentically and step into your highest self.
 
A special thanks goes to the Sons of Sobriety motorcycle club for sponsoring today’s episode. 
This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

Episode #20: BIG mama healing vibes

Join mother-daughter duo Suzy B Foote and Ashby Norwood the day before Mother’s Day for a heartfelt conversation packed with healing, hope, and inspiring stories. Celebrate the incredible strength of maternal bonds and the powerful impact mothers have on our lives and society. Share your journey and connect with us using 
 
#BigMamaHealingVibes!”
This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

Attention, Scary, Sweaty, Sleepy listeners! Episode 19

The doctor is IN.
We’re going deep (literally) into The Vagina Era with Dr. Robert Harris. And yes, questions are highly encouraged.)
 
Southeast Urogyn
Urogynecologists
https://seug.com
 
#NoTopicOffLimits
#LetsTalkAboutIt
#VaginaTalk
#TabooNoMore
#UnfilteredConversations
#SpicyEpisode
#HealthIsWealth
#AskAway
This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions. 

Episode 18 – Privilege, Prominence & Pressure: Douglas Lyons on the Hidden Layers of Addiction

In this episode of The Scary, Sweaty, Sleepy Podcast, Ashley Bates welcomes Douglas Lyons of Clere Consulting for a thought-provoking conversation on the often-overlooked complexities of addiction.
Lyons unpacks the powerful interplay between privilege, prominence, and pressure—and how these forces shape not only the path to addiction but also the journey through recovery. He challenges the idea that addiction exists in a vacuum, instead urging listeners to consider the broader context of social environments, personal circumstances, and expectations.
This episode shines a light on the nuanced realities many face behind closed doors and calls for a more compassionate, individualized approach to treatment and support.
#ScarySweatySleepyPodcast #DouglasLyons #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealthAwareness #PrivilegeAndAddiction #ProminenceAndPressure #TraumaInformedCare #RecoveryJourney #ClereConsulting #AshleyBates #AddictionSupport #HolisticHealing #RecoveryPodcast #MentalHealthMatters
This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.