We were lucky to catch up with Ashley White recently and have shared our conversation below.

Ashley, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

In August of 2022, I turned 40, and like most people hitting a new decade, I began to wonder what the next phase of my life would be. To further explain, my Grandparents, both of whom, had Alzhiemer’s were relatively healthy until around 80 years old. I prayed, “Lord, if you grant me 80 good years, then this is my half way mark. Please grant me the courage to live with greater passion to make a positive impact on the world with the next 40 years.”

Two weeks after that prayer, my beloved Grandmother would pass away. Through a cloud of grief and funeral planning, I realized a bitter sweet truth while writing her obituary. So many stories of women are not told until you read them in a funeral program, when you can’t say “thank you”. I believe God granted me the vision for the podcast at that moment. I am grateful for the privilege to share stories of women in their own voice with a focus on joy no matter where they are on the journey of life.

I seek to highlight African American women living with purpose and intention. The weekly podcast asks guests to share their stories, by diving deeper into the importance of joy while raising children, climbing the corporate ladder, or leading the next generation.

Ashley, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I was raised by my parent on the Southside of Chicago in the South Shore community. I spent every weekend and summer with my Grandparents in Gary, In. During car rides, my Grandparents only listened to talk radio. News, sports, weather on constant repeat. Subconsciously, I understood the importance of stories and storytellers. However, I never thought I would add my voice or perspective to the world. In August 2022, my world permanently shifted following the death of my Grandmother. I began to ask myself questions like, was I living, was I making a difference, or was I just existing. When I could not answer any of those questions with confidence, I needed to make some adjustments not knowing where that would lead.

As I began to pray, God reminded me of the gift of encouragement. In March 2017, I used my personal Facebook and Instagram accounts to highlight a different woman each day in honor of Women’s History Month. I was blown away by the engagement each post would generate. I was most encouraged by the number of people who were inspired by the women’s progress and life story. In March 2019, I hosted a Women’s Networking Brunch, with the theme of Empower, Enlighten, and Elevate. The sold out brunch was a powerful image of women joined together with a common goal.

Joy on the Journey Podcast is an extension of the work that the Lord had already begun. Showcasing women’s stories in their own voice, with the intention of sharing hope, inspiration, and the importance of faith and joy. It is my hope that every viewer/listener will hear a special message that will be of encouragement to keep moving forward.

When the podcast started, I had no experience from interviewing to content creating. BUT GOD has blessed the vision! My trust in Him, He will open doors to expand the reach of the platform, and grant me the courage to be a joy seeker and encourager of women.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

The mission of the podcast is centered around I Thessalonians 5:16-18a “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances.”

I spent nearly every Saturday of my life as my Grandmother’s shadow in her shop, S&C’s Gift Shoppe in Downtown Gary, IN. My Grandmother’s story of grit, grace, and joy and deserves to be told! It is not just her story, every woman has a story, a message, and a journey that can inspire others. Joy is an inheritance of every believer. It is available to us no matter the situation because God is ever present. Joy On The Journey Podcast, is a platform to tell your story, for the glory of God, and for the benefit of Gods people.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

In all transparency, I am a Type A, high achiever, perfectionist. In other words, one who needs control over everything at all times.
Through the podcast, I have learned to yield to changes in schedules, my feelings of rejection, doubt, and self confidence. I have learned to pray for contentment and stay in the moment. When preparing to release the first episode, I shared my doubts with a good friend, Edwina Gaines. She listened to me, and shared something that I come back to every week. Edwina said, “Worrying and stressing will not change anything. All you can do is pray that the messages will reach the people that need them, in the season that they need to hear them.”

Her words have become my prayer. This podcast does not belong to me. It is my gift and assignment from God. My responsibility is to steward it well, take special care of my guests, by grateful, and leave any results to Him.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://joyonthejourneypodcast.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joyonthejourneypodcast?igsh=b2VycnI0OHJmMzZp&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086280035383&mibextid=JRoKGi
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@joyonthejourneypodcast

Image Credits

Monica Blackshire