We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley Lanna and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I grew up in the Canadian Rockies located in Alberta, Canada. My memories as a child are still very vivid today because although my childhood was positive my biological father was involved with the bad side of the law. My mother left that situation early and we were able to leave that cloud behind. Fearing that I would be negatively influenced by my father’s past actions my mother and family always taught me proper ethics and morals. Many of my mother’s friends were members of law enforcement and of the justice system, which definitely influenced my fascination for true crime. Once I was old enough to develop a stronger understanding for the topic I began reading more and more. Now I have a true crime podcast that is one thing I am very blessed to have created from my upbringing.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Art is such a creative force behind many personal stories, myself included. Growing up I wanted to be an actress. I was involved in art, radio, screen writing and many school drama productions. I graduated Victoria Composite School of the Performing Arts in Canada but I left not wanting to pursue acting in 2010. I chose a different path. I decided to take my creative skills and true crime interests to a public level by creating Lullaby: The Fear Podcast in late 2021. Your true passion can begin at any time!

Interestingly enough my podcast has allowed me to incorporate my creative side on all aspects. I get to do immersive storytelling, voice acting with audio dramatizations, editing, researching, and creating my own marketing content. The layout of my podcast does not allow me to have guests the way other podcasts do. I thought “it would be personal and fun for my guests if they got to act out true crime scenes for the show!” And I believe that is what makes Lullaby: The Fear Podcast stand out. I’m constantly challenging myself to create exciting content to stay connected to the listeners. I appreciate them so much.

The biggest challenge I have had to face has been my own personal struggle with vulnerability. As a podcaster I am producing a creative project that gets public attention. Being introverted I am very private and because podcasting is public it does give me anxiety every now and then. I have taught myself that no matter what people do in life there will always be someone who doesn’t agree, and there is nothing wrong with that. All I can do is separate the healthy from the unhealthy opinions. I take risks with my podcast by discussing true crime cases to the full extent of the crimes. I do this NOT to glamorize serial killers, I cannot stress this enough. I do this to see the investigators point of view. An investigator needs to see every detail to understand the criminal and the progression of the crimes. It helps develop a template to prevent future crimes. As I repeat in my podcast, “respect the families and respect the victims.”

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Although I have many friends in Arizona, I myself have not been there. It is on my list of places to travel. I’ll mix this up seeing as I’m internationally located in Alberta, Canada. Mountains, Maple Syrup, Poutine, and kindness! That is on the itinerary! Here in Alberta we are lucky to be close to the Canadian Rockies that run along the borders of British Colombia and Alberta.

We would take the scenic road trip through the national parks into the winding roads in the mountains. One can see wildlife such as Grizzly and Black Bears, Moose, Cariboo and enjoy every picturesque view. Then stop for a poutine and some Rundle Rock in Banff, Alberta. Rundle Rock is a large chocolate covered chunk of sponge toffee that resembles the rock found on mountains.

I always seem to forget that we have West Edmonton Mall as well. The largest mall in North America. There are over 800 stores, a massive water park, indoor race car track, the largest indoor amusement park with rides, and even a large pirate ship. It’s an amazing trip for someone who has not been here before.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I dedicate this to my Mother and the Fear Cult! My Mother who encourages me everyday to push past my hesitation and anxiety to be vulnerable and be myself. And the dedicated listeners of Lullaby: The Fear Podcast. The Fear Cult is always motivating me with their kind hearts to continue producing episodes that keep them spooked. Thank you all for being you! Love you!

Website: www.LullabyTheFearPodcast.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lullabythefearpodcast/?hl=en

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lullabythefear?lang=ca

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