Trigger warning: This episode includes frank discussion of suicide, grief, and loss.

In this tender, necessary episode Ashley Martin opens a safe space for one of the hardest conversations many of us avoid: suicide. With the warmth and honesty listeners expect from Becoming Her, Ashley explores hidden suffering behind smiles, the power of compassion, and how small acts of grace can make a life-changing difference. She shares moving real-life moments — a listener’s traumatic memory, her daughter’s moment of crisis, and the heartbreaking story of losing the family dog Jack — that underline how easily pain can be missed until it’s too late.

You’ll leave this episode with practical, gentle reminders: ask “really, how are you?”, listen without minimizing, offer compassion, and hold space for people who are hurting.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for help. In the United States, you can:

• Call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

• Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255

Both numbers are free, confidential, and available 24/7.

What you’ll hear in this episode

• Why hiding behind a smile can hide deep pain

• How compassion and presence can prevent tragedy

• Personal stories that illustrate the cost of silence

• A calm, compassionate call to action and resources for help

Resources: If this episode brought up feelings for you, consider pausing and reaching out to someone you trust, a mental health professional, or calling 988 or 1-800-273-8255 for immediate support. Thank you for holding space — for yourself and for others — and for being part of a community that chooses healing.

• (00:00:14) - "I Had to Change My Way Of Living"
• (00:00:32) - Becoming Her: The Topic of Suicide
• (00:06:49) - The Life of a Dog
• (00:10:52) - You matter.