An Inspired Chat with Dr. Ashlie Gibbs of Virginia

Dr. Ashlie Gibbs shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Good morning Dr. Ashlie, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
Lately I have been waking up before my alarm, so I am up at 6:00 am. Start my day off with prayer and gratitude (I do, I’m not being extra LOL). Then I listen to some calming sounds while I make my bed and lay out clothes if I haven’t the night before. I switch to some up beat motivational music and head over to brushing my teeth, washing my face (adding in an ice cube facial — helps wake me up), shower, and then get dressed for the day. I take my dog out for a 30 min walk, and then we both come back in and eat breakfast. Most meetings, calls, and/or work doesn’t start for me until 8:00 am.

That’s pretty much the first 90 min of my morning. (laughing) nothing special.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hey everyone, my name is Dr. Ashlie Gibbs. Born and raised on the east coast in VA where I also attended upgrad at Hampton University. I do so many other things but I am truly a writer (screenwriter/author) you name it. I wrote my first story at the age of 10 and fell in love with telling stories using words on a page. Recently I have completed my first trilogy mystery spy thriller called “I Remember” and then turned it into an award winning short film (special thank you to the cast and crew). Free to watch on Youtube entitled “I Remember” by Ashlie Gibbs. That was the highlight of my growth as a writer was writing and producing the short film.

I had an NFL podcast entitled “Not Your Average Cheerleader” because I love NFL Football! It is my favorite past time! haha, my team? I am 49ers Faithful! However, after graduating with my Ph.D. in law and public policy, I embarked on starting my new political podcast entitled “Pardon my Politics” where I share knowledge and government teachings with my audience. Hoping to empower one more individual out there. All my podcast are available on all podcast listening platforms.

Finally, outside of all of that! I love running, I completed over five 5ks in 2025 and just hit the 100 miles mark YTD! I have chronic asthma so that was truly a milestone for me! I love spending time with my friends and family, they are the reason I am where I am today. I volunteer within my community, and love my dog 🙂

I just hope to reach an audience to share stories with and share knowledge about the government and how certain policies and things impact us.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
Probably when I finished my short film and it was screened at the local movie theater during an event in Hampton Roads. I was elated at watching it on the big screen. That changed the goals for me and made me want to work harder to turn my books into a feature film.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
“It’ll get tough (this thing called life and having goals). You’ll want to quit. Ha you actually might, only to pick back up the laptop and start again. Don’t give up. You made it this far and if you take a second and look back you are living some of the prayers you spoke and asked for years ago. Thank HIM, and keep going!”

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, what I portray on social media is exactly who I am. I am goofy, smart, passionate, etc. I prefer to laugh but sometimes I do cry. The things I share are not for clicks (as you can on some post I don’t get many of them and on others I do). I just hope to inspire one person if I can with my words that day, or make one person who is having a tough day laugh. I always believed that’s what social media was for…connecting with amazing people from all over the world.

In person, I am an introvert/extrovert. I remember my first book signing, I was so withdrawn (right before it started) and quiet. People were coming up to me after learning I was the main guest for that event. I was trying but it was hard. It was a learn I had about myself. But, once the event started I was in the zone answering questions, signing books, smiling with people. Afterwards I reverted right back to being quiet.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What are you doing today that won’t pay off for 7–10 years?
Building a brand around my work. I believe I have another solid 7 years before I truly experience and live the benefits from the current tireless work I am putting in now.

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