How to find yourself when your whole world changes – with Dr Ash King
EPISODE 3Ren and Ash explore what happens in the uncomfortable space between who we were and who we’re becoming, why our identity needs more than one place to grow, and how unexpected change can reveal new strengths and possibilities. If you’re navigating change and wondering who you are now, this conversation is for you.
Who are you when the thing that defined you is suddenly gone? For psychologist and former singer Dr Ash King, a vocal injury brought her music career to an abrupt end – taking with it not just her work, but the identity, community and future she thought she knew.
“ What are you clinging onto that no longer fits who you're becoming?”
DR ASH KING
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REFLECTION QUESTIONS
Take a moment to reflect. Each episode leaves you with questions worth more than a quick answer. There are no right answers — just an invitation to listen to what comes up.
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Ash talks about the power of mastery. What’s one new skill I’d love to learn, just for joy?
How comfortable am I with not knowing what comes next?
What might I be holding on to — a habit, expectation or way of living — that no longer fits the person I am today?
TRY THIS
Turn the conversation into action. Insight fades fast unless you do something with it. The exercise below is a small, practical experiment inspired by this episode’s guest — designed to move an idea from your headphones into your week. Start before you feel ready.
Your Identity Garden
In this episode, Ash invites us to think of our identity as a garden, made up of all the different parts of who we are. When we pour all our energy into just one part of ourselves, we can feel lost if that part changes or disappears. This worksheet is an invitation to explore your own identity garden — to recognise what’s already growing, what might need a little more attention, and what new possibilities you’d like to nurture.
GUEST SPOTLIGHT
DR ASH KING
Dr Ash King is a registered psychologist, writer and founder of Heavy Mental, bringing a unique perspective shaped by her earlier career in the creative industries. After working across music, film, radio and theatre, a permanent vocal injury brought her performing ambitions to an unexpected end, setting her on a new path into psychology. With a PhD from the University of Sydney, Ash now leads Mental Health Programs at Support Act, Australia's music industry charity. Through her writing, workshops and speaking, she brings psychology into everyday conversations, helping people better understand themselves, navigate life's challenges and find meaning in the unexpected.
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