Ashley Hawk Interview – Episode 191

The Produce Moms and How Healthy Happens share a clear mission: get more fruit and vegetables into people’s diets while promoting transparency and sustainability across food systems so future generations can thrive.

Ashley Hawk has been comfortable both behind and in front of the camera since childhood. From the start she believed transparency builds trust: when companies are open about their processes and intentions, people are more likely to engage and feel confident. That belief became a foundation for How Healthy Happens. Ashley wanted media and entertainment to be relatable and approachable, turning sometimes dense nutrition information into clear, useful guidance that anyone can access. The result is a blend of nutrition education and media storytelling designed to help people make practical changes in their daily lives.

How Healthy Happens focuses on the personal nature of nutrition. Food choices touch nearly every part of our lives — energy, mood, family routines and long-term health. When people feel overwhelmed by labels, marketing, or conflicting advice, they often shut down instead of taking the first step. Ashley works with clients to personalize nutrition, breaking recommendations down into manageable changes. Small, realistic steps build confidence and create lasting habits.

The first episode of How Healthy Happens aired in October 2021, and new episodes continued into 2022. When Ashley interviews guests she often begins with the question, “How did healthy happen for you?” That open-ended prompt reveals personal journeys, practical strategies, and the innovations shaping produce and wellness markets today.

How Healthy Happens highlights a wide range of food businesses — from family-run shops and small producers to larger farms. Ashley values lending voice to makers across the health and wellness ecosystem. Seeing the full farming process firsthand has deepened her gratitude for growers and harvesters who work hard to deliver fresh produce. Those efforts make it possible for families to enjoy healthy food without having to grow everything themselves.

How did healthy happen for Ashley? Exposure and small moments of connection to food.

When Ashley was in second grade, her class hatched chicks as part of a lesson. She brought one home and, combined with time spent gardening, the experience changed how she thought about food and animals. She chose to become a vegetarian and, over time, became curious about the reasons behind that choice. That curiosity — asking not just what works for her but why it works — ultimately led to the creation of How Healthy Happens.

Ashley offers simple, practical tips that anyone can try: start by adding one serving of fruit or vegetables each day and notice how you feel after a week. The extra hydration, fiber, vitamins and natural sugars often improve energy and digestion. Drink more water throughout the day — take a sip now if you’re reading this. Prioritize sleep: rest helps regulate metabolism and mood, and sometimes a short nap can reset your attitude and productivity.

You can find How Healthy Happens on platforms including Food Network and streaming services such as Roku; some episodes are also available on YouTube. Follow Ashley on social media: @AshleyAnnHawk and @HowHealthyHappensTV, and visit her website for more resources and episode information.

How to get involved

  • Join The Produce Moms Group on Facebook to continue the conversation and share tips and recipes with a supportive community.
  • Reach out to The Produce Moms team to share where you are in life and business or to collaborate — find contact details on theproduceMoms’ contact page.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a quick review on your podcast platform of choice. Feedback helps the show reach more listeners and supports the ongoing mission of connecting people with practical nutrition guidance.

Previous episodes you may enjoy

  • Episode 190: Steven Ware and CarrieAnn Arias
  • Episode 189: Chris Gonzalez and Desiree Morales
  • Episode 188: Meg Savage
  • Episode 187: Neil Ferguson and Lisa Carrington
  • Episode 186: Nichole Towell and Nikki Cossio