Everyday Joy

"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2 What if the very thing keeping you stuck is the thing you've been trying to carry on your own? In this powerful conversation, Ash Couchman and Jacquie Scott unpack Galatians 6:2 and the biblical call to carry one another's burdens. Together, they explore why so many of us isolate ourselves when life gets hard, how shame and pride can keep us trapped in our own thoughts, and why healing often begins when we allow trusted people into our struggles. From sin and temptation to grief, anxiety, relationship breakdowns, and seasons of doubt, this episode is a reminder that God never designed us to do life alone. Sometimes the breakthrough we're praying for starts with simply being honest about what we're carrying. If you've ever felt stuck in your own head, overwhelmed by life's challenges, or reluctant to ask for help, this conversation will encourage you to let others walk alongside you and discover the freedom that comes when burdens are shared. Get Connected: Follow Ash & Everyday Joy on Instagram! Subscribe to Everyday Joy Podcast: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Join the conversation on Facebook: Everyday Joy Community See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Plow your fields, scatter seeds of justice and harvest faithfulness. Worship me, the Lord, and I will send my saving power down like rain." Hosea 10:12 What if the biggest thing holding you back in your faith isn't your church, your circumstances, or your past... but the responsibility you've been avoiding? In this challenging and deeply practical conversation, Ash Couchman and Jacquie Scott unpack Hosea 10:12 and the powerful image of ploughing the soil of our hearts. Together, they explore what it means to actively pursue God, deal with the areas of our lives that have become hard and unfruitful, and take responsibility for our own walk with Jesus. This episode is a reminder that spiritual growth doesn't happen by accident. Just as a farmer prepares the ground before the harvest, we're invited to seek God, repent, grow, and create space for Him to work in our lives. If you've been feeling spiritually stuck, distant from God, or hungry for more, this conversation may be the wake-up call you didn't know you needed. Get Connected: Follow Ash & Everyday Joy on Instagram! Subscribe to Everyday Joy Podcast: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Join the conversation on Facebook: Everyday Joy Community See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So be content with who you are and don't put on airs. God's strong hand is on you. He'll promote you at the right time." 1 Peter 5:6 Have you ever felt like you needed to be different to be more effective, more successful, or more important? In this encouraging conversation, Ash Couchman and Jacquie Scott unpack what it really means to walk in humility, trust God's timing, and find contentment in who He created you to be. Together, they explore the pressure to compare ourselves to others, the temptation to chase recognition, and the freedom that comes when our identity is rooted in Christ instead of achievement. Jacquie shares a powerful reflection on discovering that the very things she once saw as flaws were actually part of God's design and purpose for her life. If you've ever questioned your worth, compared yourself to others, or wondered whether you're enough, this episode is a beautiful reminder that God's hand is on your life, and His timing is always better than striving for your own promotion. Get Connected: Follow Ash & Everyday Joy on Instagram! Subscribe to Everyday Joy Podcast: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Join the conversation on Facebook: Everyday Joy Community See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Weeping may stay overnight, but there is joy in the morning." Psalm 30:5 What if the reason so many of us feel disappointed in our faith is because we've confused happiness with joy? In this thought-provoking conversation, Ash Couchman and Jacquie Scott unpack one of the biggest misconceptions Christians often wrestle with: the difference between happiness and true joy. Reflecting on Psalm 30:5, they explore why joy isn't the absence of pain, hardship, or unanswered questions, but a deep confidence in God's goodness that remains even when life feels difficult. Together, they discuss what it means to find joy in salvation, why life's circumstances can never fully satisfy us, and how a deeper relationship with Jesus becomes the foundation for lasting hope. If you've ever wondered why the Bible talks so much about joy when life can be so hard, this episode offers a perspective that might change the way you think about faith altogether. Get Connected: Follow Ash & Everyday Joy on Instagram! Subscribe to Everyday Joy Podcast: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Join the conversation on Facebook: Everyday Joy Community See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Observe how God loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn't love in order to get something from us, but to give everything of himself to us. Wow. Love like that." Ephesians 5:1-2 How do you love people extravagantly without completely burning yourself out? In this honest and practical conversation, Ash Couchman and Jacquie Scott explore the tension between living a sacrificial life and looking after yourself. As they unpack Ephesians 5:1-2, they discuss what it really means to imitate Christ, why rest is more than just self-care, and how being filled with God's love enables us to love others well. Together, they wrestle with boundaries, burnout, serving others, and the surprising truth that we can't pour into others if we haven't first allowed God to fill us. If you've ever felt torn between helping everyone around you and taking care of yourself, this episode offers a refreshing and biblical perspective on living a life of purpose, generosity, and wholehearted love. Get Connected: Follow Ash & Everyday Joy on Instagram! Subscribe to Everyday Joy Podcast: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Join the conversation on Facebook: Everyday Joy Community See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control..." Galatians 5:22-23 Why is self-control so hard... even when we know exactly what we should be doing? In this honest and relatable conversation, Ash Couchman and Shaylee unpack one of the most challenging fruits of the Spirit: self-control. From endless scrolling and phone addiction to discipline, distraction, and the habits that quietly shape our lives, they explore why so many of us struggle to choose what we know is best. Together, they reflect on the modern world's constant noise, the things competing for our attention, and the uncomfortable question every Christian eventually has to ask: has something taken God's place in my life? If you've ever felt stuck in unhealthy habits, frustrated by your lack of discipline, or challenged by the amount of time you spend on your phone, this conversation is a practical and encouraging reminder that spiritual growth doesn't happen by accident. It happens one choice at a time. Get Connected: Follow Ash & Everyday Joy on Instagram! Subscribe to Everyday Joy Podcast: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Join the conversation on Facebook: Everyday Joy Community See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"The Lord is my protector; he is my strong fortress. My God is my protection, and with him I am safe. He protects me like a shield; he defends me and keeps me safe." Psalm 18:2 Have you ever found yourself lying awake at night, trying to plan every detail of the future? In this honest conversation, Ash Couchman and Shaylee Stansbury unpack the pressure of making big life decisions, navigating financial uncertainty, planning for the future, and wrestling with the feeling that everything depends on getting it right. Together, they explore the reality of anxiety, our desire to control what's ahead, and the freedom that comes when we trust God with the things we were never meant to carry alone. Reflecting on Psalm 18:2, this episode is a powerful reminder that God isn't distant from our worries. He is our protector, our fortress, and our source of hope, even when the future feels uncertain. If you've been overthinking, stressing about what's next, or struggling to trust God in the unknown, this conversation will encourage you to take a breath, release control, and remember that God is already holding tomorrow. Get Connected: Follow Ash & Everyday Joy on Instagram! Subscribe to Everyday Joy Podcast: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Join the conversation on Facebook: Everyday Joy Community See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope. So we’ll all be together in this. No one left out. No one left behind.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:11 What if the encouraging thing you're thinking about saying could completely change someone's day? In this episode of Everyday Joy , Ash is joined by Shay for a conversation about the power of our words, the importance of encouragement and what it looks like to intentionally build the people around us up. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 reminds us that encouragement isn't just about being nice. We're called to build up hope, strengthen one another and make sure no one is left behind. Ash and Shay talk about how easy it is to keep a compliment to ourselves, assume someone already knows what we think of them, or focus on what's frustrating rather than what's good. But sometimes the simplest words— "I love that about you," "I'm proud of you," "You're doing a great job" —can make an enormous difference. They also have an honest conversation about how easy it is to become our own worst critics. We can walk around assuming people are disappointed in us, that we've upset someone or that others see us far more negatively than they actually do. Sometimes we need someone else to speak truth and encouragement into our lives. But there's a deeper challenge too: are we genuinely encouraging people, or are we only being nice to their face? Ash and Shay unpack the difference between simply being "nice" and allowing God to change what's happening in our hearts, so that our encouragement is genuine both publicly and privately. The conversation also explores what it means to live out God's Kingdom right now . We don't have to wait for everything to be fixed or for Jesus to return before we start building people up, growing in maturity and bringing hope into the world around us. Because we are surrounded by enough negativity. We don't need to add to it. We can choose to be people who build up hope, speak life and make sure the people around us know they aren't alone. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if the thing you’re struggling with isn’t something you have to overcome on your own? In 2 Peter 1:3, we’re reminded that God has already given us everything we need to live a life that pleases Him. That doesn’t mean we’ll never struggle, get frustrated or get things wrong — it means we never have to face those things alone. Ash and Shay unpack what it looks like to rely on God in the middle of the struggle, stay aware of His presence and allow Him to challenge us and grow us — even in the small, everyday moments. Because following Jesus isn’t about getting everything right. It’s about continually becoming more like Him. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of heaven, and those who lead many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever." — Daniel 12:3 What if you don't need a big platform to make a big difference? In this episode of Everyday Joy , Ash is joined by Shay for a conversation about influence, faithfulness and what it really means to shine like the stars . Daniel 12:3 was written in the context of a difficult future. God's people would face persecution, suffering and trouble—but Daniel was reminded that faithfulness would not be wasted. Those who remain wise, follow God and help others move towards Him would shine. Ash and Shay unpack what it means to be someone who points others towards Jesus—not necessarily through a massive social media following or a public platform, but through the ordinary influence we already have. Our families, friendships, workplaces and everyday conversations all give us opportunities to influence the people around us. They also talk honestly about the tension of sharing your faith publicly without making everything about yourself. How do you use your platform without becoming self-promotional? How do you point people towards Jesus while still being authentic? And what does it look like to keep shining when life gets difficult? The conversation explores why some of the wisest and most influential people aren't necessarily the loudest people in the room. They're the people who are consistent —people whose faith doesn't completely change depending on what's happening around them. Because shining for Jesus doesn't mean having a perfect life. It means continuing to trust Him, obey Him and point people towards Him—even when life gets hard. If you've ever wondered whether your influence really matters, felt uncomfortable about sharing your faith, or questioned whether the ordinary way you're living your life is making a difference, this episode is a reminder: your faithfulness is not wasted, and you don't need a huge platform to shine. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Proverbs 15:1 ERV A gentle answer makes anger disappear, but a rough answer makes it grow. What usually comes out of me when I'm hurt, frustrated or angry? Is there a person I need to respond to differently — not because they deserve it, but because I want to become a different kind of person? God, what would a gentle response look like in the situation I'm dealing with right now? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James 5:12 MSG Just say ‘yes’ or ‘no’. Just say what is true. That way, your language can't be used against you. Do my words match who I actually am? Is there somewhere in my life where I've been saying “yes” when I really mean “no” — or saying what someone wants to hear instead of telling the truth? God, is there somewhere you want me to become a person whose words people can genuinely trust? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Titus 3:14 ERV Learn to use your life for doing good and helping anyone who has a need. Then you will not have an empty life. Today's episode is another more reflective episode on Titus 3:14, take the time to think, reflect and wait on God as you think about these questions. 1. Who has God placed around me right now who might need something I can give? 2. When I look at the way I'm spending my time, what is actually making a difference — and what is just keeping me busy? 3. What is one thing I might need to let go of in order to focus on things that truly matter? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trying something different today! A quick reflection on Proverbs 29:23, with some time to wait and reflect on these questions... 1.Where in my life am I finding it hardest to admit that I might be wrong? 2.God, is there something you're trying to teach me that my pride is getting in the way of hearing? 3.God, where in my life, do I believe I don’t need you? WHere I am good at taking control, is it work, Family, career, church? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if helping others doesn’t have to mean solving every problem? Joel A'bell National Director of Convoy of Hope Australia, joins Ash to talk about serving people in need, the life-changing impact of access to clean water, and what it really means to live out the gospel. Joel shares heartbreaking stories from communities without reliable water, but also the incredible transformation that happens when people are given the opportunity to build a better future for themselves. And his challenge is simple: “Do the next kind thing in front of you.” Because we might not be able to change the whole world—but we can all do something. Donate Here: https://convoyofhope.org.au/water-for-life/thelight/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Don't hoard treasure down here... Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it's safe from moth and rust and burglars." — Matthew 6:19–20 Donate to Water For Life Day : https://convoyofhope.org.au/water-for-life/thelight/ What if the biggest danger isn't having money or possessions—but becoming so comfortable that we forget we need God? In this episode of Everyday Joy , Ash is joined by Kate for an honest and challenging conversation about possessions, comfort, generosity and what we're actually living for. Together, they unpack Jesus' words in Matthew 6 about storing up treasure in heaven rather than building our lives around things that eventually break, disappear or get taken away. They explore why this can be particularly challenging in the Western world, where comfort is so readily available that we can sometimes go days—or even weeks—without acknowledging how much we need God. Kate shares honestly about the sentimental things she's held onto after losing her mum, and how possessions can slowly move from something we enjoy into something that weighs us down. Ash and Kate also explore the difference between having possessions and being possessed by them , and why the real question isn't necessarily how much money we have, but how tightly we're holding onto it. The conversation challenges us to think about what it means to live with an open hand: Am I willing to have less if it means someone else can be blessed? Am I using what God has given me for myself—or for His kingdom? Because Jesus' teaching isn't simply about having less. It's about investing in what lasts. Generosity, caring for the poor, serving others and using our resources to make an eternal difference are the kinds of treasures that don't disappear when the things around us do. If you've ever wondered whether your pursuit of comfort, money or possessions is becoming too important—or simply want to rethink what it means to live generously—this conversation will challenge you to loosen your grip, refocus your priorities and ask what you're really building your life around. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him!" — Philippians 4:4 (MSG) What happens when we become so focused on what we don't have that we forget what God has already done? In this episode of Everyday Joy , Ash is joined by Kate for an honest conversation about finding joy when life feels heavy, circumstances aren't changing, and it's easy to get stuck focusing on everything that's going wrong. Together, they unpack Paul's words in Philippians 4:4 to "revel in" the Lord —and why those words are so powerful when you realise Paul was writing them from prison. Rejoicing doesn't mean pretending life is perfect or ignoring the hard things. It's choosing not to let the hard things become the only thing we see. Ash opens up about a season where anxiety and heaviness caused her to become increasingly focused on what she didn't have, what wasn't changing, and what she felt God hadn't done yet. She shares how shifting her focus outward—praying for friends, celebrating their stories, and remembering God's faithfulness—began to change her perspective. They also explore the power of worship and Christian community, and why remembering what God has done before can give us confidence that He is still at work now. Sometimes we need other people to remind us of the stories we've forgotten and help lift our eyes beyond our current circumstances. This episode is a reminder that joy isn't found in having perfect circumstances. It's found in knowing the One who remains faithful through all of them. If you're feeling stuck, discouraged, disappointed, or consumed by what hasn't changed yet, this conversation will encourage you to lift your eyes, remember God's faithfulness, and draw from the "wells of salvation" for the joy, hope and strength you already have in Christ. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"I'm giving you a new commandment: Love each other in the same way that I have loved you." — John 13:34 What if we're sometimes so focused on being right that we forget what Jesus actually told us to do? In this episode of Everyday Joy , Ash is joined by singer-songwriter and worship leader Kate for an honest conversation about one of Jesus' most challenging commands: love one another as I have loved you. Together, they unpack why Christians can sometimes get so caught up in disagreements, denominations, theology and the things that divide us that we lose sight of the thing Jesus placed right in front of us—loving people. But this conversation goes even deeper. Kate and Ash explore what it actually means to love others when we're running low on patience, grace and kindness. Because the reality is, we can't keep pouring out something we're not receiving ourselves. Jesus doesn't simply tell us to love more—He invites us to first understand how deeply we are loved by Him. When we become more aware of God's love for us, we have a deeper well to draw from when loving the people around us gets difficult. This episode is a reminder that following Jesus isn't about being perfect, having all the answers, or winning every theological argument. It's about becoming people who reflect the love we've received. If you've ever found yourself frustrated by disagreements within the church, struggling to love someone you don't agree with, or simply running out of patience with the people around you, this conversation will encourage you to come back to the starting point: receive God's love, and let it overflow into the way you love others. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." — James 1:2–3 What if the season you're desperately trying to escape is actually producing something in you that comfort never could? In this episode of Everyday Joy , Ash is joined by Kate for an honest conversation about suffering, discomfort, and finding joy when life isn't going the way we hoped. Together, they unpack one of the Bible's most challenging instructions: "Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials." Because let's be honest—none of us are naturally excited about hard seasons. We live in a world built around convenience, quick fixes and avoiding discomfort whenever possible. So what does James actually mean when he tells us to consider our trials joy? Ash and Kate explore how difficult seasons can test our faith, develop perseverance and reveal where we're turning when life gets hard. They talk about the difference between finding joy in suffering and pretending that suffering doesn't hurt, and why Christian joy isn't something we simply manufacture when circumstances are terrible. They also reflect on what it looks like to keep trusting God when nothing changes, prayers seem unanswered, and you're still facing the same circumstances you were months or even years ago. This episode is a reminder that God can produce deep faith in seasons we'd never choose for ourselves. Sometimes the joy isn't found in the circumstance changing—it's found in discovering that God is faithful even when it doesn't. If you're walking through a difficult season, waiting for something to change, or struggling to understand where God is in your suffering, this conversation will encourage you to keep turning to Him, keep trusting Him, and remember that your hard season isn't necessarily a wasted one. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." — Ephesians 4:2 What if some of the biggest problems in our relationships aren't caused by what people actually did—but by what we expected them to do? In this episode of Everyday Joy , Ash is joined by Kate for an honest conversation about unmet expectations, giving people grace, and learning to make allowance for each other's differences. Together, they unpack Paul's challenge in Ephesians 4:2 to be humble, gentle, patient, and willing to make space for other people's faults. They explore why we can be so quick to judge others by their actions while giving ourselves grace because we know our own intentions. Kate shares what years of living with housemates have taught her about extending grace, assuming the best of people, and "filling the gap with trust" when we don't know someone's intentions. They also explore how this applies to marriage, friendships, family, church, and the workplace. One of the biggest reminders from this conversation is that relationships don't have to be based on agreement—they can be based on understanding. Sometimes making allowance means accepting that someone sees the world differently, communicates differently, or responds differently than we would. If you've ever been frustrated because someone didn't meet your expectations, taken something personally, or found yourself assuming the worst about someone's intentions, this conversation will encourage you to slow down, ask questions, give grace, and create space for people's humanity. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.