In Totality with Megan Ashley

This week, I’m sitting down to answer questions from The Village fam about faith and friendships! I'm answering everything from learning how to love people well when they’re not walking with God, to discerning if it’s really the Lord speaking, or just our emotions.This conversation is honest, vulnerable, and rooted in scripture. We also talk about what it means to steward godly friendships through prayer, and why following Jesus doesn’t exempt us from suffering, but instead gives us hope in the middle of it.If you’ve ever struggled with navigating relationships, or holding on to faith through trials, this episode is for you. Share this with a friend who needs the reminder that God’s love is steady, His Spirit still speaks, and His presence is with us, even in the hardest seasons.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this week’s episode I’m so honored to be joined by someone very special and like a big sister to me, Lisa Brunson! Lisa and I go way back, and every time we talk it’s like we never skipped a beat. This conversation is no different—We dive into her powerful testimony of walking through years of anxiety and panic attacks, what it meant to experience God as a keeping God, and how his perfect love truly casts out fear.From serving in church, to learning the beauty of sitting at Jesus’ feet, Lisa’s story is full of God’s presence in both suffering and redemption. If you’ve ever battled anxiety, wrestled with control, or wondered if God really cares about your emotions, this episode is for you.Share this conversation with someone who needs the reminder that God is not only with them, but for them, and that his perfect love is greater than their fear.The following content discusses mental health topics that may be sensitive for some listeners.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this week’s episode, I felt led to share from my heart about one of the greatest callings and challenges God has given me, parenting.With my kids starting a brand-new school year, I found myself wrestling with questions we all ask as parents: Have I done enough? Am I discipling them well? Am I pointing them to Jesus in the way I should? In the middle of that anxiety, God reminded me that He loves my children even more than I do, and that discipleship isn’t about perfection, it’s about living in totality with Him, every single day.Deuteronomy 6 gives us clear instructions on how we should parent as believers and in this episode I talk about what it means to train up our kids in the Lord, not just on Sundays, but through the way we live, the conversations we have, and the love they see modeled in our homes.If you’ve ever felt the weight of raising children, wondered if you’re getting it “right,” or longed for practical ways to weave faith into the rhythms of your family life, this one’s for you.Share this episode with another parent who needs the reminder that they’re not walking this journey alone, God is faithful, and He’s entrusted us with His children for a purpose.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this week’s episode I’m joined by my girl, Toni Collier, you guys already know and love her!Every time Toni’s on the couch with me, there are lots of laughs, but we also dive deep into the kind of real, raw conversations that bring freedom. This time, we’re talking about her new book “Don’t Try This Alone” where she shares her journey to healing through community. We talked about finding concrete joy after deep pain, and why shame has no place in the believer’s life, and how healing in community really changes everything.From church hurt and divorce, to the kind of vulnerability that disarms the enemy, Toni’s story is full of God’s redemption and joy that can’t be shaken. We share how telling the whole truth, the messy and the beautiful, not only sets us free, but helps others step into freedom too.If you’ve ever wrestled with shame, struggled to trust after betrayal, or found it difficult to be vulnerable with people and wondered how to find joy in the middle of hard seasons, this one's for you.Share this episode with someone who needs the reminder that God’s joy is stronger than their pain, and that they were never meant to walk alone.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hey Fam! This week’s episode is one I’ve been sitting with for a while, because it’s straight from something God has been working on in my own heart, learning to bring everything to His feet.If you’ve ever found yourself running around doing all the things for God but feeling distant from Him, you’re not alone. I’ve been there, serving, pouring out, checking every box, and still missing that closeness my soul was craving.In this episode, we’re looking at Mary and Martha’s story in Luke 10, and what it really means to choose intimacy before activity.  Whether you’re in a busy season, or just longing for more of His presence, my prayer is that this conversation gives you permission to slow down, and draw near.This one is full of gentle conviction, and the reminder that you’re always welcome at His feet.  Share this with a friend who’s been feeling tired, or distant from the Lord, they might need this just as much as you do.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hey Guys! This week’s episode is extra close to my heart because I’m joined by someone I know y’all are going to love hearing from — Jordan is on the couch with me! What started as just working together has turned into something so much deeper — she’s truly become family. Our story is one of grief, friendship, discipleship, and the kind of connection that only comes when God brings two people together for His purpose.Whether you're a young Christian trying to walk with Jesus, someone who cares for a loved one with special needs, or if you’ve been searching for real, Christ-centered community — this episode is for YOU. We talk about how our friendship reflects Ruth & Naomi’s story, following Jesus in your 20s — when it’s hard, awkward, or unpopular, caring for someone with special needs while still trusting God’s plan, and how God can use us in our own families and networks to spread the gospel and make disciples.This one is full of God’s faithfulness, and the kind of joy that only comes through the journey. I’m so grateful for Jordan and I can’t wait for y’all to hear her heart! Share this episode with someone who needs encouragement in their walk, their wait, or their relationships.Tune In Now!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” - Luke 9:23In this episode, I’m diving into something the Lord has been pressing on my heart: Jesus didn’t call us to comfort, he called us to carry a cross.I share a story that started off as a fun little birthday bike ride… and turned into a full-blown sermon from the Holy Spirit. What I thought would be an easy, scenic trip ended up showing me so much about the reality of the Christian walk, it’s not easy, and it’s not supposed to be.If you’ve ever felt tired, or caught off guard by how hard following Jesus can be, I want you to know, you’re not alone!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week I sat down with Norris Johnson III and we talked about what it really looks like to serve God when you’re spiritually empty, and how the Acts 2:42 conference became a turning point for him, a moment where the Lord met him in the middle of burnout and reignited the fire he thought he’d lost.As we unpacked his journey, we dug deep into what it means to die to self and to truly walk in sonship instead of striving to be used by God. We also explored the weighty call to be a “living sacrifice” like Romans 12 teaches, the danger of blending culture with Christianity, and how sometimes God will protect us from the very blessings we’re not ready to carry. This episode doesn’t just inspire, it challenges and calls us back to the altar.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hey fam! In this week's episode, I’m diving into one of the most meaningful parables to me, the story of the Prodigal Son.Lately, I’ve been studying Luke 15 and reading through The Prodigal God by Timothy Keller with my Village community on Patreon & the Lord has been showing me how easy is is to either run from Him or try to earn His love, and how both can lead us far from the Father’s heart.Whether you’re like the younger son who wanders off or the older son in the field, I pray this conversation helps you see just how deeply God loves you, and how near He wants us to be.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if worship isn’t just what you sing… but how you live? In this week's episode I sat down with my dear friend and fellow podcaster, Pastor Ebenezer Endiryas, for a conversation that deeply challenged me, and I believe it’s going to do the same for you. We unpack what Romans 12 really means when it says to present your body as a living sacrifice. That’s not just poetic language, that’s a call to daily obedience. And let’s be honest, real obedience doesn’t always feel good. Sometimes it looks like saying “yes” when no one sees it, and when it costs you something you love.Let this be a reminder. God is after your heart, not your highlight reel.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Welcome back fam! This week Jackie Hill Perry joins me again for part two of our podcast. In this episode we’re talking about Christian content creation, conviction, repentance, and what it looks like to stay faithful to God, even when the algorithm is loud. We also discuss why some content might be getting clicks but isn’t making disciples, the temptation to chase platforms instead of the presence of God, and the difference between strategy and surrender. I pray this episode encourages you, and draws you closer to the Lord!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on In Totality, I’m joined by one of my best friends and someone I deeply admire - Jackie Hill Perry. This conversation is one of those that stays with you. We went deep into what it really means to surrender, not just in the big ways, but in the quiet, hidden corners of our hearts, letting God touch on the places we try to hide-- where pride, fear, or even self-protection still live.We talk about the kind of hunger that leads to holiness — the kind that comes when we deny ourselves and draw near to God in intimacy, even through something as simple (but hard) as fasting. If you’re tired of glossing over your heart and ready to let God examine every hidden corner, this conversation is for you!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This episode is one of the most honest ones I’ve shared. Over the past month, I’ve felt the weight of the Lord’s discipline, and not in a way that pushed me away, but in a way that pulled me back to truth.I was in a rut. I was complaining, easily offended, and frustrated with God,but what He showed me was deeper than my emotions. He showed me that I had stopped guarding my heart (Proverbs 4:23), and because of that, pride, bitterness, and cynicism were sneaking in quietly.In this episode, I’m talking about what it really looks like to guard your heart not just from toxic people or outside voices, but from your own thoughts, offense, and the lies that subtly disconnect you from God.This isn’t just about discipline - it’s about intimacy. It’s about letting God confront what’s trying to corrupt you and choosing closeness with Him over comfort.If you’ve been feeling dry, defensive, or distant from God - this one’s for you.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

My friend, Hayley Mulenda & I sit down to unpack what God’s been teaching both of us-- discomfort is a discipline, and avoiding it might be the very thing holding us back from intimacy with him. Today, we live in a world where everything is designed for speed and convenience. Amazon delivers in hours, food shows up at our door, and even spirituality seems available at the click of a button, but when it comes to following Jesus there are no shortcuts. In this episode, Hayley shares how a health scare forced her into a season of total dependence on God, and I talk about how the Lord is looking for even more intimacy with us in this time, and what it’s like to feel stretched by the weight of the calling. If you feel like God is requiring an increase in intimacy and dependence on Him, this one's for you!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The past several weeks have been a lot! Multiple car accidents (yes, including a deer collision), parenting chaos and disappointments that hit me hard. I found myself frustrated, exhausted, and honestly asking God: “Why is this happening?”But in the middle of the mess, the Lord impressed something powerful on my heart:“I’m not trying to destroy you. I’m trying to weaken you.”If this episode encourages you, please share it with someone else who needs it.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, I sit down with Brenna Blain for one of the most honest conversations I’ve had on the podcast. We talk about what it really looks like to follow Jesus while still battling mental illness, trauma, and temptation. Brenna shares her powerful story from growing up in church as a pastor’s kid, abuse, same-sex attraction, and deep seasons of depression. We talk about what it means to suffer well, how motherhood can actually disciple us, and why God’s goodness doesn’t always look like the comfort we expected - yet we hold fast to the promise that God heals always, even if it’s not on this side of eternity. If you’ve ever asked, “Can I still love Jesus and feel this broken?” this episode is for you.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this continuation of last week’s episode, my mom, Ms. Yvette and I move past trials we’ve faced together and into the transformation we’ve witnessed. We talk about cultivating a lifestyle of prayer, learning to listen for God’s voice, and how true healing happens when we yield to His presence.Tune in to hear how the Lord has taught us both to walk in humility, steward our relationship differently, and grow together in grace.Whether you're longing for guidance in your walk with God, or simply a reminder that change is possible through Him, I pray this episode draws you closer to the heart of the Father.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this deeply personal and long-awaited Mother’s Day episode of In Totality, I sit down with one of the most important people in my life - my mom. This conversation is raw, honest, and full of the kind of love only a mother and daughter can share. We open up about our journey together - how my mom came to know Jesus, how our relationship has evolved over the years, and the very real struggles we’ve faced as a family. I share openly about my battles with mental health, and my mom shares how she leaned on the Lord’s strength and wisdom to walk with me through some of the darkest moments of my life.  This is a story of faith, perseverance, and the kind of love that covers even the hardest seasons. Whether you’re a mother, daughter, or someone in the middle of your own healing journey, I pray this conversation brings you hope and reminds you that God truly meets us in every valley. Content Warning: This episode contains sensitive discussion around suicide and self-harm. Listener discretion is advised.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this week’s episode of In Totality, I’m back with my dear friends, CD and Melody Fabien, for Part II of our powerful conversation on purity, obedience, and trusting God in the waiting. If Part I stirred something in your spirit, this next part goes even deeper.We’re talking about what it really looks like to walk out a set-apart relationship—one that honors God even when it’s countercultural. From setting boundaries to choosing obedience over ease, this couple shares how their faith shaped their love story beyond just waiting for marriage.I pray this episode encourages you to lean into God’s process, even when it feels slow or misunderstood. He’s not just preparing the promise—He’s preparing you for the promise.If you’re in a season of waiting, dating with intention, or learning how to surrender your timeline to God, this one’s for you.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When God writes your love story, it looks different from the world’s version — and it’s worth the wait.In today’s episode of In Totality, I sit down with two of my dear friends, a married couple whose very first kiss was at the altar on their wedding day. We talk about their individual journeys of salvation, the seasons of preparation God led them through, and the faith it took to trust Him every step of the way.Their story is powerful, but it’s important to remember: while this may not be exactly what God is specifically calling you to do in your waiting season, He is calling all of us to live lives of obedience, faith, and consecration.We dive deep into what it means to honor God not just in dating, but in every part of our walk with Christ. If you’ve ever wondered if it’s still possible to live set apart in relationships today, this conversation will remind you: it is, and it’s beautiful.Whether you’re single, dating, or already married, I pray this episode encourages you to trust God's timing, obey His leading, and believe that His plans for you are better than anything you could write on your own.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.