Everyday Joy

• Self-Preservation vs. Surrender | What Losing Your Life Really Means | Mark 8:35 with Kate Westwood

  What if the thing you’re clinging to is actually holding you back from the life God has for you? In this episode, Ash and Kate unpack one of the most confronting verses in the Bible: “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it” (Mark 8:35). Together, they explore what it means to truly surrender—especially in a world that celebrates self-preservation. From building “spiritual shock absorbers” to navigating the wrestle between spirit and flesh, this conversation is an honest reflection on daily choices, spiritual resilience, and trusting God with your whole life. Whether you’re thriving or just trying to make it through the week, this episode invites you to consider how you're living—and who you're living for. Get Connected:Follow us on InstagramJoin the Facebook CommunityGot something to share? Email us at [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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• Is This Strength or Just Escaping? | What It Really Means to Seek God in Every Season | 1 Chronicles 16:11 with Kate Westwood

  Sometimes we try to recharge by escaping—through holidays, Netflix, or comfort food. But are those things really giving us strength, or just helping us avoid what we’re feeling? In this episode, Ash and Kate talk about the difference between escaping and being truly refreshed. They explore what it means to seek God daily, not just in crisis but in every season of life. The Bible reminds us in 1 Chronicles 16:11, "Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always." But what does that look like when life is full and you’re stretched thin? This conversation is an honest and hopeful reminder that God’s strength is available to us—and that He’s not just our strength, but the one who strengthens us. Whether life feels light or heavy right now, this episode will help you realign your focus and be refreshed in His presence.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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• God Doesn’t Just Drop You Off | Finding His Presence in the Middle of the Battle | Psalm 23:5–6 with Kate Westwood:

  Oh hi! Ever feel like God’s dropped you off at the start of a hard season with a pat on the back and a “good luck”? In today’s episode, Ash and Kate unpack Psalm 23:5–6: “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” This is a rich, honest conversation about what it means to experience both lament and blessing, often at the same time. Ash and Kate talk through how God doesn’t just wait for us at the finish line—He walks with us through the hardest parts of life, offering peace, provision, and transformation along the way. If you're feeling weary in your faith or wondering where God is in your struggle, this episode is for you. Get Connected:Follow us on InstagramJoin the Facebook CommunityGot something to share? Email us at [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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• I Gave God My Grief, He Gave Me a Song | 1 Peter 5:7 with Kate Westwood

  Oh hey! In this episode, Ash Couchman is joined by Kate Westwood to unpack 1 Peter 5:7 — “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” Kate opens up about a season in her life marked by burnout, depression, and disappointment with God. She shares how that time revealed her struggle with true vulnerability — not just with God, but with people around her. Together, Ash and Kate talk about what it really means to “cast your cares” on God when He feels distant, how to tell the difference between being transparent and being vulnerable, and why asking for help can be one of the most courageous things we do in our faith. Kate also gives us a glimpse into the exciting creative project she’s working on — writing music in collaboration with female worship leaders across Australia. Whether you’re in a season of peace or you’re just trying to keep your head above water, this conversation is full of honesty, hope, and encouragement to let others in and lean on God, even when it’s hard. Note, there are some heavier topics discussed in today's episode. Get Connected:Follow us on InstagramJoin the Facebook CommunityGot something to share? Email us at [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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• Trusting God Like a Kid Again? Why Adult Faith Feels So Complicated | Matthew 18:3-5 with Kate Westwood

  In today’s episode, Ash is joined by Kate, who shares a heartfelt update on a brand new season of love in her life — including how God “hid” her until the right person came along. Together, they dive into Matthew 18:3-5 and unpack what it means to truly have childlike faith. Why is it so hard to trust God as an adult? Why do we second-guess His goodness or timing? And what can we learn from a three-year-old’s simple, unshakable belief in her parents? From spiritual vulnerability to real talk about privacy, relationships, and being an oversharer on-air, this episode blends honest reflection with practical encouragement. You’ll walk away challenged to release control and rediscover a humble, wholehearted dependence on God. Get Connected: Follow us on InstagramJoin the Facebook CommunityGot something to share? Email us at [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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