Podcast Summary: Win With Paid Ads
Episode #96: From Empty to Overflow – Why We're Donating to Cumberland Counseling Centers
Host: Ashley Brock
Guest: Kyle (Ashley's husband)
Release Date: November 24, 2025
Episode Overview
In this heartfelt Thanksgiving episode, Ashley and her husband Kyle step away from paid ads talk to discuss the crucial role counseling has played in their marriage, individual growth, and family life. They share candid personal stories of hitting rock bottom, navigating marital struggles, and finding hope and healing through therapy. The episode culminates in celebrating their partnership and philanthropic support for Cumberland Counseling Centers, a nonprofit providing accessible, high-quality counseling to those in need.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Spirit Behind the Episode (00:49–02:24)
- The episode is timed for Thanksgiving and centers on generosity, impact, and abundance, beyond just business and ads.
- Ashley shares how being a "rainmaker"—achieving abundance—has enabled their family to support causes that matter to them, such as access to counseling.
- The Brocks have donated a multiple five-figure sum to Cumberland Counseling Centers this year.
"What being a rainmaker actually allows you to do is...be able to have abundance so that you can be able to donate and give to things that really, really matter to you." – Ashley (00:54)
2. Ashley & Kyle’s Personal Counseling Journey (03:56–17:57)
Ashley’s Early Exposure
- Ashley’s mother was a school counselor, influencing her curiosity and emotional approach.
Why They Started Counseling
- Their marriage was struggling; counseling became a last resort for real change.
"I went in with not the greatest of expectations...it was sort of like nothing else seems to be working...pretty crappy way to live. So, I decided, I'm gonna give it a try." – Kyle (04:50)
Kyle’s Reluctance and Breakthrough
- Kyle initially saw therapy as a sign of weakness, went at the urging of a friend, but soon found value in consistent sessions.
- Eventually realized his urge to “distance” himself when things got tough was a trust issue—a key insight from therapy.
- Stopped for a year, hit "rock bottom," then returned and stayed committed.
"The moment that people start to get close to you, people like me, you start to push them away. It's like, I don't trust you to hold this well. So I'm not going to tell you, number one, and I'm going to distance myself from you...That actually winds up being a root issue." – Kyle (06:42)
Advice for Counseling Skeptics
- Not every counselor is a fit; it's about connection and trying more than one if needed.
- Commit to an initial period (e.g., 60–90 days); progress can come quickly.
- Over time, counseling shifted from an obligation to a privilege.
"You got to connect with them...don't give up. Go try another one. Find somebody that you connect with...commit to a small amount of time...I think a lot of people will be surprised how much progress they can make in a short period of time." – Kyle (07:51)
Their Separate and Joint Growth
- Both went to different counselors individually, then discussed their sessions together.
- Communication about feelings was initially difficult, especially for Kyle, but has improved vastly.
The Challenge of Emotional Honesty
- For men, and some women, discussing feelings can be tough—Ashley and Kyle dissect how childhood upbringing impacts this.
- Unprocessed emotions "eventually come out," sometimes destructively.
"If you live that way long enough and you start to subdue it long enough, it comes out eventually. It just might come out in a way you don't want it to come out..." – Kyle (12:36)
- Performance-based self-worth was a big obstacle for Kyle, leading to shame and hesitancy to open up in counseling.
3. Major Turning Points and Healing (17:57–26:20)
Transparency About Marital Crisis
- They were truly on the path to divorce; Kyle highlights his struggles with alcohol and self-loathing.
"We were 100 on the path to get divorced. There's no doubt about it." – Kyle (18:33)
- Both thought the other was “the problem”; counseling helped them realize individual responsibility.
- Arguments were destructive and loud, reflecting inner pain and lack of tools to resolve issues.
Ashley’s Personal Growth
- Realized her drive to control Kyle stemmed from her parents’ divorce; wanted to prevent history repeating.
- Counseling taught her you can't control another person, only yourself.
"I learned...you just can't control other humans. And what you can control is you." – Ashley (16:21)
The Ripple Effect of Change
- Mutual openness and combined work in therapy rebuilt trust.
- The frequency and intensity of conflicts diminished over time; there is now more patience, less crying, and improved problem-solving in their marriage and as parents.
On Feeling Truly Cared For
- Ashley highlights the difference between “box-checking” professionals and those with genuine curiosity (like Kyle’s counselor, Phil).
- Genuine curiosity in therapy and work leads to lasting connections and better outcomes.
"One of my favorite attributes about him...is the genuine curiosity. And you can tell when somebody's being authentic...not him. It's authentic curiosity." – Kyle (15:14)
4. Generosity and Giving Back: Supporting Cumberland Counseling Centers (29:18–34:30)
Counseling Access as a Privilege
- High-quality counseling is expensive; many can't afford it or only access low-quality alternatives.
- Cumberland Counseling Centers provides excellent care pro bono to those in need, funded by donations.
Their Personal Involvement
- After learning about Cumberland through Phil, they met co-founder Alex and became presenting sponsors of the organization's annual gala (a five-figure investment, with a matching program).
- Emphasis on stewardship: giving back from abundance, not as a means for personal gain.
"We are in a position that we can afford this. But I know in my heart is for the people who can't. And they are just as important as we are." – Kyle (31:12)
- Paid Ads Academy's sponsorship and a video produced pro bono further supported the cause.
The “Be Rich” Mentality
- Influenced by the Be Rich campaign at their church (Woodstock City/North Point), they view generosity as open-handed stewardship, not quid pro quo.
"Andy talks about, like, you can live life like this to where you hold it all in, or you can live life with your hands open. And, you know, I think it's not just to receive with your hands open. It's to give." – Kyle (33:15)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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On what real progress in marriage looks like:
"We may disagree on things and we have a con, but...God, we haven't had an actual blow-up fight like we used to in a hot minute." – Ashley (26:12)
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On the importance of authentic curiosity in life and business:
"I legitimately know because I've experienced it with you and I've experienced it with my counselor. I know what genuine, authentic curiosity feels like, and it feels so freaking good." – Ashley (28:15)
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On stewardship and giving:
"If God didn't give us another dime, I still think this would be a good decision." – Kyle (33:39)
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Reflections on mental health and stigma:
"The thing that's most powerful in our body is our brain. And yet we're like, oh, no, let's not work on that. I'm too tough for that. No, you're not. You owe it to yourself to find freedom." – Kyle (24:27)
Important Timestamps
- 00:49 – Introduction of episode’s theme/motivation for generosity
- 03:56 – Personal history with counseling and why they started
- 04:50 – Kyle describes initial resistance and breakthrough in therapy
- 09:13 – Their parallel journeys in counseling; the difficulty of expressing feelings
- 13:41 – The core issue of performance-based value and shame
- 17:57 – Admitting the severity of marital problems; both thought the other was “the problem”
- 21:39 – Ashley’s struggle to find the right counselor and feeling unseen
- 24:16 – The generational impact of divorce and why mental health care matters
- 29:18 – The story of discovering and supporting Cumberland Counseling Centers
- 33:15 – Kyle shares wisdom from the “Be Rich” campaign on generosity
Final Reflections
Ashley and Kyle close the episode with gratitude for how counseling transformed their lives and marriage. Their story underscores that personal and relationship renewal is possible, even from the brink of despair, if you’re willing to go deeper, be honest, and seek help. Their giving is rooted in this transformational experience—wanting to ensure others can access the same lifeline regardless of financial means.
"I just hope someone's listening to this and, like, you get to see the other side of what counseling can do for your life and for your relationship...we're not perfect. And we have so many things we've worked on, and we're gonna keep working on them." – Ashley (34:05)
Learn More or Support:
Link to [Cumberland Counseling Centers] (provided by Ashley in show notes)
For listeners: This episode offers hope, practical advice for seeking therapy, and encouragement to break the stigma around mental health—plus a moving example of giving back when you’re in a position to do so.