I’m pulling back the curtain on design, resilience, and entrepreneurship. Expect real talk, refined tips, and just the right mix of polish and personality. So pour something sweet and join me for a thoughtful conversation, with a generous helping of Charm & Circumstance.
I’m pulling back the curtain on design, resilience, and entrepreneurship. Expect real talk, refined tips, and just the right mix of polish and personality. So pour something sweet and join me for a thoughtful conversation, with a generous helping of Charm & Circumstance.
Before we dive into goal-setting, vision boards, and what’s next for the new year, I’m pausing for a quiet, meaningful look back.
In this episode, I’m reflecting on the past twelve months -what we created, how we grew, the unexpected lessons, and the moments that mattered most. From beautiful client projects and studio milestones to the quieter personal shifts, I’m sharing what I’m most grateful for as we close out the year.
Whether you’re a client, listener, design lover, or friend of the studio - thank you for being here. Let’s wrap up this year with clarity and gratitude.
In this episode:
Next up: What’s ahead for 2026 and how we’re designing for it!
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
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 RodriguezFollow & Support Ariana’s journey and advocacy work at:
On Instagram:
🎧 Connect with Ashley as well as Charm & CircumstanceFollow along for more conversations on design, purpose, and personal growth: 🌿 Instagram: @charm_and_circumstance
🏡 Learn more about Ashley’s design work Ashley Morgan Interiors
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
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
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
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
🀄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
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
In this heartfelt episode of Charm & Circumstance, I’m joined by Madalyne Kinnett, Executive Director of Betty’s Brave & Beautiful Hearts Foundation. We dive into the foundation’s origin, the real impact of post-mastectomy care, and stories of resilience from women battling breast cancer. We also explore challenges, big dreams, and how you can get involved in this incredible mission.
What You’ll Learn- The touching story behind how Betty’s Brave & Beautiful Hearts was founded - born from a promise between mother and daughter.
- What makes post-mastectomy care kits so essential in bridging the gap between hospital care and healing at home.
- How the foundation selects, designs, and delivers support with compassion and understanding.
- Real challenges nonprofits face: funding, outreach, scaling, and awareness.
- Inspirational stories of women touched by the foundation’s work.
- How you, as a listener, can directly support: donate, volunteer, request help, or spread awareness.
- The foundation’s vision for growth and how partnerships can amplify impact.
Here’s how you can get involved:
➡️ Visit bettyshearts.org to donate, request a care kit, or volunteer.
➡️ Share this episode with anyone who could use encouragement or wants to support breast cancer causes.
➡️ Follow Betty’s Brave & Beautiful Hearts on Instagram @bettysbraveandbeautifulhearts to keep up with their work, stories, and events.
Networking doesn’t have to feel transactional - it can be the foundation for collaboration, friendship, and resilience.
In this episode, I sit down with a mentor and friend Jenna Schnabel Wedemeyer, co-owner of Schnabel Interiors, to talk about the power of connection in both design and life. We share the story of The Lexington Design Collective - a local group of interior designers who support one another daily - and why collaboration over competition has been such a gift in our careers.
We also open up about seasons of starting over - in careers, marriages, and moving - and how community, partnerships, and courage help us keep going when life takes unexpected turns.
This is a heartfelt, practical conversation about leaning on others, building networks that matter, and embracing the beauty of starting fresh.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- Jenna’s journey as co-owner of Schnabel Interiors
- Why networking matters in design (and how to make it less intimidating)
- How The Lexington Design Collective thrives on collaboration instead of competition
- Stories of “starting over” and the resilience required to begin again
- Practical ways to grow your network and partnerships this week
Let’s Connect:
If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend or colleague who could use inspiration to collaborate and connect.
➡️Subscribe so you never miss a new episode
➡️Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify — it helps others discover the show
➡️You can find and follow Jenna on Instagram @schnabelinteriors
➡️Follow me on Instagram @ashley_morgan_interiors for more behind-the-scenes + design conversations
Feeling tense, overwhelmed, or like you’re constantly “on”? You’re not alone — and the good news is, you can learn to manage stress in ways that actually fit your real life.
In this episode of Charm & Circumstance, I’m sharing simple, science-backed stress management strategies that help you feel calmer, clearer, and more in control — no spa weekend or month-long vacation required.
We’ll cover how to notice stress sooner, adjust your daily “inputs,” create quick resets throughout the day, and build your own personalized stress-relief menu. These tips are practical enough to try right away and powerful enough to make a real difference over time.
Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:
Loved this episode? ⭐️ Leave a 5-star review — it helps others discover the show 📲 Send this to a friend who’s been feeling stressed 💌 DM me your biggest takeaway from today’s episode
If Monday mornings always feel rushed and chaotic, it might be because you’re skipping one of the most powerful habits for a calm and productive week — a Sunday reset routine.
In this episode of Charm & Circumstance, I’m walking you through my exact Sunday planning ritual — the Sunday Setup — that helps me start each week feeling organized, intentional, and even a little excited.
Whether you’re looking for a weekly planning routine, a Sunday self-care ritual, or simple productivity tips, this episode will help you create a rhythm that works for you — no overwhelm required.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Perfect For You If…
Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:
Loved this episode? ⭐️ Leave a 5-star review — it helps others discover the show 📲 Share this with a friend who’s building their own Sunday routine 💌 DM me your favorite takeaway from today’s episode
Scroll to the bottom for an added bonus!! 🎁
Want to know how to make your home look stylish, polished, and expensive — without a renovation or a huge budget? In this episode of Charm & Circumstance, I’m sharing five easy interior design tips that will instantly elevate any room.
Whether you’re decorating a small apartment, styling your living room, or refreshing your bedroom, these budget-friendly home decor ideas will help you create a space that feels intentional and inviting. .
Perfect For You If…
Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:
Loved this episode? ⭐️ Leave a review — it helps the podcast grow!! 📲 Share this with a friend who loves decorating 💌 DM me your favorite takeaway from today’s tips
Designing a beautiful home is part inspiration, part intuition—and a lot of intentional decision-making. In today’s episode, Ashley, along with her friend and fellow designer, Alexis Frost Huff, pull back the curtain on the most common design mistakes they see (even in luxury homes!) and offers clear, timeless tips to avoid them.
Whether you’re working with a designer, decorating on your own, or dreaming up your next renovation, this episode is packed with practical advice from two seasoned experts. From scale and layout to color and lighting, you’ll leave with a fresh perspective—and a few “aha” moments that just might change how you see your space.
If you’ve ever looked around your home and thought something feels off—this one’s for you.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:The #1 mistake homeowners make when choosing paint colors
How improper furniture scale can throw off an entire room
Why lighting is the most overlooked (and most important) element in design
The design “trend traps” to avoid if you want a timeless home
How to avoid the “matchy-matchy” mistake and create layered visual interest
The importance of negative space (and why more isn’t always better)
Great design isn’t about perfection—it’s about balance, beauty, and function. And a few smart choices can elevate your home in ways that truly reflect your lifestyle and personality.
Resources Mentioned:AMI’s monthly newsletter: The Monthly Install
Episode 8: Lighting 101: Ambiance, Layers, and Luxury
📬 Subscribe to the Monthly Insider newsletter for design tips & behind-the-scenes glimpses 🤍 Follow Ashley Morgan Interiors
✨ Because creating a well-designed home isn’t just about what you put in it—it’s about what you choose to leave out.
In this special milestone episode (yes, we're counting 10 as a milestone!), Ashley opens the pages of her personal reading life and shares the 10 books that have shaped her most—spiritually, professionally, and personally. These are the titles she returns to in seasons of growth, grief, transition, and reinvention.
From books that challenged her to dream bigger to those that offered rest, perspective, and emotional clarity, this episode is a curated journey through wisdom that lasts. If you're looking for inspiration, encouragement, or your next great read, this list is for you.
Whether you’re navigating motherhood, midlife, entrepreneurship—or simply searching for deeper meaning—these books offer something timeless: truth told beautifully.
In This Episode, You’ll Hear:📚 Download the full printable reading list: Top 10 Books 📬 Subscribe to the Monthly Install for more design + life inspiration 📖 Read Ashley's design blog: Ashley Morgan Interiors Blog
Let’s Stay Connected:If one of these books has shaped you, I’d love to hear about it. Message me on Instagram or tag the show @Charm_And_Circumstance to join the conversation 🤍
In a world that celebrates busyness and productivity, rest often feels like a luxury - or even a guilty pleasure. But what if rest wasn’t a reward, but a rhythm?
In today’s episode, Ashley shares how she’s reshaped her weekends to include more intention, slower pace, and space to breathe. From family rituals and boundary-setting to creating margin for reflection, she unpacks the practices that help her feel centered and restored before a new week begins.
Whether you’re navigating motherhood, entrepreneurship, or simply craving more balance in your life, this episode offers both inspiration and actionable ideas for reclaiming your weekends as a time of purposeful rest- not just a pause between obligations.
In This Episode, You’ll Hear:
Rest doesn’t have to mean doing nothing—it can be a proactive way to reset, reflect, and return to your life with more clarity, presence, and joy. Give yourself permission to slow down.
🎧 Tune in, and let this be the invitation you need to embrace rest with intention. 👉 Listen now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 💌 Subscribe to the Monthly Install for Ashley’s favorite rituals, reflections, and design inspiration.
Welcome to Charm & Circumstance! In this episode, Ashley shines a spotlight (pun intended) on one of the most transformative yet underestimated elements of interior design: lighting. From the golden glow of a cordless lamp to the subtle elegance of picture lights, lighting is more than just illumination—it's emotion, atmosphere, and elegance rolled into one.
In this episode, we cover:
Whether you're refreshing a room or rethinking your entire home, this episode will help you see lighting in a whole new… light.
🛋️ Mentioned in this episode:
👉 Be sure to follow @ashley_morgan_interiors and @charm_and_circumstance on Instagram for more tips and behind-the-scenes footage.
💌 Subscribe to The Monthly Install for more design insights straight to your inbox.
In a world of mass production and instant gratification, what makes something worth waiting for? In this episode, Ashley dives into the world of custom design—why bespoke matters, how it elevates a home, and why one-of-a-kind pieces aren’t just beautiful, but deeply personal.
From the craftsmanship behind custom furnishings to how Ashley Morgan Interiors creates tailored pieces that reflect our clients' lifestyles, Ashley pulls back the curtain on the timeless allure of going custom. Plus, she shares real-life examples of how thoughtfully made items transform both space and spirit.
In this episode, Ashley explores:
If you’ve ever craved a piece that feels made just for you—this episode is for you.
Follow Ashley on Instagram: Ashley Morgan Interiors
Follow Charm & Circumstance on Instagram: Charm & Circumstance
Work with AMI: https://www.ashleymorgan-interiors.com
In this episode of Charm & Circumstance, Ashley sits down with her dear friend Julie to explore how small, intentional daily rituals can shift our mood, mindset, and the way we move through the world. Together, they talk about the power of tiny joys, what makes a ritual different from a routine, and why these sacred little moments matter—especially in midlife.
Whether you’re craving more calm, more connection, or simply a reason to slow down and savor life, this episode will meet you right where you are.
In this conversation, they cover:This isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. And it’s a conversation you won’t want to miss.
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🛍️Ada & Lo