Episode 63

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Published on:

21st Aug 2025

Your Mind Will Hold You Back—If You Let It: Dr. Ashley Smith on Anxiety, Happiness & Living Boldly

What if the biggest thing holding you back... was your own mind?

In this deeply moving and eye-opening episode, psychologist, speaker, and author Dr. Ashley Smith shares her personal journey of navigating a rare degenerative eye condition that left her legally blind—and how she used that adversity to unlock a life of boldness, joy, and true psychological strength.

We explore the science behind anxiety, limiting beliefs, and why your brain is wired to keep you stuck—and what to do about it. Ashley breaks down how thoughts shape reality, the real reason happiness doesn’t come from outside success, and how to build self-compassion and resilience in a world that constantly pushes fear and perfection.

Whether you're feeling stuck in self-doubt or seeking a deeper understanding of happiness and human strength, this episode will leave you inspired—and equipped—to live more boldly from the inside out.

CONTACT DR. ASHLEY:

Website: www.drashleysmith.com

Grab the book:

Author of The Way I See It: A Psychologist's Guide to a Happier Life, available in paperback, kindle, and audio

Watch Dr. Ashley's TEDx talk: Your Brain is Deceiving You


CHAPTERS:

Boost Your Courage & Happiness: Insights from Dr. Ashley Smith


Join us in this enlightening episode with Dr. Ashley Smith, a licensed psychologist, speaker, author, and co-founder of Peak Mind, the Center for Psychological Strength. Dr. Ashley, who was born with a rare visual impairment, shares her personal journey of overcoming anxiety, building resilience, and living a bold life. Discover how she blends brain science, storytelling, and practical tools to help individuals reclaim their inner strength. Learn about the importance of self-compassion, facing fear, and leveraging positive psychology to live more fulfilled lives. This episode is packed with valuable insights and practical tips—don't miss it!


00:00 Introduction: Facing Your Fears

00:19 Meet Dr. Ashley: Science and Soul

01:42 Dr. Ashley's Personal Journey

02:06 Understanding Anxiety and the Mind

02:58 Living Boldly Despite Challenges

18:29 The Power of Self-Compassion

22:43 Building Courage and Openness

24:02 Shifting Language and Building Tolerance

24:56 Resilience and Expanding Possibilities

25:51 Acceptance and Role Models

27:58 Living Boldly and Taking Risks

29:10 Positive Psychology and Happiness

30:34 The Science of Happiness

33:40 Misconceptions About Happiness

41:21 Choosing Hope and Kindness

48:38 Mastering Your Mind

49:48 Connecting and Final Thoughts


ADDITIONAL RESOURCES (FREE):

- Core Happiness Website: www.corehappiness.com

- Core Happiness Meditations & Affirmations on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCq8USp4HgCQ_lMoiogO7tUw


FOLLOW US:

- Instagram: @CoreHappiness and @TheClarityConsultant

- Youtube: @CoreHappiness ​

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About the Podcast

Core Happiness
Creating a Happy Life Starts from Within
The Core Happiness™ podcast is geared towards inspiring listeners to become more mindful, gain clarity, and learn science based tips that will empower them to live their best lives while achieving personal and professional goals. Hosted by Master Certified Mindset & Positive Psychology Coach, Kacee Banks, each episode is crafted to send the message to listeners that they are not alone by sharing resources, tools, stories and experiences to encourage personal awareness and growth.

Core Happiness™ is a place for learning, experiencing, inspiration, motivation, and awareness reminders. Free of judgment and negativity. The belief behind Core Happiness™ is that we can live a life full of happiness, love, peace and abundance if we nourish ourselves with those things. Once you begin to become self-aware and use the aid of others to nourish your soul with positivity, love, hope and inspiration you will find your inner self growing more empowered, confident, motivated, and gaining inner and strength, all of which is then reflects externally to the world, your world. This podcast is to serve as inspiration and motivation to create a happy life by creating happiness within. Additional resources and support can be found at www.corehappiness.com.

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Disclaimer:
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or a crisis, please reach out immediately to the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741. These services are free and confidential.

About your host

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Kacee Banks

Kacee Banks is a Certified Master Mindset & Transformation Coach specializing in Positive Psychology. Her passion is to help clients during life transitions, empowering them to be their best and most authentic selves. Over the last ten years, Kacee has completed her Positive Psychology Specialization from UPenn, dual master certifications in life coaching, and established Core Happiness™, LLC.