Ashley Cain: “I’d Trade My Life to Hold My Daughter for One Second More”
In episode, Paul sits down with Ashley Cain, a former professional footballer and reality TV star, who bravely shares his transformative journey of grief and healing following the devastating loss of his daughter, Azaylia, to leukemia. Ashley opens up about the struggles he's faced, the lessons he’s learned, and the powerful mission he’s now embraced to raise awareness for childhood cancer and men’s mental health.
Through this heartfelt conversation, Ashley discusses the emotional challenges men often encounter and how understanding and addressing these needs can lead to personal growth. We explore the sudden end to his football career, the impact that trauma has had on his life, and how he's used his experiences to help others find strength, even in the darkest of moments.Ashley offers valuable advice on finding happiness, achieving well-being, and transforming relationships—with ourselves and others—through a process of healing.
His work with The Azaylia Foundation continues to inspire people all over the world, offering hope and support to families facing similar tragedies.
Please note: This episode covers sensitive topics like child loss and grief, which may be difficult for some listeners.
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Ashley's Book:
Strong - https://g2ul0.app.link/Ow8Hgaq5HNb
Ashley's Instagram:
https://g2ul0.app.link/SWyyCc2UGNb
Ashley's Charity - The Azaylia Foundation
https://g2ul0.app.link/YP3IHk8UGNb
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https://www.instagram.com/needtotalk
https://www.tiktok.com/@weneedtotalkpod
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02:19 - How Are You Feeling Right Now?
03:18 - Growing Up Mixed Race: Challenges And Experiences
04:57 - How Race And Upbringing Shaped Ashley's Identity
08:01 - If You Could Change Your Past, Would You?
10:06 - How Football Transformed Ashley's Life
11:42 - Life After Football: Losing Fame And Status
13:49 - Becoming A Dad For The First Time
15:38 - When Ashley Discovered Azaylia's Illness
22:57 - Staying Positive And Advocating For Azaylia's Health
32:35 - How To Cope With Trauma
38:50 - Supporting Men Through Trauma: Advice For Partners
42:08 - The Male Mental Health Crisis: What Needs To Change
50:39 - Shopify And Tinder Ad Break
52:32 - Is Ashley Truly Happy?
54:36 - Ashley's Wellness Journey
56:31 - The 6 Dimensions Of Psychological Wellbeing Explained
01:00:10 - How To Handle Trauma In Relationships
01:02:50 - What Ashley Would Change About His Past Relationships
01:03:27 - Relationship Advice: Loving A Man Like Ashley
01:05:00 - Is Ashley Single Right Now?
01:05:55 - Is Ashley Open To Dating?
01:07:00 - Who Should Make The First Move In Dating?
01:08:00 - Chirpsing Roleplay: How To Approach Someone
01:12:10 - How Opening Up Has Affected Ashley
01:12:46 - The Most Memorable Conversation Ashley's Had
01:15:09 - Paul's Key Takeaways
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Sponsored by:
Shopify - www.shopify.co.uk/needtotalk
Tinder - https://tinder.com/en-GB
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We Need To Talk with Paul C. Brunson
The most powerful conversations are the ones we usually avoid. Hosted by Paul C. Brunson, We Need To Talk is a show that empowers people to have the conversations they avoid by creating a safe, supportive, and insightful space that encourages vulnerability, self-discovery, and real-world connection.
From breakups to breakthroughs, conflict to connection, we go beyond the headlines to uncover the human experiences and relationships that define us.
Instagram: @needtotalk
TikTok: @weneedtotalkpod
- No. of episodes: 61
- Latest episode: 2025-09-04
- Society & Culture Leisure Relationships
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