The Sweet Dreams Podcast

In this special episode of Sweet Dreams, Ava honors what would have been her grandmother’s 114th birthday by sharing one of her published short stories, Time to Dance with the Leaves. A storyteller in her own right, Ava’s grandmother beautifully captures the changing seasons, the simple joys of nature, and the wonder of everyday moments. Through her words, Ava celebrates family, cherished memories, and the stories that connect generations.

A memorable trip to Spain takes an unexpected turn at the airport, where a stranger’s kindness helps Ava and her husband navigate a frustrating check-in process. But what stays with Ava isn’t the airport kiosk; it’s the way some travelers choose to thank the man who volunteered his time to help. With her signature candor, Ava reflects on privilege, gratitude, and the importance of recognizing kindness with the respect it deserves.

In honor of Jordan Sebastian, who passed away on October 19, 2017, Ava asks if we know Liz, Jordan’s mom. Liz’s strength, kindness, and determination have left a lasting impression on Ava, who reflects on the unimaginable pain of losing a child and the remarkable way Liz honors her son Jordan’s legacy through the Dominate the Day Foundation. Her story is a moving reminder to lead with compassion, appreciate the time we have with loved ones, and remember those who may be quietly hurting, especially on Mother’s Day. Please see the link in our Instagram bio to donate to Dominate the Day. 

Ava shares her very short list of men she might leave her husband for, from politicians and athletes to tennis legends and the conductor who brings Beethoven’s Ninth to life. But what begins as a playful look at celebrity crushes takes an unexpected turn as Ava dives into two major pet peeves: people who think knowing the right person means they can skip the line, and those who loudly broadcast their wealth, connections, and accomplishments. With plenty of humor and a healthy dose of side-eye, Ava explores attraction, privilege, and the behaviors that drive her crazy.

Ava has always found joy in giving gifts, especially when she can find something that feels uniquely meant for the person receiving it. But when she’s asked to scale back on gifts for her husband’s grandchildren, she finds herself questioning whether spoiling the children she loves is really doing them a disservice.
From personalized puzzles to travel souvenirs and educational toys, Ava reflects on generosity, gratitude, and the different roles parents, grandparents, and aunties play in a child’s life. Ultimately, it’s a candid look at what it means to show love through giving.

A lifelong aversion to lettuce, condiments, and nearly every topping becomes the starting point for Ava’s affectionate reflection on her husband’s many quirks and the nearly 20 years they have spent learning to love each other’s differences. What begins as a humorous look at an unusually particular eater turns into something more tender as Ava considers marriage, compromise, the small rituals of everyday life, and the fear of losing someone you love. This heartfelt episode is a reminder that the quirks we tease each other about can become some of the very things we would miss most.

A routine Pure Barre class takes on an entirely new meaning when Ava discovers that the surgeon performing her husband’s hernia surgery is none other than someone she sees in class every week. What follows is a hilarious reflection on unexpected connections, the small-world nature of the Pure Barre community, and the things you simply cannot un-think once you know them. With her signature wit and candor, Ava shares the story of her husband’s surgery, her post-op caretaker duties, and one particularly unforgettable thought she just cannot seem to shake.

A breathtaking safari through Tanzania becomes the backdrop for an unexpected lesson in respect, cultural awareness, and responsible travel. Ava shares her unforgettable encounters with Africa’s wildlife and the warmth of its people, along with a memorable and frustrating encounter with fellow travelers who seemed determined to bring their Minnesota habits with them. With humor and plenty of disbelief, this episode is a reminder to appreciate the places we visit, respect the world around us, and remember that not every part of home belongs everywhere.

A childhood memory of a misplaced bracelet becomes a lasting reflection on race, judgment, and the painful experiences that can stay with us long after childhood has passed. Ava revisits an incident in kindergarten that seemed confusing at the time, only to recognize its deeper significance through the lens of her experiences as a child of color. With honesty and vulnerability, she explores the lasting impact of being disbelieved, singled out, and treated differently and the responsibility adults have to ensure every child feels seen, heard, and trusted.

A relationship that once seemed rooted in advocacy and a genuine desire to understand the experiences of people of color leaves Ava questioning the difference between authentic empathy and performative allyship. She reflects on the time, stories, and personal experiences she shared with someone who claimed to care deeply about marginalized communities, only to later discover that those representations had seemingly disappeared from her public life. This candid episode explores sincerity, allyship, and the disappointment that comes when actions no longer align with the values someone once professed.