In this episode, Ashly shares her decision to read the Bible from beginning to end in her fortieth year — not out of obligation, but out of a genuine desire for depth. She reflects on how revisiting Scripture as one unfolding story reshapes perspective, strengthens faith, and reframes wilderness seasons as part of God’s larger narrative.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” — Psalm 119:105

Reflection Question:

Am I seeking inspiration… or am I pursuing depth?

In this episode, Ashly reflects on what it means to surrender the future — especially when timelines don’t unfold as expected. From singleness to uncertainty, she explores how obedience rooted in love brings peace, and how trusting God with what’s ahead frees us from striving to control the outcome.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.” — Proverbs 3:5–6

Reflection Question:

Am I trusting God with my future… or trying to control it?

In this episode, Ashly reflects on the quiet identity questions that often surface in our thirties and forties — especially after seasons of loss, rebuilding, and change. She explores what it means to shed outdated versions of ourselves, grow beyond expectations, and anchor identity in Christ rather than roles or timelines.

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” — Ephesians 2:10

Reflection Question:

Am I trying to perform who I think I should be… or am I allowing myself to become who God is shaping me to be?

In this episode, Ashly reflects on what true transformation really means — not behavior modification, but heart change. Through personal testimony and thoughtful reflection, she explores the difference between condemnation and conviction, and how obedience rooted in love leads to lasting peace.

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” — Matthew 6:21

Reflection Question:

Is my obedience rooted in fear… or in love?

In this episode, Ashly reflects on the subtle ways we seek comfort after heartbreak — through connection, distraction, validation, and momentum. She shares how temporary relief can feel fulfilling for a moment but ultimately leaves us thirstier, and how God patiently redirects our desires toward lasting restoration.

“Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I give will never thirst.” — John 4:13–14

Reflection Question:

Am I seeking relief… or restoration?

In this episode, Ashly shares the story of her divorce and the quiet aftermath of abandonment — not just the end of a marriage, but the internal collapse of identity that followed. Through honest reflection, she explores what happens when roles fall away and how anchoring identity in Christ becomes the only foundation that holds when everything else shakes.

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18

Reflection Question:

If the roles in your life were stripped away, what would remain?

In this episode, Ashly shares the experience of losing four women within one month and reflects on how grief reshapes perspective. Through sorrow and hope, she explores what it means to number our days, live intentionally, and trust God’s nearness in seasons of loss.

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” — Psalm 90:12

Grief may feel heavy — but it does not have to feel hopeless.

"When life gets messy...where do you go"? Annie F. Downs

In this opening episode of Wells & Wilderness, Ashly shares the heart behind the podcast and the question that shaped it:

What wells are we drinking from when we’re thirsty?

Ashly reflects on:

-Giving her life to God as a teenager — and what it looked like to slowly place Him on the back burner

-Navigating heartbreak, divorce, and identity shifts

-The difference between believing in God and daily surrender

-Running to temporary comfort during wilderness seasons

-The realization that she wasn’t being punished — she was being pursued

This episode sets the foundation for the series: learning to recognize the wells we run to, and discovering that only Christ truly satisfies.

If you’ve ever:

-Felt like your identity was shaken

-Placed God in the background while leading yourself

-Sought comfort in things that didn’t last

-Wondered why your wilderness season feels so long

This conversation is for you.

Reflection Question: When life feels overwhelming, where do you go for comfort?