Q&A with Andrea Ashley, Creator of the Adult Child Podcast

Woman in Recovery, Daughter, Cat Mom, Friend, Bravo TV Addict, Sports Super Fan –  

Andrea Ashley, former CPA turned podcast host & producer. She grew up outside of Philadelphia in an alcoholic household. Andrea turned to drugs and alcohol herself at the age of 12. After years in and out rehabs and boarding schools, she was granted the gift of sobriety at the age of 19 and celebrated 13 years of continuous sobriety this past September.

In 2018 and 9 years of sobriety, Andrea had her “second great surrender” and came to terms with the true impact her dysfunctional upbringing had on her. This bottom and the subsequent healing work led her to launch Adult Child in March of 2021. The podcast is a deep dive into the impact of growing up in a dysfunctional family – with topics including addiction, codependency, and complex trauma. Andrea describes the podcast as “vulnerable and filterless conversations of depth and meaning, with a healthy dose of humor and self-mockery.”

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/adult-child/id1552579027

https://open.spotify.com/show/4T65uJfo4skTLkpcHYyw9

khttps://www.instagram.com/adultchildpod/


Q. If you are in recovery, what was your DOC and when did you discontinue its use?
A. Hard liquor & benzos. But considering I was a teenager (and beggars can’t be choosers..), I took whatever I could get my hands on – cough syrup, Benadryl, mouthwash, cooking wine. I just celebrated 13 years of sobriety in September.

Q. Do you believe artists are made or born?
A. Both – I believe we are all born with artistic skills, and it is our life experiences that shape how we express it. 

Q. What is your preferred form of artistic expression?
A. Storytelling 

Q. What is your biggest or littlest pet peeve?
A. People chewing gum with their mouth open – gross. 

Q. How do you measure success?
A. Personal fulfillment and the impact I’m having on the world around me. 

Q. Who was your biggest influence throughout your life?
A. My parents – both positively and negatively.

Q. What prominent fe/male figure would you most like to date?
A. Dating a prominent figure sounds stressful!

Q. What is your favorite: TV/cable/digital series?
A. The Real Housewives (all cities) and proud to admit it.

Q. What is your favorite: Band/composer/musical artist?
A. Billy Joel – don’t judge me. 

Q. What is your favorite: Cuisine?
A. Anything involving carbs and/or cheese

Q. What is your favorite: Restaurant?
A. Bar Crudo in San Francisco

Q. What is your favorite city?
A. NYC

Q. Have you ever been arrested and, if so, what for?
A. Underage drinking and possession of drug paraphernalia 

Q. Do you have any children? Grandchildren?
A. Nope – but I’m ready to procreate! 

Q. Do you think addiction is an illness, a disease, a choice, or a wicked twist of fate?
A. A threefold disease of the body, mind, and soul. Were it a choice, I definitely would have avoided a lot of pain and suffering. 

Q. What are five things you always carry with you?
A. Phone, keys, wallet, emotional baggage and an attitude.

Q. What is your favorite concert venue?
A. The Fox Theater in Oakland

Q. Would you like to share a favorite quote?
A. “Where passion, purpose, and skill collide – true bliss resides.” – Amy Jo Martin

Q. What is the proudest moment in your life?
A. Launching my podcast (Adult Child). For years, I started many creative endeavors, but had been incapable of completing any of them. This podcast was the first creative project I took to the finish line, and has been the most amazing, yet surreal experience of my life. And I am truly humbled and blown away at the impact this is having on others (and hopefully on future generations to come).