logo
episode-header-image
Aug 19
4m 41s

Ashley Ludlow's Story

Hidden Brain
About this episode

In 2005, Ashley's mother attempted suicide. She was hospitalized, and eventually passed away. In the days after her mother's death, Ashley struggled with guilt. She had been the one to request a "Do Not Resuscitate" order. Even though her mother had requested a DNR in the past, Ashley wondered if she'd made the right choice. Then a nurse made a phone call that changed Ashley's life. 

If you’re struggling with mental health challenges, there are people who can help. If you're located in the U.S., you can call or text the Suicide and Crisis lifeline 24/7 at 9-8-8, or find them online at 988lifeline.org. If you live outside of the U.S., you can visit findahelpline.com to find country-specific resources.

Up next
Aug 12
Surinder Gupta's Story
In 1974, Surinder and his family came out of a pharmacy to discover their car was gone. Not knowing anyone else in town, he opened the phone book, and dialed a stranger with a familiar Indian last name. The man who answered not only helped them, but went on to play a surprising r ... Show More
4m 22s
Aug 5
Julie Moore's Story
While on vacation in Mexico, Julie had an accident on a waterslide and was on the brink of drowning. Then some strangers stepped in.Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. Some gui ... Show More
3m 59s
Jul 29
Eileen Freiberg-Dale's Story
When Eileen’s husband came home from the hospital after a traumatic brain injury, he wasn’t the same. He couldn't do many of the household chores he used to take care of, like raking up the leaves in their yard. So one day, Eileen decided to try to get the chore done. As she pick ... Show More
4m 11s
Recommended Episodes
May 7
A Mother’s Fierce, Extravagant Love (Encore)
In honor of Mother’s Day this week, we revisit the story of one mom who went to extraordinary lengths to make sure her daughter always felt her love, even after she was gone. Each time Genevieve Kingston reached a milestone — a birthday, her first period, high school graduation, ... Show More
22m 18s
Jul 28
You 2.0: Change Your Story, Change Your Life
We all tell stories about ourselves, often without realizing we’re doing so. How we frame those stories can profoundly shape our lives. In our latest You 2.0 episode, we bring you a favorite conversation with psychologist Jonathan Adler. He shares how to tell our stories in ways ... Show More
1h 17m
Nov 2024
He Saved Me. Now It Was My Turn to Save Him.
When Laura Cathcart Robbins checked into rehab for a severe Ambien addiction, all she could think about was getting out and going home to her two young sons. Laura was also in the middle of a divorce and facing a possible custody battle so she wasn’t looking to make her life more ... Show More
38m 30s
Mar 2025
Celebrating National Medal of Honor Day
March 25th was designated by Congress as a day of recognition and gratitude for those who have demonstrated extraordinary heroism and courage. Today marks one hundred and sixty two years since the very first medal of honor was ever awarded to Jacob Wilson Parrott, a private from ... Show More
2m 27s
Jul 16
Super Soul Summer: Brené Brown Rising Strong
Original Air Date: July 18, 2018Enjoy this episode, specially selected for our Super Soul Summer—a series celebrating some of the greatest Super Soul moments and messages to inspire and uplift your spirit. We've all been there: You have a strange or unpleasant encounter with some ... Show More
35 m
Dec 2024
I Watched My Boyfriend Die On Our Family Vacation
What started as a relaxing family vacation turned into an unimaginable tragedy. In this deeply personal story, Jessi opens up about the devastating moment her boyfriend passed away in front of her and her family, changing their lives forever. Through her pain, she shares her jour ... Show More
2h 5m
Aug 2024
Changes Focus: Dealing with Grief - Cariad Lloyd, Grace Dent, Yebba, Jack Rooke
In this episode of Changes Focus we’re zooming in on a big change that we will probably all experience at some point - grief. Grief shapes us in different ways and hearing other people’s experiences of how they have coped with their loss can help in moving through our own. In thi ... Show More
24m 14s
Nov 2023
Birth Story
Emma Mae and her husband, Josh, are on the podcast today to share the story of how their daughter was born and how nothing went how they planned. This episode is vulnerable, powerful, and packed full of encouragement. No matter where you are at today, may this story direct your f ... Show More
53m 18s
Aug 2024
Our Most Hilarious Mortifying Moments
Today, we bring you an encore presentation of one of our favorite episodes of ALL time! Get ready to laugh as you hear the episode originally titled, 116. Our Most Embarrassing Stories! 1. Glennon, Abby, and Amanda share the most mortifying moments of their lives.2. Pod Squaders’ ... Show More
1h 7m
Dec 2024
A Quick Hello from Dylan. Plus: We Want Your Dating Travel Stories!
Just a little check in. Plus: We want to hear your stories of traveling with a significant other for the first time – the good, the bad, and the strange.You can send an email or voice memo to hello@atlasobscura.com. Or, give us a call at 315-992-7902 and leave a message. 
1m 21s