In Totality with Megan Ashley Episode 53: One Year of In Totality: Reflections & Gratitude Release Date: November 5, 2024
Introduction
In Episode 53, titled "One Year of In Totality: Reflections & Gratitude," host Megan Ashley celebrates the first anniversary of her podcast, "In Totality." This milestone episode delves deep into Megan's journey over the past year, expressing heartfelt gratitude, reflecting on personal and communal growth, and addressing questions from her loyal Patreon community. The episode is a blend of personal anecdotes, spiritual insights, and interactive Q&A sessions, all aimed at encouraging listeners to live a life wholly devoted to God.
Anniversary Reflections and Gratitude
Timestamp: 01:50 - 07:00
Megan opens the episode by celebrating the podcast's one-year anniversary. She reflects on the challenges faced during the year, emphasizing the unwavering support from her team—Jay and Jordan—and the sustaining presence of the Lord. Megan shares personal memories of the podcast's inception, including her fears and the transformational journey from her initial, hesitant episodes to a more confident and authentic presentation.
Notable Quote:
"I am so grateful that the Lord has sustained us and provided in multiple ways, like financially and personally, ensuring everyone was taken care of."
— Megan Ashley [02:30]
She discusses the emotional toll and the profound sense of gratitude for having a steadfast support system, highlighting the importance of community in her spiritual and professional growth.
Community Engagement and Patreon Insights
Timestamp: 07:00 - 15:00
Megan emphasizes the significance of her Patreon community, detailing the exclusive content and behind-the-scenes access it provides. She invites listeners to join, explaining the benefits such as a docu-series featuring her family and the intimate moments captured while preparing for speaking engagements. Megan underscores the value of transparency and vulnerability in leadership, aiming to inspire her audience to steward their lives with the same authenticity.
Notable Quote:
"Patreon has been a community of people who love each other, who have found their people in the village."
— Megan Ashley [12:15]
She shares her excitement about upcoming content exclusive to Patreon members, including insights from the recent Acts 242 conference, reflecting her ongoing commitment to fostering a tight-knit, supportive community.
Audience Q&A: Reflections and Lessons Learned
Timestamp: 15:00 - 36:00
Megan transitions to answering questions from her Patreon community, addressing topics that range from personal challenges to spiritual growth.
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Family’s Response to the Podcast:
- Megan discusses how her children, Caleb, Jonah, and Eli, perceive the podcast. Caleb is mostly unaware, Jonah is curious, and Eli is proud of her perseverance and dedication.
Notable Quote:
"Eli is extremely proud. He sees how we've continued to do this and how you make your life about what God is doing."
— Megan Ashley [10:00] -
Hardest Part of Starting the Podcast:
- Megan shares that the most challenging aspect was initiating the podcast alone and overcoming insecurities about vulnerability and transparency. She desired to maintain wisdom and not misuse her influence, ensuring that Christ remained the center.
Notable Quote:
"I hold influence seriously and don't want to misuse what God has entrusted me with."
— Megan Ashley [15:30] -
Handling Responsibility:
- Megan explains that taking God seriously means relying entirely on Him. She prays before recording, asking the Holy Spirit to guide her words to impact listeners positively.
Notable Quote:
"I'm a hundred percent dependent on the Lord to carry it and to do, and to not center myself, but to center Him in it."
— Megan Ashley [18:00] -
Biggest Surprises Over the Year:
- The unexpected reach of the podcast is Megan's biggest surprise, noting listeners from unexpected places like her mom’s nail salon and her ex-husband’s workplace.
Notable Quote:
"The biggest surprise has been the reach it's made—random people I never expected are tuning in."
— Megan Ashley [20:45] -
Strengthening Faith Practices:
- Megan identifies prayer, immersing in God's word, and cultivating a supportive community as key practices that have strengthened her faith. She emphasizes the importance of seeking intimacy with God and surrounding herself with like-minded believers.
Notable Quote:
"Prayer, God's word, sitting with Him in silence, and surrounding myself with a healthy community have been the most beneficial."
— Megan Ashley [25:30] -
Pursuing In Totality:
- Megan recounts her decision to continue podcasting as a response to divine prompting and the lack of peace in discontinuing. She advises aligning actions with God's commands and seeking community confirmation over seeking mystical signs.
Notable Quote:
"If you're doing what the Lord calls you to do—making disciples, spreading the gospel—then do it with wisdom and community support."
— Megan Ashley [43:00]
Reflection on Personal and Communal Growth
Timestamp: 36:00 - 43:00
Megan reflects on observing personal growth within her immediate circle, such as Jay and Jordan's deepened faith and her children’s evolving understanding of her mission. She appreciates witnessing the transformative impact of genuine faith on those around her.
Notable Quote:
"When you truly meet Him for real, you just can't help but talk about it. The purity of that causes people to be curious."
— Megan Ashley [36:52]
She acknowledges the profound changes in her listeners and friends, attributing these shifts to the authentic pursuit of God both personally and through the podcast.
Conclusion and Future Directions
Timestamp: 43:00 - 45:30
Megan expresses her commitment to continuing the podcast despite uncertainties about the future. She plans to take a short break to rest and return refreshed with new perspectives and content. Megan reiterates her gratitude for her support system, including her team, family, and the entire village community.
Notable Quote:
"I didn't know what this year looked like, but I do commit to being faithful to the Lord and doing all that He's called me to do."
— Megan Ashley [33:50]
She encourages listeners to engage with the podcast through various platforms, leave reviews, and continue supporting the community as they embark on another year of spiritual growth and discipleship.
Journal Prompt
To encourage personal reflection, Megan offers a journal prompt for her listeners:
- What has God done in you in the last year?
- What has changed?
- What have you learned about yourself and God?
- What have you seen different in your life in the last 52 weeks?
Final Thoughts
Megan wraps up the episode with a heartfelt thank you to her listeners, expressing how much their support means to her. She emphasizes the importance of community and the shared journey of faith, leaving her audience inspired to continue their pursuit of a life in totality with God.
Notable Quote:
"I'm so grateful for every single person in the village community. We love you guys, we go hard for you, and we rock with you."
— Megan Ashley [44:00]
Key Takeaways
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Gratitude for Community Support: Megan highlights the essential role her team and listeners play in sustaining the podcast and her personal growth.
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Faith and Vulnerability: The episode underscores the importance of being open and authentic in one's spiritual journey, balancing vulnerability with wisdom.
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Impact of Genuine Faith: Megan observes significant positive changes in those around her, emphasizing that a sincere relationship with God naturally inspires curiosity and transformation in others.
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Commitment to Purpose: Despite challenges, Megan remains dedicated to her mission of spreading the gospel and fostering discipleship through her platform.
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Encouragement for Personal Reflection: The journal prompt serves as a tool for listeners to assess their spiritual growth and God's work in their lives over the past year.
Conclusion
Episode 53 of "In Totality with Megan Ashley" serves as a profound reflection on a year of dedication, growth, and community. Megan's candid sharing of her experiences, coupled with her unwavering faith, offers inspiration and encouragement to listeners striving to live lives wholly devoted to God. This milestone episode not only celebrates past achievements but also sets the stage for future endeavors, promising continued support, transparency, and spiritual enrichment for all who join the "In Totality" journey.