Trials To Triumphs

Ashley Blaine Featherson-Jenkins

Netflix star, producer, content creator and a proud Howard University graduate, Ashley Blaine Featherson-Jenkins is stepping out with her brand-new podcast Trials to Triumphs. The interview-style show debuted on the Oprah Winfrey Network, which includes the popular Oprah’s Super Soul podcast. As one of the lead actresses in both the movie and series Dear White People, Ashley is deeply connected to many of the premiere innovators and performers in the entertainment industry. Her personal and professional struggles, along with her gift for relating and connecting to people from all walks of life, will allow Ashley and her notable guests to open up about the trials that led to their many triumphs. In these intimate and revealing conversations, Ashley and her guests will unpack moments that remained hidden from the public as guests worked to become who they are today. After each episode, listeners will feel inspired and empowered to keep going, no matter where they are in life. Some of Ashley's guests include Kelly Rowland, Robin Thede, Michelle Williams, Amber Riley, Danielle Brooks, Estelle and many more of today’s cultural trailblazers. Each week, Trials to Triumphs will deliver hope, inspiration and plenty of laughs… just what the world needs right now. read less

Our Editor's Take

Trials To Triumphs is a podcast about how people came to be who they are today. The host is Ashley Blaine Featherson-Jenkins, who also goes by ABFJ. She is a budding Hollywood personality. She is best known for her role as Joelle Brooks in both the Dear White People movie and the Netflix television series.

On Trials To Triumphs, ABFJ talks to celebrities about their past challenges. Behind each successful person is a story of overcoming obstacles. By telling these stories, she hopes to inspire each listener to become their authentic self.

ABFJ's tone is warm, inviting, and non-judgmental. So it's easy for her guests to be open about their past challenges and the mistakes they made. Marque Richardson reveals experiencing homelessness before getting a part in Dear White People. Dr. Joy DeGruy explains how she moved from resilience to joy and encourages listeners to join her. Yvette Nicole Brown is best known for her roles in Community and The Mayor. She made honesty her superpower by maintaining her real age in gerontophobic Hollywood.

Superstar Michelle Williams tells how used intuition and intentionality to overcome depression. Amber P. Riley talks about missing out on American Idol before landing the part of Mercedes in Glee.Danielle Brooks, DeWanda Wise, and Kelly Rowland also share their stories.

Every few episodes are "Trials To Triumphs Specials." ABFJ takes time to reflect on everything that she's learned from her guests' travails. She collates the information in search of larger life lessons. In other specials, she reads her mail and answers questions from listeners about her own life.

Listeners seeking a positive and uplifting podcast will appreciate ABFJ's sunny demeanor. Those who love to hear their idols' origin stories will get a lot from Trials To Triumphs.

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Society & CultureSociety & Culture

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Teaser: Trials To Triumphs - Season 2 Starts Aug 14th

Teaser: Trials To Triumphs - Season 2 Starts Aug 14th

Trials To Triumphs Season 2 Starts August 14th! New Episodes Every Monday!

Episodes

Trials to Triumphs Special: Healing the Next Generation

Trials to Triumphs Special: Healing the Next Generation

In this anthology episode, Trials to Triumphs host Ashley Blaine Featherson-Jenkins revisits key insights from this season on generational healing. ABFJ looks back at how actress, comedian, and social justice advocate Amanda Seales learned to set healthy boundaries with her mother and what radical acceptance taught best-selling author Ashley C. Ford. She also reflects on how life coach and six-time bestselling author Dr. Iyanla Vanzant transformed her shortcomings into lessons of healing and why trauma therapist and minister Dr. Anita Phillips believes we must heal our emotional wounds before seeking to save our caregivers. This very special episode emphasizes how healing from the inside out creates a positive legacy for future generations.Want more podcasts from OWN? Visit https://bit.ly/OWNPodsYou can also watch Oprah’s Super Soul, The Oprah Winfrey Show and more of your favorite OWN shows on your TV! Visit https://bit.ly/find_OWN

Bresha Webb Knows Her Rainbow Is Coming

Bresha Webb Knows Her Rainbow Is Coming

Actress Bresha Webb sees God’s hand in all things. She talks to Ashley about moving through grief with resilience and hope. Two years ago, Bresha lost her father in the midst of filming her hit show, Run the World. Despite the pain of that season, she pushed through believing that goodness would find her on the other side of her grief. Speaking candidly about the genetic disorder she inherited from her late father and its impact on her pregnancy, Bresha shares how God sustained her in the midst of difficulty. As a new mother to baby Brave, Bresha is grateful for the love and support of her husband as they welcome their first child together.Want more podcasts from OWN? Visit https://bit.ly/OWNPodsYou can also watch Oprah’s Super Soul, The Oprah Winfrey Show and more of your favorite OWN shows on your TV! Visit https://bit.ly/find_OWN

Trials to Triumphs Special: ABFJ and Friends on the Blessing of Sisterhood

Trials to Triumphs Special: ABFJ and Friends on the Blessing of Sisterhood

Trials to Triumphs host Ashley Blaine Featherson-Jenkins is joined by three of her best friends: Angelique, Crystel, and Madison for a special conversation on growth and the beauty of sisterhood. Reflecting on the genesis of their friendships (meeting Crystel in middle school and later, Angelique and Madison at Howard University), the group shares how they intentionally create space for one another in their evolving worlds. Highlighting the love and support that knits their friendship together, they celebrate their growth throughout the years and break down all the ways their connection has saved their lives. Despite living across multiple time zones, the group continues to trust that their friendship is much like the stars: although they may not always see each other, they know they’ll always be there for one another. Want more podcasts from OWN? Visit https://bit.ly/OWNPods You can also watch Oprah’s Super Soul, The Oprah Winfrey Show and more of your favorite OWN shows on your TV! Visit https://bit.ly/find_OWN

How Dr. Anita Phillips Cultivates “The Garden Within”

How Dr. Anita Phillips Cultivates “The Garden Within”

Trauma therapist, life coach, and minister Dr. Anita Phillips believes embracing our emotions with authenticity is crucial to leading a powerful life. She talks to Ashley about the connection between our emotional well-being and our spiritual and physical health. Drawing from her New York Times best-selling book, "The Garden Within," Dr. Anita reveals that our hearts are a garden and its condition determines the direction of our lives. Sharing her own experiences of emotional pain and healing, she describes how allowing our emotions to flow helps make our hearts fertile ground for growth and transformation. She also emphasizes the importance of preparing your heart to receive words of encouragement and positivity. In this eye-opening conversation, Dr. Anita offers a fresh perspective on the origin of codependency, breaking generational curses, and healing from the inside out. Want more podcasts from OWN? Visit https://bit.ly/OWNPods You can also watch Oprah’s Super Soul, The Oprah Winfrey Show and more of your favorite OWN shows on your TV! Visit https://bit.ly/find_OWN

Franchesca Ramsey on Moving Forward With Ease

Franchesca Ramsey on Moving Forward With Ease

Actor, writer, and speaker Franchesca Ramsey no longer believes in forcing opportunities. Franchesca talks to Ashley about the importance of pursuing alignment and ease in her career. Franchesca describes how the support she received from her parents as a child nurturing multiple creative passions continues to serve her today. She opens up about how shedding her insecurities helped her befriend De'Lon Grant, her close friend turned co-host of pop culture podcast, Lemme Fix It! Franchesca also talks about the blessing of a closed door, revealing how turning down opportunities that looked good on the surface redirected her to roles that were better suited for her. Today, Franchesca is committed to moving forward in ease and continuing to pursue opportunities that align with her purpose.Want more podcasts from OWN? Visit https://bit.ly/OWNPods You can also watch Oprah’s Super Soul, The Oprah Winfrey Show and more of your favorite OWN shows on your TV! Visit https://bit.ly/find_OWN

Honesty Is Amanda Seales’ Superpower

Honesty Is Amanda Seales’ Superpower

Actress, comedian, and social justice advocate Amanda Seales has never been afraid of speaking the truth. In this candid conversation, Amanda talks to Ashley about the cost of being honest. Recalling a classroom experience in which she corrected her teacher, Amanda reveals she learned early that speaking up for what she believed in can sometimes make others uncomfortable. However, as she grew older, Amanda realized honesty and authenticity are essential ingredients for transforming a society and culture deeply committed to sidestepping the truth when it's inconvenient. Although an unflinching commitment to honesty often requires boldness and courage, Amanda trusts the benefits of speaking the truth will always outweigh the cost. Want more podcasts from OWN? Visit https://bit.ly/OWNPodsYou can also watch Oprah’s Super Soul, The Oprah Winfrey Show and more of your favorite OWN shows on your TV! Visit https://bit.ly/find_OWN

Hannah Fallis Bronfman Dreams Without Limits

Hannah Fallis Bronfman Dreams Without Limits

Wellness entrepreneur and angel investor Hannah Fallis Bronfman has never “lived in a box.” Hannah talks to Ashley about harnessing her potential and allowing herself to expand beyond her wildest dreams. As a young girl growing up biracial in New York City, Hannah’s parents taught her there were no limitations on what she could do or dream and that she belonged in every room she set foot in. When Hannah encountered challenges, her parents’ lessons gave her the strength to own her identity and proudly defy societal expectations. Hannah also opens up about her IVF journey and how sharing her story online has provided support and representation for others going through similar experiences. Today as a beacon of inspiration to women around the world, Hannah attributes her many successes to authenticity, stepping outside of her comfort zone, and boldly betting on herself. Want more podcasts from OWN? Visit https://bit.ly/OWNPodsYou can also watch Oprah’s Super Soul, The Oprah Winfrey Show and more of your favorite OWN shows on your TV! Visit https://bit.ly/find_OWN

Charity Lawson on the Magic of Opportunity

Charity Lawson on the Magic of Opportunity

Dancing with the Stars finalist and star of the Bachelorette Charity Lawson is living out her wildest dreams. Charity talks to Ashley about creating a vision board full of future goals. While Charity had bold dreams in mind, she never could’ve imagined the year she eventually experienced. After being nominated to compete on The Bachelor by a close friend, opportunities to star on The Bachelorette and Dancing With the Stars soon followed. Wrapping 2023 happily married and as a Dancing with the Stars finalist, Charity is confident her life looks drastically different today because she had a vision, took a leap of faith, and embraced the opportunities that came her way.Want more podcasts from OWN? Visit https://bit.ly/OWNPodsYou can also watch Oprah’s Super Soul, The Oprah Winfrey Show and more of your favorite OWN shows on your TV! Visit https://bit.ly/find_OWN

How Lena Waithe’s Dreams Made Room For Her

How Lena Waithe’s Dreams Made Room For Her

Emmy-winning writer, producer, and actor Lena Waithe has always relentlessly pursued her dreams. Ashley and Lena talk about meeting over a decade ago and the growth they’ve experienced in their friendship since their early days in Los Angeles. While Lena initially desired to pursue a career in television writing, the opportunity to star in Netflix’s Master of None presented new avenues to achieve her dreams. While acting was not her initial focus, Lena later realized her on-screen presence was a necessity as she represented a group of Black women who are often overlooked. Today, as an accomplished show creator, actor, and writer, Lena knows saying ‘yes’ to unexpected opportunities has the power to not only transform her life but also impact a new generation of creatives.Want more podcasts from OWN? Visit https://bit.ly/OWNPodsYou can also watch Oprah’s Super Soul, The Oprah Winfrey Show and more of your favorite OWN shows on your TV! Visit https://bit.ly/find_OWN

Why Gail Bean Counts Her Blessings

Why Gail Bean Counts Her Blessings

Actress Gail Bean is trading frustration for gratitude. Gail talks to Ashley about the challenge of navigating 2023. After enduring the actor’s strike, a breakup, and saying goodbye to her hit show Snowfall, Gail found herself walking through a dark valley of uncertainty. It was difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel in the face of so many ‘dead-ends’, but Gail kept believing that things would change for the better. A year later, Gail declared her word for 2024 is "receiving," meaning that instead of obsessing over the things she lacked in life, she planned to count her blessings. This simple shift to honor her blessings has helped Gail maintain a deep sense of gratitude. Despite the tumultuous transitions of 2023, Gail is standing firm on faith, poised to receive every gift God will send her way.Want more podcasts from OWN? Visit https://bit.ly/OWNPodsYou can also watch Oprah’s Super Soul, The Oprah Winfrey Show and more of your favorite OWN shows on your TV! Visit https://bit.ly/find_OWN

How Melanie Liburd Makes Herself Proud

How Melanie Liburd Makes Herself Proud

Actress Melanie Liburd knows how to fight for what she needs. She tells Ashley taking her craft into her own hands as a budding actress was one of her greatest acts of self-care. In the early stages of her career, Melanie struggled to juggle multiple auditions during Hollywood’s ‘pilot season hustle.’ Having recently moved from London to Los Angeles, the British actress quickly grew overwhelmed by the pressure to wow casting directors while adapting to a new culture and learning her lines in a new accent. When she realized she was spreading herself too thin, Melanie switched from auditioning for as many gigs as possible to moving at her own pace. This simple shift helped her eventually land recurring roles on Dark Matter (Syfy), This is Us (NBC), and Power: Book II (Starz). Today as a more seasoned actress, Melanie urges similarly overwhelmed actors to release the pressure to please others and focus on impressing the most important person in the audition room–themselves.Want more podcasts from OWN? Visit https://bit.ly/OWNPodsYou can also watch Oprah’s Super Soul, The Oprah Winfrey Show and more of your favorite OWN shows on your TV! Visit https://bit.ly/find_OWN

What Teyonah Parris Understands About the Magnitude of a Miracle

What Teyonah Parris Understands About the Magnitude of a Miracle

Actress Teyonah Parris knows the power of co-creating with God. In this heartfelt conversation, she talks to Ashley about the process of nurturing a God-given dream. Comparing the experience of believing before seeing to walking through a pregnancy, Teyonah shares how she learned to activate her faith and remain expectant. She also discusses the importance of setting healthy boundaries to guard against negative influences and cultivating gratitude in the midst of frustration. Teyonah reminds us that when we choose to trust God despite our doubts or disappointments, He always responds with more than we could ever ask, think, or even imagine.Want more podcasts from OWN? Visit https://bit.ly/OWNPodsYou can also watch Oprah’s Super Soul, The Oprah Winfrey Show and more of your favorite OWN shows on your TV! Visit https://bit.ly/find_OWN

April Ryan Made History Asking the Right Questions

April Ryan Made History Asking the Right Questions

White House correspondent and author April Ryan has always used her voice for good. April talks to Ashley about discovering her purpose in one of America’s most prestigious political institutions. As a young girl from Baltimore, Maryland, April constantly fought to overcome adversity and being underestimated. Reflecting on her early days at the White House, April shares her struggles with imposter syndrome and finding her footing. While covering the Trump administration later in her career, April made a name for herself by asking the questions others shied away from. Although there were many days when she wanted to quit, April later made history as the longest serving Black female journalist at the White House with 26 years under her belt. April’s life is truly a testament to what can happen when you allow life to unfold, embrace the unexpected and speak up for what you believe in.Want more podcasts from OWN? Visit https://bit.ly/OWNPodsYou can also watch Oprah’s Super Soul, The Oprah Winfrey Show and more of your favorite OWN shows on your TV! Visit https://bit.ly/find_OWN

Karen Pittman Aligns Herself With Abundance

Karen Pittman Aligns Herself With Abundance

Actress Karen Pittman no longer subscribes to a scarcity mindset. The Nashville native talks to Ashley about learning to align herself with abundance and claiming what was rightfully hers. Karen describes the major transitions of her life including shifting from the cutthroat financial world to attending NYU’s prestigious acting program...while pregnant! Pittman shares her journey in the acting industry, including the show review that changed her life and the moment she realized her dreams were coming true. She also discusses how motherhood helped her grow up. Today, as a star on “The Morning Show” and “And Just Like That,” Karen emphasizes that key ingredients to her success include radically avoiding comparison to her peers, remaining true to herself, and focusing on the blessings that have always belonged to her. Want more podcasts from OWN? Visit https://bit.ly/OWNPodsYou can also watch Oprah’s Super Soul, The Oprah Winfrey Show and more of your favorite OWN shows on your TV! Visit https://bit.ly/find_OWN

Brandi Sellerz-Jackson Thrives in Community

Brandi Sellerz-Jackson Thrives in Community

Doula and author Brandi Sellerz-Jackson understands the power of sharing our stories in community. She talks to Ashley about growing up in Alabama and functioning in survival mode. When she found the courage to revisit her childhood trauma in therapy later in life, Brandi discovered that healing happens in community. Brandi also discusses her work as a doula and how nurturing others in her craft helped her learn to nurture herself. Brandi knows that authentic connection helps us thrive and reminds us that we’re never alone. Want more podcasts from OWN? Visit https://bit.ly/OWNPodsYou can also watch Oprah’s Super Soul, The Oprah Winfrey Show and more of your favorite OWN shows on your TV! Visit https://bit.ly/find_OWN

Wendy Raquel Robinson is “Dreaming Awake”

Wendy Raquel Robinson is “Dreaming Awake”

Award-winning actress Wendy Raquel Robinson has learned how to sit in her dreams. The South-Central LA native talks to Ashley about the defining moments in her life and career; from her early days taking the stage at Howard University to starring in the long-running hit series, The Game. No stranger to the grind of the entertainment business, Wendy shares the greatest lesson she’s learned throughout her career is how crucial it is to pause and take a moment to celebrate your accomplishments. Wendy also discusses how her passion for her community and the arts led to co-founding Amazing Grace Conservatory, a performing arts school for emerging artists and at-risk youth. Wendy says she owes her continued success to God, trusting her instincts, maintaining her creative passion and celebrating her wins along the way.Want more podcasts from OWN? Visit https://bit.ly/OWNPodsYou can also watch Oprah’s Super Soul, The Oprah Winfrey Show and more of your favorite OWN shows on your TV! Visit https://bit.ly/find_OWN

Why Samara Joy Embraces a Rhythm of Rest

Why Samara Joy Embraces a Rhythm of Rest

Grammy Award-winning jazz singer Samara Joy accomplished a major feat when she was awarded Best New Artist at the 2023 Grammys. But just two months later, she realized her newfound success came with new challenges. Samara talks to Ashley about prioritizing rest in the midst of walking in her purpose. She also shares the importance of taking breaks to prevent burnout and finding balance in her career as a young artist. With many more milestones ahead of her, Samara knows it will take intentionality to protect her energy as she makes strides toward her dreams.Want more podcasts from OWN? Visit https://bit.ly/OWNPodsYou can also watch Oprah’s Super Soul, The Oprah Winfrey Show and more of your favorite OWN shows on your TV! Visit https://bit.ly/find_OWN

Model Achieng Agutu is Stepping into Her “Grounded Era”

Model Achieng Agutu is Stepping into Her “Grounded Era”

Blogger and model Achieng Agutu no longer lives within societal confines. The self-proclaimed “Confidence Queen” talks to Ashley about learning to love herself and confidently step into her power. As a child growing up in Kisumu, Kenya, Achieng knew all about the unwritten rules dictating how women in that society should behave. But as she grew older, she discovered existing within those margins would restrict her from a life worth living. Achieng later determined her confidence couldn’t come from her relationships nor the opinions of others; it had to stem from within. Today at 27 years old, Achieng practices radical self-acceptance and embraces herself fully knowing that life must be lived on her own terms.Want more podcasts from OWN? Visit https://bit.ly/OWNPodsYou can also watch Oprah’s Super Soul, The Oprah Winfrey Show and more of your favorite OWN shows on your TV! Visit https://bit.ly/find_OWN

Angelica Ross Turns Privilege into Power

Angelica Ross Turns Privilege into Power

Emmy-nominated actress and Human Rights Advocate, Angelica Ross uses her privilege for purpose. Angelica talks to Ashley about embracing her essence and fighting for what she believes in despite the cost. When a series of unfortunate events led to a fallout with one of Hollywood’s most powerful producers, Angelica chose not to buckle and bend under the pressure. Instead, she stood her ground, speaking up for herself and those who lacked the courage. Angelica’s commitment to knowing and honoring her value as not only an actress but as a human being has helped her stand with dignity when the going gets tough. Today, as she transitions into the world of politics, Angelica continues to stand on the principles that guided her as an actress; know your power and use it to bring light into the world.Want more podcasts from OWN? Visit https://bit.ly/OWNPodsYou can also watch Oprah’s Super Soul, The Oprah Winfrey Show and more of your favorite OWN shows on your TV! Visit https://bit.ly/find_OWN

Sanya Richards-Ross Knows the Power of Prayer and Preparation

Sanya Richards-Ross Knows the Power of Prayer and Preparation

Four-time Olympic gold medalist and star of the Real Housewives of Atlanta, Sanya Richards-Ross talks to Ashley about understanding the power of the tongue. From predicting her Olympic win at the age of nine, to preparing herself to retire from track and field, prayer and preparation have served Sanya in powerful ways throughout her life. Sanya also opens up about her heartbreaking miscarriage and how that experience shaped her perspective on motherhood. As she and her husband prepare to welcome their rainbow baby, Sanya emphasizes the importance of speaking positively over your life, persevering through hardship, and trusting that it’s the whole journey that defines us, not just one moment.Want more podcasts from OWN? Visit https://bit.ly/OWNPodsYou can also watch Oprah’s Super Soul, The Oprah Winfrey Show and more of your favorite OWN shows on your TV! Visit https://bit.ly/find_OWN