Ashley Cain: “I’d Trade My Life to Hold My Daughter for One Second More”

In episode, Paul sits down with Ashley Cain, a former professional footballer and reality TV star, who bravely shares his transformative journey of grief and healing following the devastating loss of his daughter, Azaylia, to leukemia. Ashley opens up about the struggles he's faced, the lessons he’s learned, and the powerful mission he’s now embraced to raise awareness for childhood cancer and men’s mental health. Through this heartfelt conversation, Ashley discusses the emotional challenges men often encounter and how understanding and addressing these needs can lead to personal growth. We explore the sudden end to his football career, the impact that trauma has had on his life, and how he's used his experiences to help others find strength, even in the darkest of moments.Ashley offers valuable advice on finding happiness, achieving well-being, and transforming relationships—with ourselves and others—through a process of healing. His work with The Azaylia Foundation continues to inspire people all over the world, offering hope and support to families facing similar tragedies. Please note: This episode covers sensitive topics like child loss and grief, which may be difficult for some listeners. -- Ashley's Book: Strong - https://g2ul0.app.link/Ow8Hgaq5HNb Ashley's Instagram: https://g2ul0.app.link/SWyyCc2UGNb Ashley's Charity - The Azaylia Foundation https://g2ul0.app.link/YP3IHk8UGNb -- Follow me here: https://www.instagram.com/needtotalk https://www.tiktok.com/@weneedtotalkpod -- 02:19 - How Are You Feeling Right Now? 03:18 - Growing Up Mixed Race: Challenges And Experiences 04:57 - How Race And Upbringing Shaped Ashley's Identity 08:01 - If You Could Change Your Past, Would You? 10:06 - How Football Transformed Ashley's Life 11:42 - Life After Football: Losing Fame And Status 13:49 - Becoming A Dad For The First Time 15:38 - When Ashley Discovered Azaylia's Illness 22:57 - Staying Positive And Advocating For Azaylia's Health 32:35 - How To Cope With Trauma 38:50 - Supporting Men Through Trauma: Advice For Partners 42:08 - The Male Mental Health Crisis: What Needs To Change 50:39 - Shopify And Tinder Ad Break 52:32 - Is Ashley Truly Happy? 54:36 - Ashley's Wellness Journey 56:31 - The 6 Dimensions Of Psychological Wellbeing Explained 01:00:10 - How To Handle Trauma In Relationships 01:02:50 - What Ashley Would Change About His Past Relationships 01:03:27 - Relationship Advice: Loving A Man Like Ashley 01:05:00 - Is Ashley Single Right Now? 01:05:55 - Is Ashley Open To Dating? 01:07:00 - Who Should Make The First Move In Dating? 01:08:00 - Chirpsing Roleplay: How To Approach Someone 01:12:10 - How Opening Up Has Affected Ashley 01:12:46 - The Most Memorable Conversation Ashley's Had 01:15:09 - Paul's Key Takeaways -- Sponsored by: Shopify - www.shopify.co.uk/needtotalk Tinder - https://tinder.com/en-GB