In this closing episode of Season 2, Dr. Patti Ashley explores the powerful concept of liminal space—those in-between moments when life feels uncertain, undefined, and unresolved. Whether it’s transitions in relationships, career changes, grief and loss, or personal growth, these spaces can feel uncomfortable, yet they are essential for emotional healing and transformation.

Using the metaphor of the caterpillar in the chrysalis, Patti reflects on the importance of allowing ourselves to “sit in the goo” rather than rushing toward answers. She shares personal insights about navigating uncertainty, coping with life transitions, and learning how to be still, trust the process, and connect with your inner self—even when clarity isn’t yet available.

This episode also revisits highlights from Season 2, including conversations on attachment trauma, body image healing, addiction recovery, resilience, grief support, dream work, and mental health. Patti reflects on the deeper purpose of The Inner Space Project: helping us better understand our emotional world, build self-awareness, and reconnect with the parts of ourselves we were often taught to ignore or suppress.

As she stands in her own liminal space between seasons, Patti opens up about the future of the podcast, the challenges of sustaining meaningful mental health content, and her hope to continue creating a space for healing, authenticity, and deeper human connection.

✨ A heartfelt invitation to slow down, turn inward, and honor the sacred in-between.

In this powerful “Endings” episode of The Inner Space Project, Dr. Patti Ashley sits down with psychologist and CEO of Judy’s House, Micki Burns, to explore the profound impact of grief—especially in children—and how we can better support those navigating loss.

Micki shares the mission of Judy’s House and the JAG Institute, which provide free, research-informed care to grieving children and families. Drawing from both professional expertise and personal loss, she highlights the critical importance of addressing grief early and compassionately.

The conversation dives into eye-opening research, including the statistic that 1 in 11 children will experience the death of a parent or sibling before age 18, and discusses how unaddressed grief can have lasting effects. Patti and Micki also offer practical, meaningful ways to support grieving individuals—moving beyond “let me know what you need” to intentional, concrete acts of care.

Together, they explore the emotional landscape of grief, challenging the idea of “stages” as linear and emphasizing the importance of allowing the full spectrum of emotions without judgment. The episode also touches on how to talk to children about death with honesty and clarity, avoiding confusing euphemisms and supporting their developmental understanding.

Ultimately, this episode is a heartfelt invitation to become more compassionate, present, and courageous in the face of grief—reminding us that while we cannot fix loss, we can walk alongside one another through it.

For information about Micki and Judi's House https://judishouse.org

For information about Dr Patti

https://www.pattiashley.com

In this episode of the Inner Space Project podcast, Dr. Patti Ashley interviews Christian Austin, whose life journey from a chaotic childhood filled with trauma, addiction, and incarceration to recovery and academic success serves as a powerful testament to resilience. Christian shares his experiences with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), the role of music in his healing process, and the importance of agency in overcoming adversity. The conversation delves into the impact of shame, the significance of mental health awareness, and the exploration of inner space as a means to foster emotional literacy and personal growth.

Christian is a writer, musician, and speaker who spent much of his early life in chaos-including over a decade behind bars and almost two decades addicted to heroin. Today, he holds a master's degree from Cambridge University and speaks openly about trauma, recover, and resilience. His work bridges the gap between lived experience and public understanding drawing from a life shaped by both systemic neglect and fierce personal transformation.

For more information about Christian and his book-

https://www.christianaustin.org

Former information about Dr Patti --

https://pattiashley.com