A Fresh Story, season 4, episode 6 October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, and we’re honored to hold space for these profound stories. These stories may be of grief, but they are also of hope, resilience, and most of all, unconditional love. As a reminder, be gentle with your heart, and if you are not able to listen to this episode at the moment, we understand and we are holding you close. We know these conversations will change you as they have changed us. Ashley Spivey is like the older sister that you always wanted, and never know how much you needed, until you meet her, and you wonder how you ever survived without her. Ashley is one of those rare gem humans who is an actual angel on earth. She spends her time on the internet helping people, educating people, and making sure everyone feels supported, heard, and validated. I’ve been following Ashley for years, as she has wonderful book recommendations, and I remember how excited I was for her when she announced she was pregnant. And then, months later, Ashley shared that her son CJ had been stillborn on November 26th, 2020. My heart dropped. In true form, Ashley shared her experience of losing CJ with honesty, authenticity, and reverence for her grief and unconditional love for her son. When I think of Ashley, I think of the quote, “maybe you’ve been assigned this mountain to show others it can be moved,” and Ashley has dedicated her life to honoring CJ by changing the world in major ways, including working on bills to change policy for bereavement leave for parents, and education support on stillbirth. I talked to Ashley about leaving the hospital without her son, the impact of social media on processing CJ’s death, pregnancy after loss, and how she connects with CJ every day. I’m so proud of Ashley for using her voice to honor CJ and to support so many people. It’s an honor to know Ashley and hold space for CJ’s story. This conversation will change you, as it has changed us. Ashley, thank you for sharing CJ with us. We will remember him always. You can learn more about Ashley on Instagram. Mentioned in this episode: Join the Fresh Starts Collective! Whether you're an ambitious entrepreneur, a dedicated student, a heads down writer or simply striving to achieve your professional goals, the Fresh Starts Collective is here for you. We believe that surrounding yourself with a supportive community can be the key to unlocking your full potential. The Fresh Starts Collective offers daily community gathering - whether it’s VirtualCo-Working and Body Doubling, Open Office Hours or Accountability Hour - community support and growth, networking opportunities and access to marketing, design and writing professionals to bounce ideas off of, pick the brains of or crowd source some ideas. The Fresh Starts Collective is $35/month. Fresh Starts Collective Become a Fresh Starts Expert! What is the Fresh Starts Expert Membership? The Fresh Starts Expert Membership is a business membership for entrepreneurs, experts, and small business owners to support them in business development, marketing efforts, public relations, networking, and community engagement. The membership includes a standalone profile on Fresh Starts Registry's website, weekly virtual coworking, open hours business coaching, and accountability groups, as well as exclusive press and media opportunities, workshops, seminars, a content and video library of resources, a podcast episode, and so much more. Membership is $55/month. Fresh Starts Registry is the first and only support registry platform for people to access the items and experts they need during life transitions. Fresh...