Ashley Madison, Infidelity, and the Truth We Avoid Talking About

Welcome back to Sherley's Show, this is the space where we talk honestly about relationships, obstacles, and what it actually takes to rise strong through real life experiences. Today's episode was different. Instead of sharing a personal story or answering a listener's question, Kira and I sat down to talk about the Netflix documentary Ashley Madison Sex Lies and Scandal. I discovered this show toward the end of 2024, but what surprised me most was learning that the Ashley Madison website itself has been around since 2001. That alone made me pause. This was not some new concept born out of social media culture. This was intentional infidelity packaged as a business long before Instagram, TikTok, or dating apps were part of everyday life.  

*New name is Sherley's Show some older recorded videos you will hear Femme Parler Podcast as changes are still taking place* Live your life without consequences. Not in a reckless way, but in a real way. Because you never know where you are going, and if someone has something to say about how you choose to live, that is their judgment. Not your burden. Be who you want to be to the best of your ability. Welcome back to Sherley's Show. I am your host, Sherley, and this is the space where we talk about real life. Personal experiences. Infidelity. Trust. Forgiveness. Sex. Heartbreak. Self love. And everything in between. So pull up a seat, get cozy, and get ready to be challenged and encouraged. It has been a minute. The last time we recorded was August 2022. And we are back, but we are not coming back light. We are coming back after a loss.

Happy New Year and welcome to 2026. I can't believe how fast time has moved, but I'm genuinely excited about where The Sherley Show is headed this year. If you watched my last introduction video, you already know why I needed to step away for a bit. That pause wasn't random, it was something I needed in order to gather my thoughts, get my mind right, and come back feeling clear and grounded.

Welcome back to Sherley's Show. If you've been wondering where I've been, what's been happening behind the scenes, or what's next, this post is your official update. It's been a minute, and for good reason. Over the last few years, life has shifted in ways I never expected. In November of 2022, I lost my brother. Six weeks later, I lost my aunt. Those losses changed everything for me, personally, emotionally, and creatively. What was meant to be a short break turned into a necessary hiatus as I allowed myself the space to grieve, heal, and regroup.  

In this episode, Sherley speaks with Personal Branding and Online Business Coach, Darlene Hawley. As a teen mom, Darlene had to grow up very quickly. Things were steady for awhile but steady does not equal fulfilled. Then, losing her mother, catapulted Darlene in a new direction. She knew that the imbalance of retail management and motherhood had been unhealthy for awhile. But it wasn't until the biggest loss of her life that she made the tough decision to recalibrate and step into entrepreneurship. Once she stepped into this space, there was a battle to stand her ground in a society where people often look down on young entrepreneurs. It certainly wasn't easy. Darlene, being a naturally helpful individual, continued to use her strengths helping other people succeed despite the doubts. If you are in need of that push to take a leap or keep going if you have already made a leap of faith, this is the episode for you.

In this episode, Sherley is in conversation with Leadership, Communication, and Business Coach, Kim Boudreau Smith. After falling asleep while driving at an intersection, Kim knew she needed to make a change. A life change. Running on autopilot, she was a bit lost, shall we say. From working in the fitness world to working in the corporate space, Kim had to figure out some things. That included figuring out what she needed for herself instead of leaning on what society told her she needed to be. It was a tough lesson to learn but for her, it was a life-saving one. Stepping into entrepreneurship is not easy. Evaluating the why of it all is even more difficult when you are being honest with yourself. Kim walks us through her journey as an entrepreneur, acknowledging the privilege that allowed her to do so and the lessons she learned with that space to grow. 

In this episode, Sherley is in conversation with Disability Advocate, Kellina Powell. Through her experiences as a deaf individual, Kellina was inspired to develop a program that specializes in building self esteem for young adults with disabilities. In this discussion, Kellina walks us through the moment that she and her family realized she was deaf, her and her family getting used to life as a young deaf person, and more. If you've never heard what kind of sound comes out of a hearing aid, you'll get that insight and so much more in this episode. This is a safe space to have an entryway into learning about the deaf experience and community. There is plenty to learn, so if you're interested in learning about how to be an ally for the deaf community, give this episode a listen.  Kellina Powell is the author of EveryDay I Am Just Deaf: Life in a Hearing World with Deaf Queen Boss, available now.

In this episode, Sherley speaks with Holistic Psychologist, Dr. Debi Silber and Founder of PBT® (Post Betrayal Transformation®) Institute. Dr. Debi has studied betrayal and made healing from betrayal her profession. Featured on TedX, CBS, Glamour, SELF, WebMD, and more, Dr. Debi means business and she wants you to know it. What holds us back? What helps us heal? Why is betrayal traumatic? How do we rebuild ourselves and our lives after betrayal? Dr. Debi has the answers to all of these questions and more.  Transparency with children when infidelity is involved, creating healthy habits, not getting stuck in certain stages of our healing journeys, and more are discussed in this episode. This is one episode you may have to listen to again and again as you continue to move through your stages of healing. As Dr. Debi says, you owe it to yourself to heal. So let's begin. For more, read Dr. Debi's book, TRUST AGAIN or visit, thepbtinstitute.com.

In this episode, Sherley speaks with Feng Shui Designer and Clutter Expert, Krystal Holm. Krystal is on a mission to empower women to declutter their lives physically, mentally, and emotionally. First, Krystal walks us through her own life journey which includes living in a home full of abuse, racism, misogyny, narcissism, and more negative energy. Then, Krystal walks us through moving out after high school graduation and making the choice to disconnect from that negativity. The power is in us to stand our ground, say no to negative energy, and decide to go through the necessary steps to face our trauma and heal. Setting boundaries. Recognizing what makes you happy and free. The importance of an authority figure who is a mentor, protector, and healer for a minor. The difference between clutter and trash. All of these are discussed in this powerful episode. Whether you are looking to declutter your home, your car, your office, your body, your mind, etc… Krystal is here to get you started. 

In this episode, Sherley speaks to Flight Attendant Sarah who has a Doctorate in clinical occupational therapy. It's quite fascinating learning about the different roles of an occupational therapist, especially as Sarah uses her experience as an accessibility coordinator. And that's just the beginning! Next, Sarah shares anecdotes of disability advocacy, the importance of eliminating inspiration porn and offensive, insensitive language to those with disabilities, as well as mindful communication and messaging to children regarding disability. There is so much to learn and appreciate here in this episode, so be sure to share it with all of those who are looking to expand their compassionate muscles. Everyone has their own journey when it comes to self confidence and self-acceptance. This is your reminder that you are enough just as you are and other people's ignorance and discrimination does not take away from that.