Wide Open with Ashlyn Harris

In this episode, Ashlyn sits down and turns the mic on her friend, journalist and trailblazer Cari Champion for a candid conversation about carving out space for vulnerability, navigating the demands of a high-profile career, and her mission to amplify the voices of Black women. Cari shares the importance of self belief and representation in a world that often overlooks the power and resilience of marginalized communities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ashlyn sits down with soccer legend Briana Scurry for a conversation on the realities of what mental health looks like off the field. From Olympian to ‘99er and beyond, Briana has been an advocate for marginalized groups her whole life– even after a shock concussion ended her season, and her career. She talks to Ashlyn about the long journey back to finding herself, and the monumental success she’s had along the way.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Ashlyn talks to organizational psychologist, author, and “Mr. Facts” himself, Adam Grant. From topping bestseller charts, to getting cut from his middle school soccer team, Adam’s gotten to know the ins and outs of why we tick the way we tick. He and Ashlyn talk about the difference between getting it right and being right and hyping up your past self – and digress into talking about high school rivalries, the Tarheels, and Robinhood: Men in Tights.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Ashlyn talks to the GWOAT herself: boxer Claressa Shields. Besides holding two Olympic gold medals, Claressa is the only boxer in history to hold all four major world boxing titles in three weight classes. But growing up in Flint, Michigan, all odds were against her success. Claressa tells Ashlyn how she persevered, a story so moving that it was turned into the 2024 film, The Fire Inside.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today’s episode, Ashlyn talks shop with multi-media journalist, host, and women’s sports and culture amplifier Arielle Chambers. The two bond over their shared love of North Carolina and the power of telling women’s stories. Ari explains what it was like to grow up next to the game, and what made her realize she needed to stay.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ashlyn sits down with actress Skye Marshall just in time for the finale of her Critics’ Choice-nominated turn in CBS’ “Matlock.” Skye gets candid, sharing the life experiences that built her career— from prom queen to boot camp, vision boards to farting crystals— and the constants we’ll carry with us forever: moms, dreams, and memories.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ashlyn sits down with Samantha Barry, Global Editorial Director and Editor-in-Chief of Glamour Magazine. From the highs and lows of reporting in Papua New Guinea, to secret Santa suits and embracing the vulnerability that allows us to ask the questions we need to answer, Sam and Ashlyn discuss how where you come from never really leaves you– no matter how far from home you get.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Ashlyn manages to wrangle the ever-busy, ever-industrious Billie Jean King for a chat. The two reminisce about their early sports days and how athletics shaped them into the people they are today. Billie paints a picture of the pre-Title IX world and the many decades of hard work she’s put in to change the landscape of women’s sports. Plus, we hear about Billie’s ongoing relationship with her body, sexuality, and legacy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The loud, authentic, and delightful Carolyn Wiger gets vulnerable with Ashlyn this week. Coming off of her iconic run on season three of The Traitors, Carolyn shares a side of herself that audiences didn’t see on camera. She tells Ashlyn about her history with drug and alcohol addiction and why finding her true self was a huge part of getting sober. They also discuss why it was important to Carolyn to bring that unapologetic self to TV on Survivor and what it’s been like now that millions of people know and love her, quirks and all.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ashlyn catches Flau’jae Johnson– the 21-year-old LSU Tigers star, rapper, and all around business woman– on her way back from basketball practice. Flau’jae gets real about growing up watching her mom fight hard against the grain, making her own way as a rapper and an athlete, and making a life for herself and her family at such a young age. She and Ashlyn talk Momagers, being exceptional, and doing everything– sort of.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Ashlyn gets deep with RaeShanda Lias, a Kentucky-based fashion entrepreneur, content creator, and author. RaeShanda talks about her winding journey to success and how traumatic experiences built her into the woman, business owner, and mother she is today. Ashlyn and RaeShanda reflect on the joys and challenges of motherhood, the complexities of being queer, and living out divorces in the public eye.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ashlyn talks to Blakely Thornton—famed Scorpio and pop culture anthropologist. Together, they dissect homophobic homoerotic spaces, standing ten toes down on the internet, and being proud aunts to A-list celebrities. From Blakely’s past as a closeted college football player, to his current career on TikTok, TV, and beyond, they get honest about seeing past peoples’ false fronts and getting to the heart of what you need in an honest relationship– whether online, in person, or through a screen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ashlyn talks to international fitness evangelist and motivational coach Angela Manuel-Davis. Angela is about to release an album of her motivational speeches set to beats, but until then she tells Ashlyn about the moments in her life that taught her how powerful she really is. Angela talks about what she learned from her father who was a professional athlete and coach, how she erased the shame of getting divorced at an early age, and how she persevered through postpartum depression. She recounts the labor of love that was coaching students at SoulCycle, where Kerry Washington, Davis Beckham, and Beyoncé were among her devotees. And most importantly, Angela and Ashlyn discuss how to take care of yourself while being dedicated to serving others.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today’s episode, Ashlyn talks to relationship coach, teacher, podcaster, and writer Jillian Turecki about her new book It Begins With YOU. Jillian breaks down the nine hard truths about love that form the backbone of her practice and breaks down her own life story as it relates to her work. The two chat about prioritizing their own needs, finding empathy in their relationships, and evolving to be the best version of themselves.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ashlyn catches up with journalist, artist, author, and long time friend Brooke Baldwin. They talk about the mental health journey Brooke went on after leaving her job as an anchor at CNN and separating from her ex-husband. Brooke discusses the steps she took to get back to what she really loved after years of deprioritizing her own wants and needs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ashlyn sits down with reality TV personality, former pro football player, and good friend, Colton Underwood. Colton surprised audiences in 2021 when he came out as gay after appearing on three seasons of The Bachelor. With Ashlyn, he talks through the process of accepting his sexuality, from being a closeted football player in locker rooms, to trying to find a wife on national television, to eventually choosing a better life and opening himself to love, marriage, and fatherhood.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ashlyn sits down with former USMNT goalkeeper and soccer legend, Tim Howard. Tim takes us through his life and career from his Tourette’s diagnosis, to living an ocean away from his family, to trying to make an impact in this new chapter of his life. And he asks the important question: what do you want your legacy to be?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Wide Open with Ashlyn Harris” invites guests and listeners alike to open up, share their struggles and triumphs, and explore how being wide open—both on the field and in life—leads to personal and professional growth. Each episode, Ashlyn Harris leads an unfiltered conversation with an influential figure from sports, entertainment, fashion, music, or politics. Ashlyn’s unique blend of candor, vulnerability, and boldness allows guests to share the moments that shaped them and the challenges they’ve faced behind the scenes. In sports, “wide open” signifies a moment of readiness, awareness, and opportunity to make an impact. In the real world, it reflects vulnerability, honesty, and courage to face challenges with authenticity. On this podcast, “wide open” means seizing opportunities, breaking down barriers, and embracing one’s true self. Episode 1 launches next week on January 27th. We can't wait to see you there. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.