Ashley and Josh - VH1 Tool Academy Winners
VH1 Reality TV Series Celebrities, Josh and Ashley Douglas first were seen shaping up their relationship for millions of viewers on the Television show, Tool Academy.
In Tool Academy, the guys (contestants), all are secretly nominated by their girlfriends. Initially they are lead to believe they are taking part in a competition in search of “Mr. Awesome.” But the tables are turned almost immediately and they quickly learn that they are actually recruits in the Tool Academy, where they will be schooled in proper boyfriend behavior --covering topics like honesty, fidelity, maturity, and communication with resident relationship counselor Trina Dolenz. Each week the guy who shows the least progress in the group is deemed a hopeless tool and dismissed from the academy. But there's a twist: he must then plead his case before his girlfriend, who decides on the spot if she wants to keep him or kick him to the curb. In the end, only one man will be rewarded for his transformation with a $100,000 cash prize and the title of “Mr. Awesome.” In the season finale, Josh popped the question and married his longtime girlfriend of 4 years, Ashley.
Shifted had a chance to catch up with and find out more about them now, Life on Tool Academy and what is in store for them in 2009/2010! Enjoy the interview below and watch them in a future episode of Shifted2u!
The experience of being on Tool Academy was amazing! We learned so much and grew as a couple. We both found things out about ourselves that we never knew.
What have you learned and use from Tool Academy?
What we learned was never to give up on each other and how to deal with problems head on. Our new favorite word is "compromise."
How has your life changed since the show?
Our life changed in a big way! Going through therapy has helped us get stronger in everyday life. The fans who approach us tell us all about their amazing stories as well. The biggest thing is we are just, happy, there is no more tears.
How did you tackle the weight issue that was brought up from people on the show and fans?
My weight issues were big on the show, I was always worried about what I looked like as I was being filmed, but I was there for my relationship! When I saw the first episode I was a little upset how I looked and then people started commenting about my weight as well. It was hard, but my husband loves me for who I am and that's all that matters. I'm just as smart, gorgeous and successful as any other women! I'm now thinking about being a speaker to help people with similar issues.
What did you do with the $100,000 that you won?
We put most of the money in a CD that can't be touched for a while. We paid our debt off, helped my dad out and we are planning on having a nice reception soon (hopefully it will be seen on VH1). We also plan on getting a house.
Nothing, we have no regrets.
Where do you think your relationship would be if you didn’t go on Tool Academy?
We wouldn't have had one. I was on my way out and Tool Academy was the last ditch attempt to salvage what we had. Thank god it worked!
Did you get along with the other cast members off the camera?
Not really, we were there for us, which took priority over making friends.
Who was the most fake that was on the show?
TV doesn't lie. I'm sure you know who was fake. I was very disappointed in a few people.
What is there to do for fun where you live?
In the winter NOTHING, it’s too damn cold, in the summer everything, we have the beach, boardwalks, clubs, rides, mini golf and Six Flags!
What do you do for fun?
We do everything! We are nuts, we love the boardwalk, just getting in the car and driving and getting lost, we love trying new restaurants and trying out all the rides at amusement parks!
Ashley’s is beer and Josh’s is rum and coke.
How is your sex life now that you two are married?
A lady never tells :0)
Are children in your future?
Of course!
Any plans for another TV Show?
Yes! We are going to show America what we, as newlyweds, do. It’s going to display the guest appearances, our clothing company and all the stress in-between. We also are going to be featured on Shifted2u, just wait and see how we get Shifted!
What would you do with the money if you won the lotto?
Donate to a charity and help our families. Paying off my dad’s house and buying a really big one!
What TV shows do you watch/like?
Charm School, Niptuck, Roseanne, My Life on the D List, Gossip Girl, 90210, SVU, One Life to Live, Paris Hilton’s My New BFF
If you could get away with murder, who would you kill and why?
No, no, no, no, no, I wanna go to heaven!
A genie gives you one wish, what is it?
That everyone in the world would be honest and real not two-faced.
