Cindy's Remarkable Story of Living & Performing With Lifelong Illness

After surviving multiple heart surgeries, living with lifelong chronic illness and decades of being told what she couldn’t do, Cindy shares how she stopped waiting for permission - and found ways to live her dreams on her terms.

In this special episode, the spotlight turns to me, Cindy Khoury Ashton! Interviewed by longtime friend, performer, director and producer Christopher Wilson, I share openly about journey of living with lifelong illness and how that shaped not only my life, but the mission behind Bringing Broadway to France: Bridging Humanity, One Story at a Time. Born with a 20% chance of living due to congenital heart disease, I spent much of my childhood in hospitals, enduring multiple life-saving surgeries and navigating years of bullying and invisible disability. And despite being left with lifelong chronic pain, a damaged lung and ribs wired together, my purpose to sing and perform drove me to find alternative paths to live my dreams. It also drove my devotion to leading others to find their voice. Today, I feel so blessed to be an award-winning TV host, performer, speaker, mentor and creator. I believe our greatest obstacles often become the very stories we are meant to share with the world. In this episode, surviving becomes the first act and purpose takes center stage... * The unconventional path that allowed me to build my career on my own terms instead of waiting for opportunities * Why I believe being born with illness has been one of my greatest teachers * My humbling story of surviving multiple heart surgeries and a near-death experience at just five years old * How years of bullying, chronic pain and invisible disability shaped my resilience as well as my fierceness in seeing ALL humans thrive * Why finding your voice begins by reclaiming ownership of your own story from a place of embodied power * How understanding breath, trauma and the nervous system transformed the way I train speakers and performers on speaking, presence and influence * Why traditional public speaking often overlooks the body’s role in authentic communication * Why I chose to create Bringing Broadway to France—and how I believe that one bold idea can become a movement Connect with Cindy * Website * Substack * Instagram * LinkedIn * Facebook * TikTok * YouTube Applause-Worthy Moments “Nobody knows someone else’s story.” “My love for it surpassed the pain.” “When you have an obstacle, it’s a freaking opportunity to kick some serious ass.” “Broadway is a street. It’s an energy. It’s an essence.” “Our greatest obstacles often become our greatest gifts.” “I stopped waiting for permission and started creating my own opportunities.” Next in the Spotlight! We are super jazzed you joined us for another episode of Bringing Broadway to France: Bridging Humanity, One Story at a Time. Next week, you will meet Sandra Bargman, who dishes on finding her voice, embracing the edge of change, and having the courage to let ourselves be heard. If this podcast inspired you, we invite you to join us on Substack. Subscribe for free to stay in the loop, or upgrade to a paid subscription to unlock exclusive content and personalized song dedications — while directly supporting production costs and my incredible team as we continue bringing you meaningful conversations with extraordinary artists from around the world.

All levels of support mean everything. Thank you for being here. With love, sparkles and gratitude,Cindy and my amazing team (Ieva, Marj, and Ann) P.S. For Artists, Creatives & Speakers Artists, Creatives & Speakers: Learn how to monetize your work and land bookings with our free video and workbook. P.P.S. For Business Leaders Business Leaders: Learn how to Speak From Your Power® without pushing, performing, or proving.

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