Builders of a Better World

In this episode of Builders of a Better World, “Teaching the Starfish: Impact in Low-Income After-School Programs,” we sit down with consultant and curriculum writer Marisa Miller to explore what real impact looks like in under-resourced communities. With more than 20 years in public schools, museums, and after-school organizations, Marisa designs programs where kids don’t feel like they’re “still in school,” even as they’re learni...

In this episode of Builders of a Better World, “How Solo Travel Builds Self-Trust and Leadership,” we explore how traveling alone becomes a living laboratory for nervous system regulation, identity evolution, and embodied confidence. Stepping away from your routines, social mirrors, and familiar environments reveals how your body actually responds to novelty, uncertainty, and subtle risk—turning each delayed train, language barrier...

What if emotional literacy felt less like a scripted “SEL lesson” and more like stepping into a dance studio, rehearsal room, or canvas—where kids and adults can safely explore who they really are? In this episode of Builders of a Better World, Ashlieya and Neff dive into how the arts, nervous system mastery, and radical accountability work together to help both kids and adults truly thrive.

You’ll hear:

• Why emotional literacy is...

In this episode of Builders of a Better World, host Ashlieya interviews Marissa Merrill, founder of the Mommune movement, about community living for single moms and their kids. They dive into what a “mommune” is, how shared housing and co‑living support single mothers, and Marissa’s real experience with domestic abuse, the family court system, and building her first Mommune property in Oregon. If you’re a single mom, co‑parent, or ...

In this episode of Builders of a Better World, Ashlieya sits down with long-time dance partner and instructor Neff to explore how a terrifying foot wound, a 300+ pound wake-up call, and a diabetes scare became the catalyst for radical change. Neff shares how his vow of authenticity, a powerful “why” of freedom, cutting processed sugar, and extended fasting helped him drop over 70 pounds, save his ability to dance, and completely re...

What if your ex became family—in the most grounded, healthy way? In this episode, Ashlieya sits down with her ex-husband, Neff, to unpack how their relationship transformed from marriage to a deep, platonic partnership rooted in radical honesty, intentionality, and unconditional love. Together they explore choosing each other as family after divorce, practicing real forgiveness, honoring each other’s growth, and co-creating an ener...

In this episode, “Contribute Goodness Through Pure Intention,” host Ashlieya opens up about her journey of facing fear, redefining success, and choosing joy as a path to growth. She shares how time abundance, self-care, and disciplined creativity allow her to build multiple ventures while staying rooted in service, and invites listeners to join the Builders of a Better World movement by living from their truest sense of self and co...

Host Ashlieya introduces Builders of a Better World and her book Audacious Authenticity: Building a Better World Is Building Inner Wealth, offering a potent overview of the movement’s core philosophy. She explores why there is no truly selfless act, how service and “selfish” self‑care are energetically reciprocal, and why building a better world must begin within. Listeners are invited into a science‑grounded, spiritually aware com...