In this episode, we are continuing our last conversation on shame, perfectionism, and mental health, and we’re taking it a step further—into the layered expectations of faith, church, and rural community life. This episode explores what happens when you break the “rules”—both written and unspoken—and fall short of religious and cultural ideals that often feel impossible to uphold.

From personal stories of spiritual struggle to moments of quiet rebellion, we unpack how shame shows up in faith communities and how hard it can be to feel worthy when you’re no longer coloring inside the lines.

It’s deep, it’s raw—and still, somehow, full of grace and laughter.

This week, we’re stepping into the heavy stuff—shame. We open up about the ways shame has shaped our lives, especially in the workplace and in the expectations we place on ourselves (hello, perfectionism).

Then, we dig deeper into how shame shows up in church spaces—through the fear of judgment, the weight of perceived moral failure, and the quiet belief that we’re somehow unworthy of grace.

This episode includes one of our most vulnerable conversations yet, as AJ and Ally share how shame crept its way into their careers. And Ally shares her personal journey with mental health and how shame has tangled itself in that story.

If you’ve ever wrestled with feeling like you’re not enough—you’re not alone.

In this episode, AJ and Ally continue the conversation on hospitality—but this ain’t your typical “bless your heart” kind of chat. We’re talking radical hospitality: the kind that goes beyond potlucks and porch visits, and asks us to make space for people in real, uncomfortable, grace-filled ways.

We share some wins (yes, we’ve had our moments), but also keep it honest about how hard it can be—especially as two introverts trying to live out big-hearted ideals. Because when we don’t offer that kind of presence and belonging, something else always moves in: exclusion, shame, and silence.
So grab a biscuit, settle in, and let’s talk about what it really means to practice community from the inside out.

What is hospitality—and what makes it uniquely Southern? In this episode, we pour a tall glass of sweet tea and dive deep into the heart of Southern hospitality. Together, we explore the charm, warmth, and rituals that define it—from warm welcomes on front porches to casseroles in times of crisis. But behind the smiles and sweetness lies a more complex truth.

With stories from our own experiences—and special insight from our friend Penelope—we reflect on how Southern hospitality can be both a gift and a gatekeeper. While it's rooted in care and community, it’s also shaped by tradition, gender roles, and social expectations that sometimes leave marginalized people, especially those experiencing poverty, overlooked or left out entirely.

In this episode, we unpack the layers: the comforting and the complicated, the inclusive and the exclusive. What does it mean to truly welcome someone? And who gets to decide what hospitality looks like?

Join us as we explore the real soul of Southern hospitality—warts, wonder, and all.

AJ & Ally explore the levels and different types of communities within rural, southern America.