Pain as a Professor: Growing Through Life's Challenges with Ashlyn Thompson

Welcome back to 'Don't Cut Your Own Bangs!' 

 

In this lively and heartfelt episode, Danielle Ireland chats with Ashlyn Thompson from the Parent Empowerment Network. Ashlyn shares her journey from growing her nonprofit organization to the emotional rollercoaster of her daughter's complex medical journey. 

 

Get ready to explore how pain can be an unexpected teacher, the magic of community support, and why tapping into creativity can be your secret weapon against anxiety. Filled with laughs, valuable insights, and touching moments, this episode is a treasure trove of wisdom and joy. Tune in and enjoy the ride!

 

00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview

00:20 Ashlyn Thompson's Journey and Nonprofit Growth

01:10 The Importance of Community and Support

01:37 Embracing Big Feelings and Finding Joy

02:52 Welcoming Ashlyn Back and Discussing Growth

05:44 Navigating Pain and Empowerment

09:51 The Power of Perspective and Decision Making

14:27 Balancing Life and Nonprofit Work

21:21 The Role of Pain as a Teacher

30:48 Finding Comfort in Movement and Nature

33:09 Returning to Basics

33:35 Reflecting on Past Decisions

35:20 The Role of Pain and Fear

38:20 Parent Empowerment Network

44:25 Creativity as a Lifeline

49:21 Embracing Emotions

53:07 Don't Cut Your Own Bangs Moment

01:01:20 Conclusion and Resources

 

Ashlyn Thompson interview links

Ashlyn Thompson, a passionate advocate and storyteller, is co-founder of the Parent Empowerment Network, a nonprofit providing emotional and mental health support to parents navigating pediatric medical complexities. She also co-hosts theEmpowered by Hope podcast, which equips parents with practical tools, resources, and a strong sense of community—delivered with a heavy dose of humor and hope to empower them as their child’s best advocate.

Ashlyn’s fire for advocacy was ignited by her daughter Emery, who was born with bladder exstrophy. After Emery nearly died following a major surgery at just seven weeks old, Ashlyn became a fierce voice for patient safety. Unwilling to accept the limitations of domestic medical care, she discovered a surgical option in the U.K. that wasn’t available in the U.S. at the time. In early 2023, Emery became the first American to undergo this procedure—and thanks to Ashlyn’s relentless advocacy, that surgery is now available in America.

When she’s not advocating or recording podcasts, Ashlyn moonlights as a budding driveway chalk artist, chaos coordinator for her spirited family, and an avid nature lover. Chocolate is her daily vitamin, ADHD is her superpower, spiders and small talk are her sworn enemies, and she firmly believes laughter and boldness are two of a parent’s greatest tools.

 

Parent Empowerment Network: 

The Parent Empowerment Network exists to support, encourage, and educate parents of children with medical complexities—empowering them with community, knowledge, and confidence to be their child’s fiercest advocate.

www.ParentEmpowermentNetwork.org

Empowered by Hope podcast on all major podcast streaming platforms: https://parentempowermentnetwork.org/podcast/

 

Social Media: 

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