WHOA That's Good Podcast - Why Would I Gatekeep the Best Thing That’s Ever Happened to Me? | Sadie, Ally Yost & Ashley Hetherington

Episode Date: September 1, 2025

Sadie is pumped to welcome the "Jesus Freaks" co-hosts, Ashley Hetherington and Ally Yost, to Louisiana for an encouraging, raw, and super real convo! In this episode, Ally and Ashley spill on how they each came to know Jesus and why they literally cannot stop talking about Him. They share the backstory of their friendship (yes, it started online) and how God has used it in wild ways. Plus, Sadie gets real about why fully depending on the Lord is the only way she can do what she does and even shares the powerful advice Shelley Giglio gave her the very first time she preached at Passion. This Episode of WHOA That's Good is Sponsored By: https://helixsleep.com/sadie — Get 27% off sitewide today! http://activeskinrepair.com — Get 20% off your order when you use code WHOA! https://shopbeam.com/sadie — Get up to 35% off PLUS 2 free gifts with code SADIE Chapters:  00:00 When Sadie binged "Jesus Freaks" 03:17 How Ally & Ashley met 09:42 Ally on before & after following Christ 29:37 Why we need dependency on the Lord 36:21 Ashley's faith journey 46:11 The Bible changes everything Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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a few months ago, I was sick and I was laying in bed. I was like, what am I going to watch while I just sit here? It had been so long since I'd binged a show or watch something. Like I have two children. That's just not in the cards for me right now. But I was pregnant and sick. And so Christian was like, just go lay in the bed. And I watched the entire jewell. Jesus Freaks. And I became so obsessed with y'all. And then I was like, we have to have them on the podcast. So fast forward to today. And I'm so glad that the two of y'all are here. So welcome. Thank you, Sadie. That's like crazy to me, actually, that you were just like, I'm going to go ahead and binge Jesus freaks while I'm sick. When you DM'd me that, I was like, Ashley,

I know, Sadie watched our. What's crazy is like, it was a bingeable show for people. It was. So praise God. Yeah. Yeah, you just kept wanting to watch. Right. What was so sweet about it, though, is y'all did such a good job and it was so amazing but it reminded me so much of me and my best friends and i was like so much of our time actually in Nashville like me and laney we had um you know we lived together and we had like the best time ever and we were just really discovering like god together at the same time and we were becoming healthy in some of the areas we struggled in and like it just reminded me so much of y'all and we would have dance parties all the time and y'all We're like dancing and I was just girlhood.

We started our little Instagram. It's Sadie and Lainey. We were just being so stupid. Like y'all actually put out like really inspiring content. Ours was not, like ours was just dumb. But it was fun and it was sisterhood. And so watching that,

I was like, oh, this is like what we experienced. And I think what y'all did was so beautiful, like showing people what life would Jesus really looks like for just two young girls who are like figuring it out. And I was just really, related to it so much. So huge shout out if you haven't binge watched Jesus Freaks to go do that on YouTube. And well done. I mean, seriously, it's amazing. Thank you, Sadie. Y'all have also grown

your platforms individually and it's quite impressive. Like, it's amazing the content you're putting out there and the inspiration that y'all are. But I want to know how the two of y'all actually met and how did this amazing friendship come together. Yeah. So I'll kick that off. Pick it off, girl. First off, we're so honored to be here. We just love you. We love L.O. And it's, we love L.A., Louisiana.

Yeah, girl. So we're thriving. Both L.A.'s coming together. But, okay, so one day I was doing my skincare. I had seen Allie on Instagram because she had just started following Jesus. Yeah, I was creating. Very new in my faith at that point. Creating content around the Lord.

And I was just laughing at some of her content, you know, enjoying some of her, like, journaling to Jesus moments, and I'm doing my skincare, and I felt the Lord be like, you should DM her. It just came out of nowhere, and I was like, I don't want to do that. I don't want to be that girl. Like, I don't want to just be like, hi. Like, you know what I'm saying? But the thought never left. And so you know when God gives you a thought, you can't, like, the way to get rid of the

thought is to just do the thing. Yeah, you have to do it. You just do it. And then it goes away. The thought just leaves because you were obedient. Even if they never respond the thought, because you did it. Because you did it. Just being obedient.

it. So I was like, all right, Lauren, I'm just going to get you off my back in. I'm just going to do this. I'm going to reach out. So I just said, I don't even, I think I voice I moed you. And I was like, hey, hey, girl. I was like, I love what you're doing online. It's so inspiring. Yeah, just in that voice. No, for real. We actually listened to the voice memo recently, like the last couple of months. We did. And then she responds. She's like, oh my gosh. Oh, my gosh, girl. Thank you. I love what you do. I love your morning routines. You need to teach. me I sleep in too late. Like that's what you were saying.

I probably did. Yeah. That's what you said. Yeah. And it's funny because I literally, I don't know why. This doesn't happen often for me. Like I typically forget even what I did yesterday. But I remember exactly where I was when I got Ashley's message, which is just like wild.

Yeah. I don't know. And so, yeah, we had a moment where we're like, keep doing what you're doing, girl. You know, love you. And then that was it. Yeah. And then three days later, I had already planned a trip to go out to Nashville because at that point I had felt from the Lord that I was going to be moving to Nashville from L.A.

So I was living in L.A. at the time. And I'm posting on my stories that I'm in Nashville. I didn't know that Ashley lived in Nashville. You know, like she's not really, it's not in her bio, and I hadn't gone really digging on her page or anything. And so I post that I'm in Nashville to tour some homes. And she messages me, and she's like, I'm sorry. I literally live here.

I was like, no way. It's like right after you do. Right after she messaged me. That's on God, you know? Right. The timing was a bit suspicious. you know well so um yeah so we decided to get coffee and we sat there and yapped for three hours did you want to get coffee with me i did and then i didn't and then i went you almost bailed i almost didn't

almost didn't come yeah i called a good friend of mine her name is elise and i was like i don't want to go like it was just being a big chicken i don't want to do it i was like nervous to do it i think also i've told this to ashley's face like multiple times so she knows this but i think i was just really intimidated it as well because she seemed so mature and established in her faith. And again, this was at a point where I probably was only walking with Jesus for like maybe six months, you know, and like the night before I was out on Broadway. Broadway, like, you know, there was, I was still being sanctified. I could have been hungover, maybe. Probably might have been. I didn't know, though. I could not tell. She didn't know. So, you know, I think I just woke up the next morning and I

I was like, who am I? Like, this girl, like... It's real. Yeah. So I think it was more intimidation, and I think, uh, yeah, maybe a little warfare of like, yeah. So much warfare for sure. But my friend talked me out of it and she was like, you need to go.

Uh, you committed. And even if it's like, if it goes horribly and you guys aren't vibing, you can literally leave whenever you want. Like, you're not forced to stay at this coffee shop. And I was like, okay. Well, I go. And then, yeah, good friend. Yeah.

And, uh, yeah, three hours were, it obviously went great. Yeah. Wow. Yeah. So then we meet. She then goes back. She's like, oh, yeah, I'm going to maybe move here. I'm like, okay. So then she eventually moves here a couple months after that coffee moment. We were just like talking like voicemowing. Like over those last couple of months. Then she moves. And that's when she got planted in my church. And we were just like growing closer to the Lord. And this girl was praying over her house. And it was just like crazy. The first time I actually came over to my house, I had never like prayed out loud in front of anyone. And. And. And I didn't really know how to like pray over my home and stuff. Like anoint the home and stuff. And so she comes over. I have like no furniture in my house yet because the mover's hadn't come yet.

I have a blow up couch. I have like outdoor furniture that my renters left for me that were bringing inside. We're like using a box to put our food on. We like order food. Yeah. And we have the video still. Yeah, I do. But Ashley was like, have you ever, like we need to pray over your home.

Like you just moved in, whatever. And I was like, oh, okay, yeah, go ahead. And she's like, no, no, you're going to do it. And so she's, like, teaching me and kind of showing me how to pray over my home. Anyway, that's, like, literally where I was at spiritually. And so my time in Nashville was, it was, like, the biggest growing season for me in my faith. That's so cool. And y'all weren't roommates then.

No. No, y'all didn't become roommates. So you moved to L.A. Back to L.A. I'm jumping ahead of the story. Okay. That's really cool. One thing I think is so interesting about your story because so many people know you now as, like, a Christian influencer.

like yeah like you have your podcast that's literally like christ with coffee on ice girl like I mean it's so and it's just so sweet and then the Jesus freaks like it's really cool to hear you say when you y'all met which wasn't even that long ago to be like that you were intimidated by her because of how strong she's in her faith when people probably look at you and feel similar um but it's interesting to me that your platform was already there before you became a Christian so a lot of people knew you as someone that is different than the version that you are now. And I think a lot of people wrestle with that in life, you know, once they convert to, you know, Christian and once like they actually give their life to the Lord, they wrestle

with, oh, but my friends knew me as this or, oh, but this person or my family know me as this. And like, how do I show them that I'm a new person? And you do that on the internet, which is pretty intimidating. Talk to me a little bit about who you were back then and the content you were creating. Sure. Yeah, so I've been making content for, oh my gosh, I had a moment back on Vine. I don't know if we remember that app. Oh, wow.

That was like my first time really like kind of blowing up on the internet. That was, to me, I thought that was a good app. It was a great app. It was a really sad whenever it looked. It was such a fun app. Yeah. I feel like a lot of us were mourning that. Yeah, and because a lot of people got really big off Vine.

Yeah. And then it just was like gone. And they went to YouTube and now they're like acting and stuff. It's crazy. Or they're on TikTok. Yeah. Sean Mendez? literally fine fine but yeah so I've been making content forever anyway back in 2020 and again

I'm not a Jesus follower at this point I grew up in a Christian household so Jesus was spoken of God was talked about by my parents they are Christian but it wasn't super religious like there wasn't a whole lot of like reading our Bibles I didn't know the word I believed in Jesus but I don't think I even really knew what I believed about it because I didn't know him so I didn't really know who Jesus was. I knew the extent of like, you know, John 316 and like that he died for our sins, but I don't even think I really understood what that meant. Yeah. So I didn't have a personal relationship with him. So there was a, there was a void of like knowing the spirit of God and knowing him as a friend. But yeah, so 2020, I downloaded an app called TikTok and I, I had my

moment during Vine, right? But I hadn't really had a moment on the internet since then. So I was doing things like makeup artistry and like, you know, all these other things that I was doing. And I was bored as we all were during 2020. And I downloaded this app. And there was a thought in my mind that was like, I wonder if I could do it again. Like just to see. You know, just like, and a lot of my content that I made on Vine was just silly. Like I was just very personality, very like telling jokes, making fun of myself, whatever. And so I did that again on TikTok. I wish I could see your Vine because I feel like you did thrive on Vine. I had a Sailor's mouth though. I'll say that. My content involves some F-bombs and stuff.

It is deleted, thankfully. They are gone. I think they're all gone. Don't go looking for them, guys. But yeah. You're also singing, too. Yeah, I would sing as well. That's good.

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A couple months into that, I was just making silly videos and they caught traction. it felt almost as if it was like overnight, but I just, yeah, everything just started to blow up. And then I started a series on TikTok, on TikTok called Hey, Girlie Pop. And so I would look at the camera. I think I've just always had a heart for encouraging women specifically. I love women. Even with me being a makeup artist, like I just love encouraging women and helping them see themselves the way that they are, you know, and feel beautiful and confident and encouraged. And so I would look at the camera and I'd say, hey, girly pop.

And whatever I felt on my heart in that moment to talk about, a lot of times it would even be what I, like, what would Allie really appreciate to hear right now? Sometimes I would even pray, funny enough. I'd be like, God. Wait, that's crazy. That is crazy. A couple times I really would pray and I'd say, what should I do? Like, what should I talk about? What should I encourage?

And a lot of times it'd be like in one take. It would just come out. Wow. And it would be about like, you know, breakups or understanding your purpose or whatever. just any encouragement and that really took off because I think obviously during that time it was pretty dark for a lot of us there wasn't a whole lot of like hope or anything um and so yeah that's who I was and uh one thing led to another and I got over a million followers on TikTok which is insane and then I'm signing with an agency and then it becomes my full-time job and so I kind of leave makeup

artistry behind and I'm doing that and uh yeah so that's who I was on the internet and I had a podcast before mine now called Girlie Popcast. Really? Yeah. And so... Was that... So when you're encouraging people, you weren't really doing it

in a Christian context, more of just an encouragement context. So did you feel like those moments were led by the spirit at the time? Like hindsight, I thought you can probably see that. Yeah.

But did you feel that at the time? I don't think I knew that. You didn't know what that was. No, I didn't. That's cool. Yeah, I don't think I knew. But now that I look back on it, I'm like, oh my gosh, God,

you were all over that. That's cool. Yeah. So on my podcast, podcast then, my listeners would write in about situations and we would just talk through it. So, yeah, so that's what I did. Yeah. And yeah, so I kind of got to a place where I was doing that for a couple years. And I was also in the, I was so in the world. You know, like I was going out and I like never really went to college or anything so I didn't have like a party era.

And around that time, I finally had enough money to like get my own place and stuff. So I'm not living with my family. I actually, I lived with my ex-boyfriend for a little bit too. And so that had ended and I was like kind of in my era of independence you know which was exciting and fun and so I'm going out and I'm like having fun I'm doing all the things we shouldn't do and it was so fun in the beginning you know and then after a couple years of that I just think that I got to a place of really feeling empty like a shell and I have I've always had this is how the Lord has just made me but I've always had a heart to just pour and encourage so I'm doing that but I'm not like getting anything to pour into me, right? So I just kind of got to the ends of myself. And this

was 2022, beginning of 2023, where I decided, as all influencers do after they blow up on the internet, I'm going to move to L.A. So I moved to L. Louisiana, you mean? Yeah, right? That's where everyone comes. Los Angeles. And to follow all my hopes and dreams. And so I made the decision. I was like, I want to move to L.A. And it would be the far, I've only ever known the East Coast. So that's like a big, big move to do by yourself. And I felt that I, at that point too, like a lot of my friendships and romantic relationships had failed. Like my foundation was people and that's just not a sturdy foundation, you know. So I had this feeling that there was something I would need to lean on. Like I needed to lean on something was what I felt. And then the next thing

that I felt and I heard in my mind and I knew it was God is he was like, I need you to give me a chance. Like really give me a chance is what he said. Like if you're going to lean on anything, try me and like actually try me. Because there were times in my life, like I said, I grew up Christian, where I try to open my Bible and then I'm sure I'm starting in Genesis 1. And I'm like, what the heck is even going on here? And I close it and I let dust collect on it.

You know, so I never really actually gave God a full chance in my life. And so I felt he was really challenging me. And I was so desperate at that point, like truly. I mean, everything else was failing me. And so I was like, okay, like, what do I have to lose, you know? And so it was the beginning of 2023 when I went out to Barnes & Noble and I got myself a Bible. Let's go, girl. And I mean, like, I googled everything.

Google was my disciple. So I was like, what translation do I get? Where do I start in the Bible? And so praise God for all the Christians on the Internet because that really, like, helped me so much, you know? Praise God for you because you're helping people now with that. I know, seriously. I think about that. So cool.

I was seeing about that when I was listening to one of your videos and knowing a little bit of your testimony, I was like, it's so cool that you're being who you needed. I need it. I know, it's so cool. It's so cool how the Lord does that. Which I think that that's like, I think that's what most of us do. You know, whenever like you become new in Christ, you do kind of become for other people what you needed because you're bearing the image of Christ.

So you're producing the fruit of Christ, which is what you needed. You needed true love. You needed true joy. true piece and like you've found that in Christ and I think it's cool to point out too you're sitting here searching and like empty but you have like a million followers on TikTok like you had you're having fun you're you know going out you have the money but it's like everybody it's wired in us we have to have something more like you have to have purpose if it doesn't have purpose and it doesn't matter like it doesn't do it for you and even like with TikTok you're like yeah

I was saying encouraging things but there wasn't it wasn't tied to anything like it wasn't attached to something that was also like life giving to me and when it's when it's God and when it's you know from him it really is it's an overflow it comes in you and then it comes out of you and like it's a it's just like a really beautiful thing and so I just want to point that out because I think a lot of people think you know oh if I had a million followers or if I had money or if I was doing that and you're really proof saying nope even still even still and so you find yourself at Barnes and Noble with a cute pink Bible and I be, right?

Yeah. And start studying and fall in love with Jesus? Yeah, very much. Yeah, I think, and it was funny because when I felt that voice tell me to like really take him seriously, for some reason in my knowing, I knew that that meant I was supposed to be reading my Bible. Like, it wasn't even like, you need to pray more. It was like, you need to read the word.

And so, yeah, I got my Bible a couple weeks before I moved out to L.A., moved to L.A. I'm living in an apartment in the middle of West Hollywood. And, yeah, I just started reading the, Gospels is where I started and the book of Matthew I like always talk about the book of Matthew I love the whole Bible but um and all the Gospels but uh that book is so special to my heart because that was the first time that I really encountered the spirit of God was when I was reading the story of Peter um walking on water and like him drowning in Jesus grabbing him it just spoke directly to me wow and I feel like um that was the first time that I was like the Bible isn't

just an old book. Yeah. Like, we're talking about stories that were thousands of years ago, but why is it talking directly to my life and situation right now in the year 2023? So I think that was like the first time that I was like, oh my gosh, this is like food. And it was feeding me. And I was, I was starving. So I think once you get a taste of what Jesus truly can offer you, you're done.

I was done. I was so sold out. And so probably within, this is crazy. that he even let me do this. Within like four or five months of like even following Jesus, I'm starting to talk about him online because people are like, Ali, there's a glow. Like, girl, you look happy, you know? And I was always happy, but there was a different joy. It was joy. It wasn't happiness, you know? Strength. And so people were like, what is that? And like, I've always been so transparent on the internet. Like, everyone pretty much knew everything I was going through

probably too much. But I wasn't going to gatekeep. I was like, okay, guys, hear me out. You can believe in whatever you'd believe in is what I would say. I'd be like, universe, whatever you want. Okay, but this is what's been working for me. Jesus. And so it wasn't even like, I think it was a strategy of the Lord's, but like it just snowballed where then what I'm just making Christian contact. I couldn't shut up. Yep. all right y'all it's time for fall cooler temps are finally on their way but if you live in the south like i do then you know mosquito season is still going strong and add in dry air all the outdoor time and yeah your skin's gonna need some backup thankfully today's podcast is sponsored by active skin repair

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So visit Active Skin Repair.com to learn more about Active Skin Repair and get 20% off your order using the code Woe. That's ActiveSkinrepair.com. Use the code woe to get 20% off your order. It's crazy because people get, like, judging about stuff like that, you know, about people who, like, just came to war and their disciple, I'm like, have you read Acts?

Like, Saul to Paul. I know. It's literally what it's supposed to, that's what's supposed to happen, you know? It's like, okay, he was killing Christians, and then a couple chapters later, he is, like, the guy who is, you know, preaching. And it's just so crazy.

And you're like, how did God allow? him to do that. Well, because God made him new by the blood of Jesus. Like, he was dead. Now he's alive. That was an old self. This is a new cell. Like, it's supposed to look like that. It's supposed to be shocking to people. It's like, that's how you witness, you know? I mean, even, um, I've been studying Acts lately because our little Bible studies going through it. And it's so cool because in Acts chapter four, I believe, it's, um, or is it three, it might be three and four. I was reading them together. But it's whenever, um, Peter and John are like, walking past the beautiful gate and then like they you know tell the lame man get up and walk like

i don't have silver and gold i'll give you what i have and then when jesus get him walk so he gets up and walk and then everyone freaks out because everyone's just like whoa that was amazing that's so crazy like he just got up and walked well then you know all the pharisees and religious people are like we have to stop this like let's put them in jail let's shut this up let's stop this whole thing and um when they put them in jail they begin to like question them and peter preaches the gospel Peter straight up tells them about Jesus, and he's like, you know, you're coming at me, but Jesus is the only salvation. He's the only way to life. And then it says, and they were amazed by the boldness of Peter. And then they said, and the lame man, having seen the lame man walk, they had nothing to say. And what's really stuck out to me about that is they weren't, like it could have said they were amazed that a lame man who didn't walk for 40 years got to. up and started leaping and jumping. But it wasn't actually that that got them. It was, they were amazed that Peter could be so bold in his faith. They were like, how did this guy in the face of

prison, in the face of like, they knew what he had to lose? And yet he stood up for his faith. And it made them like go, what was that, you know? And so I think we underestimate, one, yeah, the power of the spirit. Like, yes, do miracles, pray for people, do all that. But two, like, people underestimate the boldness in Christ, like how much of a testimony that is. And when you get on your TikTok with a million followers knowing you had everything to lose and going, I'm just going to tell you all, Jesus Christ is the only way, like, to actually finding what you're looking for, people are like, whoa, that was bold, you know, because you see what you have to lose, or you see there's a true change or true shift, especially Peter,

you just said, he's walking on water, he's the guy falling out of fear. and now he's like, get up and walk, boom, like, this guy's bold. And so I just think when I've been talking about this a lot because I feel super excited about it, like when you are bold in Christ and you're filled with the spirit, it is just an undeniable combination. Like, people will just go, what is happening? And then it opens the door for you to testify. And so I always get so annoyed at people who are so judge you about people on the internet

who just became a Christian or using their platform where I'm like, that's what it's supposed to be. And you don't know what's happening behind closed doors. Like Paul, you know, the soul of Paul, he was getting like disciple. He was hanging out with the disciples and learning and growing. And there was like a growing period for months. Like no one knows that you're falling in love with Jesus and reading Matthew and like filling up and the Lord's teaching you all this stuff. And like all you can do is testify, you know? And so I just feel really passionate about that because it makes me so when people are judgy. And one thing I've heard you say, I think it's so cool. is that people were praying for you on the internet.

Yeah. Like people have been seeing your journey and praying that the Lord would meet you where you're at. And then he did. Yeah. Like instead of judging people who are influencers, like, how about we pray for them? Yeah. See what God does with their life. And then like, praise God.

God begin to meet you where you're at and you used it for his glory. It's amazing. Yeah. And I'm so grateful for the people who did see the gold in me. Like I think that they, that is truly, that is actually being a Christian. It's like seeing people and seeing past, because there are a lot of things to look past with that version of me, you know. And because, you know, I'm like documenting me going out and then I'm like apparently going to church. And it's like, people could have easily judged me and some might have.

But it's the Christians who like even really saw me, even before I found Jesus that were like, no, I see something in Ali. Like that's having the eyes of Jesus, you know. And so for them to be interceding and praying for me is. I can only imagine how they feel seeing my content now. It's so cool. It's cool. I mean, I feel like,

Ashley, like when y'all went to breakfast and you're like, I might have been hung over. You're like, I didn't notice. Like, you were great, you know?

Like, I feel like you just really saw you, like for who you were becoming. And also it's really cool. Like, when you'll have that prayer moment in your house, I think people are so afraid of the awkwardness that that would bring.

Like, you pray is like, oh, this is awkward. Like, who's going to pray? Like, oh, okay, I don't really know how to pray.

pray. You're like, no, just pray and I'll show you how and we'll do it together. Like, that's a friend in Christ. Like, that is so beautiful. I want to hear about your story because you also have been, you know, in this kind of Christian influencer space. I don't even know how that all got started for you, how that path kind of took off. But it's so amazing to see your platform as well. Were you a Christian before? How did that journey kind of happen in your life? Yeah. Oh, man. And even to just say backing on this, like, like the gifts of God are irrevocable. So like you having this voice to like literally like prophesy but not know that you're prophesying is crazy. It's nuts, bro. So like the way I'm just so proud of you. Like truly so proud of you. And God is going to continually like grow you and like sharpen you and sharpen your gifts. And it's also such a witness to other people who are like also in the spotlight right now and they're like becoming a Jesus follower. They're like, okay, I don't know how to do this, but I'm going to look to Allie because she was kind of where I was at. Everybody, everybody starts there. And that's what no one realizes. You know, like, I remember asking,

we were talking about Kristen Kane earlier. For me, like, I was so intimidated by her and women like her because I'm like, who am I to speak at the same conference that they're speaking at? I don't know anything. Like, that's how I felt. I was like, I just don't feel. I was like, I just don't qualified at all for this and I remember one time I heard her say that she was nervous and I was like really and she's like yeah I hope I always feel this way like because that means I care like and it just hit me and like oh like you're human you know of course you are like we all feel this way you know you all feel overwhelmed by the call of God in your life you all like no one feels ready for it no one feels like oh I got this and if you do um you might should question that you

You know, I remember one time I told Shelly, it was the first time I was speaking at Passion, I was terrified. I was like, what is happening? And I told Shelly, I was like, why do y'all trust me to do this? I was like, and how do y'all trust me to this? Because it was a day before I was speaking, and no one had asked me, like, what I'm speaking on. I didn't go over it with anyone there. Like, they just were totally trusting me. And I've never done something like this before.

And I was like, like, how do you trust me? She's like, I don't. She's like, I trust God in you. And I was like, that's cool. And then she was like, yeah, trust God in you. She's like, and because I know that you know you don't have it unless you have him. And she was like, the people that we don't invite on this stage are the people who think that they could do it in their own strength. And I was like, whoa, like it's actually a cool place and a good place to be dependent on the Lord.

Like, you have to be dependent on the Lord. And it's really taught me. And over the years, I'm like, I never want to lose that dependence on the Lord, that need and that knowing that I. I don't actually have this unless the Holy Spirit moves through me. Like, actually, I don't got this. Like, it has to be God. And so it's cool to, like, point that out. Yeah, no one feels ready.

No one feels qualified. Everyone feels intimidated. And that's, like, the beauty of it because you have to lean on the spirit and find that in him. And then when you do it in him, and not only is a witness to others, but it increases your faith. Like, I can't even tell you. I mean, two weeks ago, speaking at a conference, I felt zero percent ready for.

I was like, this is just scary for so many reasons. I mean, our life was just crazy. And I was just momming all day to two sick kids. And I was like, our car got broken into, a whole other story. Everything just bad happened that day. And I was like, I'm so not ready for this. I felt so weak. I was also sick.

I actually tried to ask the conference that they could just let me do a Q&A instead of speaking because I felt so sick. We had such a bad day. And they said, no, you have to, you know, you're going to have speak. And I was like, wow. Lord. I'm not kidding. I actually don't know what I'm going to say because I had a message prepared, but it was so weird. I did not feel like it was right. I was like, I'm not supposed to preach this. But then I was like, I have no time to come up with something else. Like, you have to move. And the Lord gave me one word from a prayer warrior lady of mine who voiced him on me. And I was like, I think that's it. Went up there and preached. Like, one of the the most, like, bold messages I'd shared. I had no notes, nothing planned, nothing prepared. It was the most spirit-filled. I had felt, like, I felt so filled with the spirit. I actually

went over the time limit, which I thought I wasn't going to make it to the time limit. Because you got out of the way. I got out of the way. And because, like, in your weakness, he is strong. Like, he really is your strength. He actually does. Wow. And so for me, it was really cool because I believe it blessed people and I've heard really cool testimonies, but to me it was a testimony because I was like, I didn't have the strength that day.

And yet, God, you moved in such a powerful, mighty way. And gave you even more than you needed. Way more. When I was, he feels on E. So isn't that cool? Like, I think it's cool to testify to that, especially, you know, when people watch you so much and they just assume, oh, you just feel confident,

you just got it. You must have gone up like this. You're always ready. you're always ready and you're like, no friend. No, it's even close. Friends, you know that I am not about sharing an Instagram filter version of my life on, whoa, that's good. Sometimes days are just hard, life is crazy, especially when you have kids running around.

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milk. Your kids are going to love it. And now is the perfect time to try it because Beam is offering an exclusive deal for our listeners. For a limited time, you can get up to 35% off plus two free gifts when you go to shopbeam.com slash sadie and use the code sadie at checkout. That's shopbeam, B-E-A-M-B-E-A-M dot com slash Sadie and use the code Sadie for up to 35% off and two free gifts. So anyways, back to this story. Ashley, tell me a little bit about your journey of stepping into all that God had for you. Okay, so starting out, I was not raised in a super christian household i would go to catholic mass twice a year and i did not know about god at all and i just grew up and like i kind of found my god in being liked by people um and being

just keeping the peace with everyone having people like me that was in high school and then i remember i don't know how i started thinking about this it must have been the holy spirit i was wondering like what is my purpose why am i thinking that at 16 years old i don't know but um i just remember wondering what my purpose was and I was starting to like read these books about like like the power of now was very new agey vibes and I remember I didn't understand any of the words in it I didn't know what the guy was talking about half the time like okay it's not that then I remember I had seen this girl on Instagram this is when I was 16 so like Instagram this is OG Instagram when like people would put the filters on it you know I remember she would talk about Jesus in her captions

on Instagram. And I remember being like, is it Jesus? Like, does Jesus know my purpose? Okay. So then I look up, I Google about Jesus. And I get to this website where it was like italic words. It must have been the Lord's Prayer looking back. But I remember being in my living room, looking at this website being like, I have no idea what this means.

Whatever. It must not be Jesus. Wow. A couple days after that, my best friend, she had always been a Christian. I have no idea how she had patience for me and with me, like all that time, especially in high school, because I was crazy in high school. And she just stayed by my side. Kelsey, I just love her so much.

So anyway, we're on my back patio. And she's like, okay, I got to go. I'm going to go to a book club. I'm like, okay, what's the book about? She says, it's a book about finding your purpose. I've got to read that book. Hellas, you've got to get me that book. Okay, so then she comes back a couple days later,

gets me the purpose-driven life, and I read that book. And the first line is, this book is not about you. This book is all about God. Wow. And that was my Bible for a year. I would read that before going to school in the morning at the breakfast table. I'd be like, my parents would be looking at me. Like, what are you doing?

I'd be reading like date 30, like again. I didn't read the Bible, but it had like biblical messages throughout. And that's exactly what I needed at that time. However, I had just got into relationship with a guy who was not following Jesus at the same time as like starting that journey. So I started this lukewarm journey. Like the beginning of my walk with Jesus was like lukewarmness. Yeah. Because I wanted to go to church.

I wanted my sermons. I wanted this book, right? But I also didn't want to give up being liked. I didn't want to give up this relationship with this guy. I didn't want to give up being like popular or whatever that means in high school. But just I wanted both. Yeah. So I had two feet in both.

And I walked that way all the way to college. And then in college, I remember this guy and I broke up. and then my parents got a divorce within a month of each other and then my grandmother passed away like right after that three bombs dropped to my life and that's when I remember looking at the Lord and being like why would you allow this? I don't understand why you would allow this and honestly like that just feels mean. It feels cruel that you would allow this to me. So then I went cold, said I'm going to turn this to cold and I'm not going to be walking with you. So then a year goes by and I'm psycho. I'm literally in college. I'm the craziest I've ever been. Like,

I just was partying all the time. I was going to sleep with the lights on. I just remember being like crazy. And my friends were like, you've been there. My head's awful. That was such a real reaction. I don't recommend it to anyone. You wake up all your makeup still on your face. You're like, this is awful. My contacts are still in. I'm like, what even? Yeah, it's just awful looking back on that version of me, but I was so lost. And I was just looking for healing. Like, like in the world and in guys and how people saw me and like I was in a sorority and I just, it was so bad and I was the worst version of myself. And I remember a year later it goes by, I'm in my childhood bedroom and I felt the Lord,

like I was, I was in my bedroom, lights off, completely depressed, did not know how to get up out of bed. I was like, I can't even get up. I don't even know who I am. Looking at myself, I was like, I don't know who you are. You're not the Ashley, like you're not even yourself right now. And I remember in the room feeling like there was like a presence there. I remember like, oh my gosh, I feel like that's God, you know?

And I just felt God like reach his hand out to me. And in my sadness, in my like just I couldn't, I had no strength. And he's like, I need you to try again, but try with me. I need you to heal, but heal with me. Kind of like extending his hand. No shame. I was shaming myself. But he was like, we're going to get up.

You need to get up. So then I literally just remember like getting out of bed and being like, okay, I'm done. Like I'm cutting all of that out. And I, you know, open the blinds and I'm like, all right, let's go. Like I'm going to do this with God. Like I'm going to live my life with the Lord. So then I go back to college, cut it all out. Like I am just going. I remember I would wake up at 6 a.m. spend time with God. And then I would work out. And then I would like just do that every day and just be with God. Then COVID happened. And we all left. school. So then I'm back in my childhood bedroom and that's when I started reading the Bible. And the Bible is what changed my life. Like I was reading the Bible when I started my journey, but I really started reading it. Yeah. I also was in a season of just like just me and God. I was in my childhood bedroom with my mom. I was living with my mom. And it was just me and God every day. And all my friends had left to go to apartments and like live in different cities. But I was in my neighborhood that I grew up in. And I would just spend time with the Lord every day. I remember I had like dance parties with God. I would just like worship the Lord in my room just dancing like an idiot but I was having so much fun. Like how am I having

so much fun? I'm completely alone. But like it's just fun. Like it's good to be like dancing with the Lord and just spending time with him. So then I around that time of being at home, I had no idea what I was going to do with my life except for I wanted to write and then like I wanted to write about Jesus. I wanted to talk about Jesus. I always wanted to write books. What were you in college for? I was in college for journalism and interactive media studies. So you always like writing. Yeah. And my parents were both news reporters and they loved like storytelling. Yeah. So I was always like, I'm going to write books. But then when I got saved and like really started to walk with Jesus, I'm like, oh, I want to write about Jesus. That's cool. And so I remember

I started a blog called The Honey Scoop when I was in my lukewarm era. Okay. So lukewarm days. She's going out. She's also talking about Jesus sometimes, okay? But then when I got really, like, on fire for the Lord, I'm at home, and that's when TikTok, Instagram Reels comes out, and I'm at home, I'm bored. I want to write books one day. I'm like, it'd be cool to talk about Jesus, maybe speak online. So then I just start creating content. That was with the Honey Scoop, OG Honey Scoop.

And that was seven, five years ago, five years ago. Did it take time to take off, or was it like? How do people respond to the content at first? You know, so it definitely took time. I think it took like two years before I was doing it full time. Yeah. So I was creating content for a long time before I could go full time. And then I moved to Nashville.

Just a whole journey. There's so much. There's so much lore. So cool. You can get protein at home or a protein latte at Tim's. No powders, no blenders, no shakers. Starting at 17 grams per medium latte. Tim's new protein lattes, protein without all the work,

at participating restaurants in Canada. There's so much more. A lot of people, when they think about social media, it's like, it is a scary place to get started, you know? And I think I was kind of in social media before social media was like that. I mean, only because my family had the show whenever I was 14. So my answer and count started when I was like 15,

and I had followers from like, like, Doug Dynasty Dance with the Stars era of life so that was like that was just a unique route to go but I feel like I talked to so many friends who are trying to start social media

or get something to pick up and it's like so hard and I totally understand because we've tried to start new things and different pages and it's like it is so hard to kick something off but like consistency is so key and I think also

consistency and authenticity is key like if it really is who you are then do it because it's fun and you love it, and it's who you are and what's to lose. And then consistency, like not being discouraged by the numbers, not being discouraged when it's not taking off. I mean, I've watched my husband try to grow his following, and because people are like, oh, well, he has a following because he's your husband.

I'm like, no, because he is doing a men's ministry, and my following is 98% women. So I don't help him at all. Like, he has a lot of girl followers, and he's like, four eight men. Like, where are the men? Yeah. So hard to, like, do that and to reach that. people so I just I know like the grind it takes but again like if it's authentically who you are and you really believe this is what the Lord is calling you to then like stay consistent with it and

over time you'll see I mean this podcast is an example of that starting a podcast you know it's like hard to gain like a podcast audience even if like you have social media and I did it for you know two years I'm making any money on it just because I loved it it was who I was it's what I love to do and now I've done it for seven years and it's like my thing and my job and I love it and I'm so grateful and I can't even believe what God has allowed it to become. But like, it does take consistency and just saying true to who you are and letting God read through that. And I think one thing I want to call out about your stories that are so cool is both of you really fell in love with Jesus through the Bible. I think a lot of people think like the Bible

is just like this ad on addition to something like you're supposed to do when you become a Christian. It's like, oh, maybe I'll become a Christian like in a church service or out of conference or someone will lead me to the Lord and then like maybe I'll read my Bible because I'm supposed to. It's like no, like the Bible is it. Like it's the living, breathing word of God. Like it is active and alive.

It is the love letter that God gave us to find our purpose in life to. So like, yes, things lead you to the Bible. Like purpose driven life led you to understanding the Bible. There are avenues. They're influencers and podcasts and church and conferences, but it's to lead you to the Word, the living Word of God. And, you know, in the beginning was the Word, the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

I was just thinking that verse in my head. Like, that's who he is. And so I think, like, don't overlook the Bible as if it's just like this add on. Well, yeah. And even, like, people would look at me a year after seeing me go out till 2 a.m. And then they see me, I'm a completely different person. and all I had done was be in the Bible every day. Yeah.

That's all I did. It changes you. It changed the way I thought. And because it was changed the way I was thinking, it changed the way I was acting. Come on. Like, we want to always be like, all right, don't drink. Don't do this. Like, as a Christian, don't do that.

But we're not saying, hey, go to the Bible. Just read your Bible, actually. Read your Bible, spend time with God. And that is what will cause people to not drink and to not to actually follow God is the word. So we kind of get it wrong. Yeah. And it's also like, the word changes how you feel about,

how you think about yourself. Because it changes identity. And identity, I was doing those things because I didn't know my identity as a daughter of God. So just get it wrong. I think people read the Bible like that too. It's like you're looking for the don'ts.

Like you're looking for like that when I'm not supposed to do what I'm supposed to do. It's like take that out. Like read the story, you know? And that's why when you read Matthew, you like got to understand the story of Jesus and how that relates to you. And you're like, man, like I feel like Peter.

Like that is so related. to me, and that's who Jesus is to me. So that's how it changes the way you think. And then when you get to the things that's like, this is the way that you should live, you understand how you can live that way. Not because you're doing it in your own strength and because you're going to be perfect,

but because the spirit of God lives inside of you. And so, yeah, like, keep thinking of that verse. Don't conform to the pattern of this world, be transformed by the renewal of your mind. And, like, you guys were both honest to admit, I was in the pattern of the world. Like, I was going out, I was drinking, I was partying, lights were on, you know, living with boyfriend, all the different things.

Yeah. But, like, then you were transformed, you know, by the word of God. And it transformed your mind. It transformed the way you taught. Like, the way that you guys speak into each other's life so beautiful. It's one of my favorite things about the show. Just, y'all will take a minute. You did it a second ago.

I just want to let you know the way you prophesied even before. God's going to strengthen that and use that. Like, does that, looking, thinking back to Ashley five years ago, you know, does it surprise you the way that you talk. Oh, man. That's crazy. I definitely think Ashley five years ago would not. I don't know what she would be saying.

But I just think it's being in the word and being with the spirit. It's the truth in the spirit. It transforms you. It changes you. I mean, I remember this girl when I first met her, she were not, she rebukes things now. She walks into homes and she's rebuking stuff. And to think a year and a half ago, two years ago, you couldn't even

pray over your own house, you're walking in rebuking demons. That's crazy. That's actually one of my favorite things to do. She gets dreams about rebuking demons. I'm like, this is wild. So it's just sometimes I'm like, hey, you'll be calling me out. I had a dream about this demonic

doll and I told it to get out in Jesus' name and I was like slamming it up the table. Oh my gosh. I think, like, even for the listener who's listening, is like, how could I get there? I could never get there. I could never talk like that. I can never, whatever. Okay, we got a shift to getting in the word and being with the Lord. Getting in the word, being with the Lord. If we do those two things, he's the one who does the work. Even if you're like, I remember I was in college and I was debating if I should drink

or not. I was underage and I wrote out a pros and cons list of should I drink. Pros, kind of fun. Pros, cons. Doesn't feel good for eight days after. Does it? Not right. Not good. Yeah. But I remember I'd make these pros and cons lists and then I'd get to the party and I'd fail because I was like trying to do the right thing versus being like, you know, I just got to get in the word and I got to be with the Lord. And so if you're like, okay, I can't stop doing this. I can't stop doing that. What is wrong with me? Something's wrong with me. You're shaming yourself. Might as well give up on Jesus. No, that's not what you should do. You should, what we're going to do is we're going to go be with the source of who changes you. And then he changes you. And he changes the way you talk. And you changes. Because you won't even desire it. It's not even like pros and cons. It's like, oh, I don't even want that. Like that's not even intriguing to me.

That's not interesting to me. That is not a desire of mine. I remember it used to be like watching TV shows, you know, because all the popular shows at the time in high school and stuff were so inappropriate. And I would watch all of them. And I was like in it because everybody else is watching them. We're telling stories and we're laughing. That's what everybody's talking about.

And then I started feeling like convicted like, oh, I feel like I shouldn't be watching this. But then it's like everybody else is watching this and they're a Christian and they're a believer. Why do I feel like this? And then I was like, oh, I'm going to miss out. And then I'm not going to like be relatable because I don't watch the shows everybody watches and like just going through that list in your mind. And now it's like I don't even have a desire at all. Like it's just it's so crazy to me. Like people will be like, oh, you have to watch this show.

And I always like, I'm like a child and a parent's guide everything. And I'm like, let me see what this show's about. And then if it's like inappropriate for, you know, a certain age to watch, I'm like, I shouldn't watch it because like I don't need to see that. And I don't need to get that in my mind. And mainly because I don't want to compromise my peace because that is too valuable to me. And so I'm like, I would actually rather have peace at night than be anxious. So I'm not going to watch this scary show that's going to freak me out. I would actually not have to fight against my flesh and have lustful thoughts because I just watched a super inappropriate movie. I don't actually want to have to fight from. restraining from cuss words because they're in my head because I just watch the show. So it's like, it's your purity. Yeah, like I'm protecting the pure heart that the Lord, you know, really instills in you. And I guess, you know, from the heart, so the mouse shall speak, the heart's the wellspring of life. Like the Bible talks so much about the heart.

And if God's helping me guard my heart, then I want to help myself in doing that. And so it's not even that like you're tempted by as much because you know how good it is when you don't have sin in your life. So do I mess up? Yes. Does sin still creep in? Yes, but I'm on guard. Like, I don't want it, you know, as opposed to when you first kind of become believer, you're like, I still kind of want it. Over a time, that desire just begins to kind of die.

It really does. It's amazing. And you think, I remember thinking, like, I'll never not think this thought or I never will not want that. And now I'm like, oh, wow, God, somehow over time you took it, you know? Isn't that cool when you think back? Yeah. Like, there would be a thought that, like, bothers you. you forever. It'll be like six months of the same insecure thought. And I'm like, well, I

ever not have this thought. And then someday you're like, oh, I haven't thought that in a long time. You know? Isn't that cool? It's a power of prayer. It's from the spirit moving in your life. Y'all are awesome. Thank you.