Your Southern Lesbian

🌈51. Are people really doing the best they can—and if they are, what do we do with the harm they still cause? And is success always growth… or is it sometimes just a distraction from unhealed trauma?

These two questions triggered the bleep out of me this week—and I’m guessing I’m not alone.

In Episode 51 of Your Southern Lesbian, I’m unpacking two ideas that pulled me in opposite directions: one rooted in compassion and boundaries, inspired by Rising Strong by Brené Brown, and another sparked by a quote from coach Brian Yang that serious...

This week, Ashley digs into the #1 holiday mistake lesbians make in relationships: expecting your partner to magically know what you need without ever saying it. Silent agreements, childhood patterns, love languages, and holiday pressure all collide this time of year — and it’s easy to project your needs instead of communicating them.

We talk about why mind-reading expectations create resentment, how to actually choose partners aligned with your energy, and what to let go of as we wrap up the final days of 2025’s Year of the Snake.

Short, sharp, and holiday-ready — this episode is your rem...

Episode 48 of Your Southern Lesbian with Ashley Hydrick explores why letting go of old patterns, old identities, and the wrong versions of love isn’t a loss — it’s an act of faith. Ashley breaks down how clinging to familiar but unhealthy emotional habits can block clarity, connection, and healthier love as we move into 2025–2026.

If you’ve been feeling stuck, repeating cycles, or holding space for someone who can’t meet you where you are, this episode offers grounded, compassionate guidance on releasing what no longer supports the life you want.

Tell me where you’re liste...

This week on Your Southern Lesbian, host Ashley Hydrick dives deep into one of the biggest myths in breakup recovery: the idea that “time heals all wounds.”

If you’ve been replaying your breakup, obsessing over your ex, or waiting for time to magically do the work… this episode is your turning point.

Ashley breaks down:

• What healing actually is — a shift in perspective, not a countdown

• The truth about your shadow side and how it shapes your relationships

• How to stop attracting wound mates and start attracting alignment

• Why chao...

Ep. 2 WHERE DID ALL THE LESBIANS GO?

"In the early aughts, we had five lesbian bars to hit a week. Where did all the lesbians go now?"

Hey y'all, welcome to the second episode of "Your Southern Lesbian" podcast! In this lively and candid episode, Ashley, a proud Gen X lesbian, dives into the question that has been on everyone's mind: "Where Did All The Lesbians Go?" She reflects on the disappearing lesbian spaces of the early 2000s and discusses the current challenges of dating as a mature lesbian. Ashley explores the decline...

Ep.1 Introducing Your Southern Lesbian Channel, Podcast, and Community. This is meant to be a FUN way to connect to other lesbians both in your own backyard and around the world. We have the technology--why not?? :)

It's also meant to to be a resource for lesbians, their allies, and those questioning, or anyone who feels drawn here.

And Les be real...making and maintaining lesbian friendships and your sense of community gets tougher as we mature and grow wiser (I'm not sayin' older! ;) But what a cool thing to be able to chat in...

Main Topics:

Love Lies Bleeding Review:

Directed by Rose Glass.

Stars Kristen Stewart, Katy O'Brien, Ed Harris, and Dave Franco.

Similar vibe to "Bound" with campy macabre and great character building.

Kristen Stewart's performance and the film's representation of lesbians.

Community Feedback

Gratitude for audience engagement and responses.

How do y'all feel about the word "lesbian?"

Personal anecdote about reclaiming the term "lesbian" and its impact.

Lesbian Relationships:

Discussion on femme-femme relationships and...

* Special Thanks:

* Public thank you to Dena Paduano, my co-host of our "Life in the New Normal" podcast, for her support and encouragement.

Main Topic:

* Disturbing Meetup Story of the Week:

* Ashley recounts a disastrous experience at a London Lesbian Meetup for a screening of "Amy”, the Amy Winehouse film.

* Describes feeling ill after eating questionable popcorn, ultimately leading to passing out and vomiting in the theater.

* Emphasizes the importance of attending Meetups despite potential awkwardness, sharing that she still returned and interacted with the group.

...

(Thank You! Heartfelt thanks to all listeners for your beautiful comments and engagement. It keeps me coming back and fuels our community spirit.)

Our little TikTok Lesbian community is blowing up with amazing interactions. If you haven't checked it out yet, head over there! The community is engaging and supportive. :)

TikTok: @your.southern.lesbian

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In this episode, your favorite southern lesbian, Ashley Hydrick, broadcasts live from a kitchen in Windsor, UK. Despite the occasional loud plane flying overhead, she delivers another engaging episode filled with...

Ep 6: Embracing the Fear: Finding Love and Connection as Mature Lesbians with Solange Pollack, LMFT

Welcome back, y'all! In this heartfelt episode of "Your Southern Lesbian," host Ashley Hydrick reconnects with her longtime friend and licensed marriage family therapist, Solange Pollack, LMFT. Together, they dive deep into the unique challenges and opportunities faced by mature lesbians as they navigate relationships, community, and self-growth. Solange shares her expert insights on overcoming fear, understanding trauma, and practicing mindfulness to foster healthier connections. Tune in for an empowering conversation about embracing your past, owning your present, and looking forward...

In Episode 8, Ashley takes you to a Southern back porch—birdsong, sweat, and all—to talk about what’s new in the lesbian world and what’s stirring in our hearts. From Maren Morris stepping into her queer truth to Meryl Streep’s daughter Louisa Jacobson coming out, Ashley shares the joy of “new and notable lesbians” making headlines.

She also dives into a listener question on sapiosexuality, breaking down what it really means to be attracted to intelligence—and how that plays out in lesbian dating. Ashley gets real about the challenges of finding community in the South, facin...

Hey y'all! It's your Southern Lesbian, Ashley Hydrick, coming to you from my car in the parking lot of Goodwill. Desperate times call for desperate measures, but I just had to check in with you all.

In this special Pride Month episode, I share a bit about my recent family vacation in the South (and the challenges of finding a quiet spot to record!)

We dive into some of the exciting things happening in lesbian pop culture right now, with shoutouts to amazing artists like Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, Fletcher, Renee Rapp, Kehlani (who was...

Welcome back, y’all! In Episode 13 of Your Southern Lesbian, Ashley talks about the film Driveaway Dolls (no, not Driveway Dolls as she hilariously mentioned last week) and gives her take on this quirky dark comedy with some lesbian action. Directed by Ethan Coen and co-written by wife (and lesbian!) Tricia Cooke, Ashley dives into the representation (or lack thereof) of lesbians in film today and why it's so important to have real lesbian voices both in front of and behind the camera.

She also throws out the idea of doing a watch party for the fi...

In Episode 14, host Ashley Hydrick dives deep into the complexities of dating as a mature lesbian, focusing on emotional availability and intentionality. Ashley shares candid stories from her own dating life, emphasizing the importance of not settling—even when the dating pool offers attractive, but emotionally unavailable partners. She reflects on her personal growth, six years of therapy, and how meditation helped her release emotional baggage from past relationships.

Ashley also discusses the significance of creating a realistic "partner list"—qualities you're looking for in a partner—without being overly picky, and how to handle the allure...

In Episode 15, Ashley explores the world of lesbian meetups, pride events, and LGBTQ+ spaces—whether you’re in a big city like London or tucked away in a smaller, conservative town. She shares personal stories from both the South and London, plus practical tips on how to find your people.

✨ Highlights:

October’s theme is all about finding your people—so if you’re...

In this episode of Your Southern Lesbian, Ashley Hydrick dives back into the exciting world of lesbian dating and how to meet women in all kinds of places. Picking up from last week, Ashley gives you 10 more ways to find love (or at least a fun date)! From LGBTQ cruises to book clubs, drag theater, pottery classes, and even spiritual communities, there's something here for everyone. Of course there's a bit of her signature humor, chat of her "woo woo witchy" side, and encourages you to get brave, be curious, and dive into new experiences. Whether you're looking to...

🌈 Dear Aubrey, for Christmas I would like… a wife. Gorgeous, funny, kind, witty, healthy, and moving at my pace, please and thank you.

In this episode of Your Southern Lesbian, Ashley sits down with LA-based Intuitive Coach, spiritual guide, and quantum life mentor Aubrey Kapree (@its.your.universe) to talk about what it really takes to call in healthy love – and why so many of us keep attracting the same woman in a different outfit.

From quantum mechanics to childhood trauma, from triggers to twin flames, this one goes full woo-woo in the best possible way. Duration: 00:44:37

Welcome back, y'all! I'm Ashley, Your Southern Lesbian, and I’m thrilled to have you here for yet another fun episode. This week, we continue our journey of discovering places to meet other women-loving-women. In the last two episodes, we gave y'all a bunch of suggestions, and today, we're bringing you ten more! From the infamous Dinah Shore Weekend in Palm Springs to quirky speed dating stories and lesbian supper clubs, there's something for everyone.

Here's a sneak peek of today's topics:

Dinah Shore Weekend: Lesbians, pool parties, and debauchery in the desert!

Happy Halloween, y'all! We're in our final week of our October theme of 40 Ways to meet other lesbians.

This week's list includes:

Gaming groups: Lesbian gaming communities and online platforms.

Dance classes: Salsa, ballroom, and other dance classes.

Networking events: LGBTQ+ business networking.

Gardening groups: Queer women's gardening groups and community gardens.

Political activism: Getting involved in LGBTQ+ causes and campaigns.

Comedy nights: Attending LGBTQ+ comedy shows and events.

Adult education courses: Taking classes and workshops.

Photography groups: Joining nature...

In Episode 19, host Ashley Hydrick returns to talk about the real challenges of lesbian dating, sharing lessons learned and practical advice on overcoming fear, building courage, and recognizing red flags. After hearing from the community, Ashley dives into the hurdles many face in dating due to the fear of getting hurt and how her personal growth journey has transformed her dating life. She reflects on the concept that "like attracts like," and shares how self-work, setting boundaries, and stepping out of her comfort zone helped her attract healthier relationships. Tune in for a blend of humor, wisdom, and that...

Hey y’all — it’s Ashley Hydrick, your Southern Lesbian, coming to you from London and Charleston. 👋

This week we’re talking about how we self-sabotage love and relationships — especially for Gen-X lesbians navigating dating, boundaries, and emotional healing. I share stories about being both the “Nice Girl” who gives too much and the “Free Girl” who stays too busy, and how both are just fear in disguise.

We’ll talk about expressing needs with calm and clarity (not chaos), learning to stay present when you want to run, and remembering that being chill doesn’t mean accepting...

Discover how to create authentic connections, embrace your fears, and navigate the delicate balance of independence and collaboration. Ashley Hydrick shares personal insights, stories, and practical tools to help you open your heart and let love in without losing yourself.

Quote of the Day:

* Rumi: "Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it."

The Crumpled Paper Analogy:

* Life's impact on our "perfect sheet of paper."

* Embracing and unfolding our imperfections for...

Welcome back, y’all! This week on *Your Southern Lesbian*, I’m your host, Ashley Hydrick, diving into the art of manifesting love, success, and personal growth. Whether you're gathered with family for Thanksgiving or just enjoying your Thursday, we're exploring what it means to unlock your full potential and create a life you love.

✨ **What’s Inside This Episode?**

- The importance of feeling supported in relationships.

- Manifestation tips inspired by Reverend Julie Moret of Agape International Spiritual Center, Los Angeles.

- Creating your “dream partner” list: what qualities ma...

Hitting dead-end after dead-end in your your same ol' dating pool and considering relocating?

In Episode 23 of *Your Southern Lesbian*, Ashley Hydrick dives into the complexities of relocation, relationships, and trusting your intuition. Inspired by a listener's question, Ashley reflects on her own experiences moving from South Carolina to Los Angeles, and ultimately to London.

She shares:

- Why she believes it takes a year to truly know someone.

- The challenges and joys of relocating for love and personal growth.

- How trusting her intuition led...

* Introduction: Discusses the impact of political unrest on personal well-being and transitions to the theme of rethinking family values.

* What Drives You?: Explores the concept of being "pushed by pain until pulled by a vision," discussing the importance of having a clear vision and goals.

* The Impact of Childhood Beliefs: Examines how childhood experiences and beliefs shape our adult lives and relationships.

* Rethinking Family Traditions: Encourages listeners to question long-held beliefs and traditions, particularly those that may no longer serve their highest good.

* Personal Growth and Evolution: Shares personal experiences of...

Acast Description

🌈Ashley Hydrick—your favorite Southern Lesbian—shares how to protect your peace, raise your energy, and attract the love you want without chasing it.

This heartfelt, funny episode explores gratitude, energy hygiene, and becoming a lighthouse for love instead of a sword. Includes two journal prompts to help you align your energy and call in love that feels vivid, alive, and undeniable.

✨ Reminder: I’m not a doctor—this show’s for entertainment and encouragement only.

🌈 Connect with Your Southern Lesbian

🎙️ YouTube + Podcast: Your Southern Lesbian

📱 TikTok + Instag...

Welcome back to Your Southern Lesbian! In Episode 25, Ashley dives into the complexities of relationships, drawing inspiration from a quote by Martha Beck: "When something's not working, don't do it harder." Ashley explores the idea of bending and being malleable within a relationship, while also recognizing when it's time to walk away.

Key topics discussed:

The importance of open and honest communication in relationships.

Recognizing patterns and childhood reactive habits that impact current relationships.

The power of self-reflection and journaling, including a powerful exercise to release past partners.

Hey y’all, welcome back to Your Southern Lesbian with Ashley Hydrick! Merry Christmas Eve—or Happy Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or Festivus! 🎄✨

In this special holiday minisode, Ashley shares her top tips for navigating holiday stress, whether you're back in the family fold, celebrating with friends, or spending it solo. From mapping your energy to setting boundaries (politely excusing yourself to "pee" when Cousin Roger gets too much), this episode is packed with practical advice to keep your holiday merry and bright.

Ashley also shares a grounding Carl Jung quote about self-awareness, reminisces about her belov...

In this empowering episode of *Your Southern Lesbian*, host Ashley Hydrick explores the beauty of self-reflection, personal growth, and following your passions as we enter the New Year. Ashley offers a refreshing take on starting the year by honoring your own timing, letting go of perfectionism, and embracing authentic growth.

Key topics include:

- Why the Gregorian calendar might not align with your personal rhythm.

- The importance of winter hibernation for clarity and self-reflection.

- Breaking free from "golden handcuffs" and redefining your self-worth beyond jobs or possessions.

Welcome back to Your Southern Lesbian with your host, Ashley Hydrick! In this heartfelt and humorous episode, Ashley tackles the question many of us avoid: Why aren’t you dating?

Drawing from her personal experiences, including years of self-reflection and learning after painful breakups, Ashley explores:

The stories we tell ourselves that keep us stuck.

How to recognize and move past fear-based patterns.

The importance of vulnerability and growth in relationships.

Practical tools for stepping back into the dating pool after 50.

Whether you’re happily sing...

Hey y’all, it’s Ashley — Your Southern Lesbian.

This week, we’re talking about that sneaky little habit called overgiving — you know, when you pour all your love, energy, and time into someone and forget to keep a little for yourself. Whether you’re dating, healing, or trying to slow things down with your next Broomhilda, this episode is about building healthy, balanced relationships that start with you.

We’ll talk about:

💔 Why “loving harder” isn’t the same as being loved back

💸 The real energy behind paying for dinner — and why you don’t o...

Welcome back to "Your Southern Lesbian" podcast with your host, Ashley Hydrick! This week, we have a new theme song to kick off our episode and so much to catch up on. Join me as I share my recent adventures in Los Angeles, where I lived for 24 years working in production and visual effects. It's been a heartwarming return filled with deep connections and touching synchronicities, including a surprising encounter with a familiar black cat!

In this episode, we discuss the importance of building community and maintaining consistency in relationships, whether in London or back in...

Welcome back, y'all! In this episode of "Your Southern Lesbian," Ashley Hydrick talks about the transformative power of looking and feeling your best, whether you're out and about in the South or across the pond in the UK. Join Ashley as she delves into self-sabotaging behaviors that can hold us back, like perfectionism and procrastination, and shares tips on overcoming them. Plus, Ashley gives advice on where to meet potential partners and how to embrace the single life while preparing for the right one to come along.

Episode Highlights:

How feeling good about...

Welcome back, y’all! In this heartfelt and raw episode, Ashley Hydrick dives deep into the connection between suppressed trauma and its impact on lesbian dating and relationships. Drawing from her personal experiences and insights from Mel Robbins' Let Them Theory, Ashley explores how unlearning unhealthy patterns can transform your love life and deepen connections.

From growing up in the conservative South to navigating conflict in adult relationships, this episode is packed with wisdom, humor, and practical advice for healing and growth. Plus, Ashley shares her thoughts on embracing therapy, learning to manage triggers, and the im...

Hey y'all, it's Ashley, Your Southern Lesbian! No dancing today—just some real talk. The past few months have been rough, and if you're feeling it too, you're not alone. 💜

In this episode, we dive deep into:

✨ Why sensitive, deep-feeling people are struggling right now

✨ How life keeps "life-ing" and what to do about it

✨ The power of intuition, energy shifts, and the "Ascension Process"

✨ Running away vs. running toward: A game-changing perspective

✨ Finding peace in the chaos—practical self-care for tough times

If you've been fe...

Why do we keep dating people who can’t meet us halfway? Ashley gets real about emotional availability, self-worth, and the lessons the universe keeps sending until we finally choose better.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hey y'all! In this cozy outdoor episode (complete with unexpected British weather and flight patterns), Ashley takes a trip down memory lane, reflecting on her childhood crushes, early inspirations, and the absence of visible lesbian role models in the 70s. From crushing on Cher and Olivia Newton-John to discovering the power of Cyndi Lauper and Madonna, Ashley reminisces about growing up with limited LGBTQ+ representation and how it shaped her.

Ashley also dives into her experiences with meetups, dating, and finding community, emphasizing the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone to find your people...

In this episode 12 of "Your Southern Lesbian" podcast, host Ashley Hydrick dives into the weird vibes of the week and how to navigate through them. Ashley shares her thoughts on trusting your intuition, especially when it comes to dating and relationships. She talks about the importance of forming your own opinions before sharing them with friends and family, and the power of solo travel to open you up to new experiences and connections. Plus, Ashley previews the new Coen Brothers film, "Driveaway Dolls," and how it’s making waves in the lesbian community. Join Ashley as she chats from th...

🎥 Hollywood, we need to talk.

Why do lesbian characters always die, end up heartbroken, or mysteriously disappear by the end of the movie? 🤨 Host Ashley Hydrick takes a deep (and hilarious) dive into the frustrating history of tragic lesbian endings in film and TV. From Bound to High Art to Carol to Ammonite, to modern shows like Killing Eve, she unpacks why we rarely get the happy endings we deserve—and what needs to change, like the 'bury your gays' trope and the lack of happy endings for lesbian representation.

🔥 Killing Eve (2018-2022): After four season...

Hey y’all, it’s Ashley — Your Southern Lesbian — and this week’s episode gets real.

**Spoiler alert--it DOES have a happy ending, and there's no scary talk here. I'm ok, y'all. **

After a quiet season on the channel, I’m sharing why I went off the radar for a bit. I recently faced a breast health scare that had me keeping things close to the chest (literally and figuratively). In this episode, I open up about what it was like going through the unknown, how hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may have played a part, and...

The difference between transgender women, crossdressers, and transvestites

What the UK’s ruling on the legal definition of "woman" means for trans rights

Why restroom panic is more about fear than safety

How cis lesbians can be better allies to trans women

Tia’s personal story of masking, rejection, and self-acceptance

Tia reminds us: This isn't about labels. It’s about letting people live freely.

💬 “Even if you can’t fully understand, can you let someone be?”

✨ Hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and drop a comment if this h...

Hey y’all, Ashley here — Your Southern Lesbian! 🌈

If you grew up in the South (or anywhere really) hiding parts of yourself, you know what it feels like to bottle things up. But here’s the truth: bottling things up is what keeps us stuck in painful relationship patterns.

In this episode, I share:💔 The lesson I finally learned about boundaries (the hard way)🚩 Why ignoring the first red flag never ends well🌟 How self-worth and self-sacrifice get tangled in dating🔥 Why speaking your truth (even if it blows things up) is the key to finding real love🌈 Wh...

This week on Your Southern Lesbian, Ashley Hydrick dives deep into the messy, exciting world of lesbian dating, desire, and non-negotiables. 💖

✨ Journal Prompt: What does desire feel like in my body?

 • Can we really trust our own desire after heartbreak?

 • Why non-negotiables are the secret to dating with confidence.

 • Ashley shares her personal list of 11 must-haves (and deal-breakers) for mature lesbian dating.

 PLUS — this week’s healthy swap: a natural, fizzy sports drink for pickleball recovery (or wife-chasin’ 🏓🌈). #subtlechangeprofoundimpact #healthyswaps 

Whether you’re new to dating again or just re-eva...

Welcome back to Your Southern Lesbian! 🌈 I’m Ashley Hydrick, your host, here with humor, encouragement, and some real talk about lesbian dating and relationships.

This week, I’m diving into the stories we tell ourselves in relationships—and how they can hold us back. From convincing ourselves we’ve “tried everything, no regrets,” to doubling down on old patterns just to feel safe, these stories can quietly shape how we love, how we leave, and how we start again.

Inspired by Brené Brown’s Rising Strong, I’ll share how I’ve seen these patterns play out in m...

This week, Ashley Hydrick — Your Southern Lesbian — explores how people pleasing holds us back in dating and relationships, and why staying true to yourself is the only way to attract the right people. From non-negotiables (dogs and pickleball included 🐶🎾) to journal prompts, this episode is about dropping performance and finding real alignment.

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💖 Support: ko-fi.com/yoursouthernlesbian

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.