Charm & Circumstance

26. Community & the Power of Justice with Judge Lindsay Thurston

In this compelling and deeply grounded conversation, Ashley sits down with Judge Lindsay Hughes Thurston - a respected Kentucky district judge, community advocate, and woman of unwavering conviction - to explore the impact of justice beyond the courtroom and into everyday life.
Together, they unpack what it means to serve people well, how law shapes community, and why compassion and accountability must coexist for true progress to be possible.
Judge Thurston shares wisdom gleaned from years on the bench, insight into the responsibility of judicial power, and the often-unseen emotional and ethical weight that comes with serving the public through law. She reminds us that justice is more than a ruling - it’s human, relational, and rooted in community.
This episode will leave you thinking differently about conflict, equality, public service, and the dignity of every person who stands before the court.
🔹 In this episode, we discuss:
The vital connection between community and justice
The responsibility of leadership in public service
What fairness really looks like in legal practice
Why compassion and accountability are not opposites
The power of representation and women in law
How the courtroom mirrors - and shapes - society
🔹 Guest Bio
Judge Lindsay Hughes Thurston serves as District Judge for Fayette County, Kentucky. She is known for her clear-minded grace, commitment to fairness, and ability to blend strength with empathy in a way that elevates the people and systems she leads. Her work reflects a deep belief in dignity, responsibility, and the transformational power of justice done well. She is the co-founder of the Fayette County Juvenile Treatment Court.
🔹 Episode Quote
“Seeing those people come in on their first day and comparing it to their last day, at (Drug Court) graduation, where they have purchased their first home, where they have gotten their kids back, where they are now in a management role at work...that's why I know if you invest in people and you build them up instead of pushing them down, people can make changes.”

25. Look Up: Why Your Ceiling Deserves More Credit

In this episode, we’re looking up - literally. The ceiling, often dubbed “the fifth wall,” is one of the most overlooked design elements in any home. But what if treating it like a blank canvas could completely transform a space?
I’m sharing why the ceiling deserves your attention, how I recently wallpapered mine (yes, really), and some favorite tricks to bring this forgotten surface into the design spotlight. From bold paint and wallpaper to statement lighting and texture, this episode is all about helping you see your space from a whole new angle - up.
In This Episode, You'll Learn:
- Why ceilings are often ignored and why they shouldn’t be
- How to use paint, wallpaper, and paneling to create impact overhead- Where to start if you're ceiling-shy (hint: small rooms = big opportunity)- My personal experience wallpapering a ceiling (and living to tell the tale)
- Tips to make ceiling design approachable and impactful
Resources & Links:
- Subscribe now for the December issue of The Monthly Install - See photos of my wallpapered ceiling (and more!) @ashley_morgan_interiors

24. The Challenges & Growth of Leadership

In this episode of Charm & Circumstance, Ashley sits down with her longtime friend and community leader, Kelli Parmley, to talk about the joys and challenges of leadership. From her decades of service at the Lexington Public Library to her roles in the Junior League of Lexington, Honor Flight Kentucky, and countless boards and committees, Kelli’s story reflects a lifetime of saying “yes” to leading and serving.
Together, Ashley and Kelli unpack what leadership really looks like - the weight of responsibility, the moments of doubt, and the growth that comes through showing up even when it’s hard. They also highlight the unexpected joys: friendships forged, programs launched, and communities strengthened.
Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just considering your first step into community involvement, this conversation will encourage you to see leadership not as a burden, but as a pathway to deeper purpose, connection, and growth.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✨The spark that first drew Kelli into leadership roles.✨The challenges and sacrifices that come with leading in both professional and volunteer spaces.
✨The rewarding outcomes that make the hard work worthwhile.
✨How leadership shapes us into stronger, wiser, more empathetic people.
✨Practical advice for listeners ready to step into leadership in their own communities.
 
Connect with Ashley:
Instagram: @ashley_morgan_interiors
Website: ashleymorganinteriors.com

23. From Foster Care to the Crown: A Conversation with Miss Kentucky

In this inspiring episode of Charm & Circumstance, host Ashley Bruggeman sits down with Miss Kentucky 2025, Ariana Rodriguez - the first former foster youth to place in the Top 11 at the Miss America pageant and the first to hold the Miss Kentucky title.
Ariana’s story is one of resilience, faith, and fierce determination. From her early years in Kentucky’s foster care system to the national stage, she’s defied every expectation and turned her experiences into a mission for change.
Together, Ashley and Ariana discuss:
🌿 Growing up in the foster care system and how it shaped her sense of identity and strength👑 The contrast between life in foster care and the pageant world - and how both shaped her resilience
💬 The pressure, purpose, and empowerment that come with the Miss America platform💡 The changes Ariana hopes to see in the foster care system - and how she’s using her crown to make a difference
This conversation is a powerful reminder that beauty and purpose can coexist - and that grace often grows from the hardest places.
🎧 Listen now to hear how Ariana’s story is transforming hearts, minds, and systems - one voice at a time. You do not want to miss this incredible conversation!!
💬 Connect with Ariana Rodriguez
Follow & Support Ariana’s journey and advocacy work at:
💚 The Lucky Ones
 
On Instagram:
⭐@_arianamae
👑@missamericaky
🎧 Connect with Ashley as well as Charm & Circumstance
Follow along for more conversations on design, purpose, and personal growth: 🌿 Instagram: @charm_and_circumstance
🏡 Learn more about Ashley’s design work Ashley Morgan Interiors

22. Creating Boundaries That Protect Your Energy

Boundaries are not selfish - they’re essential. But creating them (and sticking to them) can feel especially hard when you’re juggling motherhood, marriage, leadership, and a public-facing career.
In this episode, I sit down with my amazing friend Judge Traci Brislin, who serves in the 22nd Judicial Circuit, Division 2, as a Family Court Judge. Together, we talk about what it looks like to set boundaries in every area of life - from balancing family and marriage with public service, to campaigning for office, to leading in the courtroom.
Judge Brislin also shares what she sees daily in Family Court when boundaries fail - and how stronger personal boundaries could prevent much of the conflict she witnesses.
This is a heartfelt and practical conversation on protecting your energy so you can show up fully where it matters most.
 
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- How Judge Brislin balances motherhood, marriage, and leadership
- The role boundaries played in her campaign and now in public service
- Why failing to set healthy boundaries leads to conflict in families and relationships
- Practical ways to set boundaries without guilt
- How protecting your energy allows you to serve others better
 
Episode Highlights:
- Judge Brislin’s path to Family Court
- Lessons on boundaries from running for office
- Balancing family and marriage while serving in such a public capacity
- Boundaries and leadership: how to protect your energy
- What boundary failures look like in Family Court
- Practical advice for women learning to say “no”
- How she personally recharges and resets
 
Let’s Connect:
If today’s episode resonated with you, share it with a friend who needs encouragement in creating healthier boundaries.
- Subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes
- Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify — it helps more people discover the show (click "go to show" and scroll to the bottom)
- Follow me on Instagram @ashley_morgan_interiors for behind-the-scenes + daily inspiration

21. How to Build a Whole-Home Color Story

 One of the most common design mistakes homeowners make is treating every room like its own world - different colors, different moods, no clear connection. The result? A home that feels disjointed instead of intentional.
In this episode, I'm walking you through the process we use at Ashley Morgan Interiors to create a whole-home color story - a palette that flows gracefully from room to room, balancing harmony, individuality, and surprise.
From defining your base palette to understanding undertones, layering variations, and weaving in that unexpected “signature note,” you’ll learn how to use color as a storytelling tool that shapes not just how your home looks, but how it feels.
Whether you’re designing your forever home, refreshing a few rooms, or simply craving more cohesion, this conversation will leave you inspired to look at your home through a new lens - one that celebrates connection, emotion, and timeless design.
In this episode, Ashley shares:
- The most common mistake people make when choosing color- How to define a base palette that sets the tone for your entire home- Why undertones matter more than you think
- How to create flow through subtle color variations- The secret to adding personality through one unexpected “signature” hue
- Real examples from AMI projects that demonstrate color harmony in action
Mentioned in this episode: 🖤 Ashley Morgan Interiors - Full-service luxury interior design for new builds, renovations, and bespoke furnishings. 🎨 Schedule a complimentary consultation to discuss your project.
📱Follow us on Instagram at Ashley_Morgan_Interiors

20. My Fight for Control and How It Landed Me in Guantanamo Bay

Do you love to have control? How much? Enough to realize it's a problem?
What started as a simple trip to visit my brother stationed with the Navy quickly turned into a week-long lesson in total surrender. With full flights, no authority to move myself up the list, and no way out until a C-130 refueling mission, I found myself facing the ultimate masterclass in letting go.
This story is proof that God often uses unlikely circumstances to grow our trust, strip away our illusion of control, and remind us that His timing is always better than ours.
What You’ll Get Out of This Episode:
➡️Why the desire for control feels natural but rarely serves us.
➡️A reminder of how prayer for growth can be answered in unexpected (and uncomfortable) ways.➡️The spiritual lessons of waiting, surrender, and trust.
➡️Why sometimes God places us in situations where our only option is to rely on Him.
Connect with Ashley:
On Instagram @ashleymorganinteriors
Or at ashleymorganinteriors.com
 

19. Balancing Motherhood, Her Role in the State Senate, and AI with Senator Amanda Mays Bledsoe

What does it really take to balance raising a family, serving in the Kentucky State Senate, and helping shape the future of technology in our state?
In this inspiring episode, I sit down with my close friend State Senator Amanda Mays Bledsoe to talk about her journey in public service, the challenges and joys of balancing motherhood with politics, and her leadership role on the Kentucky AI Task Force.
Senator Bledsoe shares candid insights about life in the Senate, how she manages family time in the middle of busy legislative sessions, and why she believes Kentucky has a unique opportunity to lead in the world of AI innovation.
Whether you’re curious about leadership, family balance, or the future of technology, this conversation will leave you feeling informed and inspired.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- The realities of balancing motherhood with a political career
- Behind-the-scenes insights into working in the Kentucky State Senate
- What the Kentucky AI Task Force is and why it matters
- The opportunities and challenges AI presents for Kentucky families and jobs
- How Senator Bledsoe manages stress and maintains perspective in leadership
Episode Highlights:
- Senator Bledsoe’s journey into politics and public service
- Balancing family responsibilities with legislative work
- Insights into the culture and collaboration in the Kentucky Senate
- The goals of the Kentucky AI Task Force
- Opportunities and risks of AI in education and the workforce
- Personal routines that help her manage stress
- Advice for women - especially moms - who want to step into leadership
- Her hopes for the future of Kentucky
Let’s Connect:➡️If you loved this episode, share it with a friend or colleague who’d be inspired by Senator Bledsoe’s story.
➡️You can learn more about Sen. Bledsoe and subscribe to her newsletter at amandamaysbledsoe.com
➡️Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify — it really helps others find the show
➡️Follow me on Instagram @ashley_morgan_interiors for behind-the-scenes and daily inspiration

18. The Mahjong Tablescape

🀄Mahjong isn’t just a game - it’s an experience. And like any great gathering, the setting matters.
In this episode of Charm & Circumstance, I share how to create a Mahjong tablescape that feels chic, fun, and welcoming. From color palettes inspired by the tiles, to lighting, snacks, and little luxe details, you’ll be inspired to transform an ordinary game night into a stylish tradition.
Whether you’re playing weekly with friends or hosting a special evening, this episode will give you the ideas to elevate your Mahjong nights with beauty and intention.
 
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
🀄 How to choose a color palette or theme for your Mahjong table
🀄 Tips for styling with tableware and lighting
🀄 The best snacks and drinks that won’t interfere with gameplay
🀄 Little details that make the night feel luxe and personal
 
➡️ Go download the recipe for the Mahjong Mule 🀄
 
Let’s Connect:
If you loved this episode, share it with your Mahjong crew and let’s inspire a whole new wave of game-night glamour.
➡️ Subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes
➡️ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify — it helps more listeners find the show
➡️ Follow me on Instagram @ashley_morgan_interiors for behind-the-scenes design + inspiration
 

17. Creating a Low-Cortisol Bedroom

Your bedroom should be your sanctuary - but for many of us, it’s a stress zone full of clutter, screens, and restless nights. In this episode, we explore how to create a low-cortisol bedroom that lowers stress hormones, supports deep rest, and helps you wake up truly refreshed.
We’ll cover the science of cortisol, why it disrupts sleep, and practical steps you can take to transform your room into a calm, restorative space.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- The connection between cortisol and sleep quality- How clutter, light, noise, and even temperature impact your stress levels- 7 practical ways to design a bedroom that lowers cortisol- A 2-minute bedtime reset exercise you can do tonight- Why small, consistent changes make the biggest difference
🎁And there's a BONUS downloadable pdf for you listing out each of the steps covered in this episode.
 
Episode Highlights:
- Why cortisol should be high in the morning, not at night- The hidden stressors in your bedroom you might be overlooking- 7 steps to a cortisol-friendly sleep environment- A guided mini reset before bed- One simple challenge to start this week
Resources & Tools Mentioned:
➡️An old school alarm clock: Order it Here
➡️Blackout curtains or sleep masks for light control➡️White noise machines / sleep apps➡️Calming scents like lavender, chamomile, sandalwood➡️Habit: Charge your phone outside the bedroom
💬 Let’s Connect: If this episode helped you, share it with someone who could use better sleep and less stress.
- Subscribe so you never miss an episode- Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify - it really helps others find the show- Follow me on Instagram @ashley_morgan_interiors