🌍 New Episode Alert!
In this week’s episode of Open Air Podcast, I sit down with my friend Major Sandra Pawar, who is a justice seeker, advocate for the voiceless, and a woman whose heart beats for those on the margins.
We talk about her book, "More Than A Refugee", refugee stories, their challenges, and why it matters deeply to God’s heart that we love inclusively.
Sandra’s journey will move you, challenge you, and remind you that compassion is not passive, it’s active.
International Day of the girl episode, part two:
🎙️ When we pass the mic, we make space for something holy to happen.
In honor of International Day of the Girl, we invited girls ages 7–17 to share their hearts about knowing who they are in Christ — what it means to be loved, chosen, and called.
Their answers? Pure gold. Honest. Joyful. Full of faith.
When we listen to their voices, we catch a glimpse of God’s heart for the world. 💕
✨ “Just because we are young doesn’t mean we can’t be a light.”
✨ “God made me on purpose.”
✨ “Faith without works is dead — so I try to live it out.”
Take a deep breath, open your heart, and listen in — because the next generation has something powerful to say. 💫
💗 New Episode: International Day of the Girl
Today on the Open Air Podcast, we’re celebrating International Day of the Girl — a reminder that every girl’s voice, story, and future matter deeply to God.
In this special episode, Ashley sits down with Gloria Diavangama and Melissa Powell from The Salvation Army USA Southern Territorial Youth Department to talk about raising up the next generation of girls in faith, courage, and leadership. 🌍
From learning to stand firm in who God says we are, to seeing how mentorship and presence can shape a girl’s life forever — this conversation will stir your heart and remind you: you are seen, you are loved, and you are called.
🎧 Listen now on the Open Air Podcast — where we keep hope in the air and love at the center.
What does it mean to say yes to God when you don’t know the outcome? In this episode of the Open Air Podcast, I sit down with my boss, Major Anne Westmoreland, whose story stretches from Denmark to Bangladesh to the U.S. We talk about justice, calling, and how God meets us in both joy and lament. Her testimony is a reminder that true faith is lived out through service, Scripture, and seeing people the way God does.
In this heartfelt episode of Open Air, host Ashley Escobar sits down with Commissioner Shelley Hill, World Secretary for Women’s Ministries at The Salvation Army International Headquarters. With over 30 years of ministry experience, Commissioner Hill shares what has anchored her through the highs and lows of leadership, the difference between calling and platform, and how she’s learned to lead boldly while staying grounded in humility.
Together, they explore the importance of soul care, the power of mentorship, and how to recognize when it's time to rest and reset. Whether you're in ministry, leadership, or simply navigating a season of uncertainty, this conversation is full of wisdom, honesty, and encouragement.
Listen in and be reminded: You are seen, loved, and called for such a time as this.
In this heartfelt and raw conversation, Ashley sits down with her colleague and friend, Sheena Evans, to explore the complex intersection of motherhood, faith, and social justice. With honesty and wisdom, Sheena shares how becoming a mother has reshaped her understanding of service and how raising daughters influences her advocacy work—especially in the fight against human trafficking.
They talk about the daily tension of being fully present at home while responding to the weighty demands of frontline justice work. Sheena speaks candidly about spiritual burnout, the myth of balance, and the sacred importance of self and soul care. She also unpacks the misconceptions surrounding human trafficking and invites listeners into a deeper understanding of how exploitation often hides in plain sight.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the call to serve in the world while tending to the sacred spaces of home. It’s about grace, community, and the courage to keep showing up—even when you feel like you’re running on empty.
Originally from California, Sheena Evans currently serves as the Territorial Services Coordinator Against Human & Sex Trafficking for The Salvation Army USA Southern Territory.
In our first official episode of Open Air, Ashley sits down with Commissioners Kelly and Donna Igleheart to talk about what it means to lead with love, humility, and purpose. From early days of serving in small groups and driving swing shifts, to leading a global movement side by side, the Iglehearts share personal stories of faith, obedience, and community. You'll hear about the moments that shaped their calling, the value of showing up even when it’s hard, and the beauty of simply saying “yes” to God. Their honesty and heart will challenge and encourage you to serve from a place of abundance and trust that your story is still being written.
✨ If you’re in need of inspiration and grounded wisdom from two servant-hearted leaders, this episode is for you.
💬 Subscribe, share, and keep showing up—the world needs your light.
Transcript:
What is up, friends? And welcome to the very first episode of Open Air. I'm your host, Ashley Escobar, and I am so excited you're here. This is the pilot episode. Just a short introduction to tell you what open Air is all about, why it was created, and what you can expect in the coming season. Listen, everyone's doing a podcast, but you will not want to miss the conversations that are going to be had on this podcast. Open air was inspired by the Salvation Army's bold tradition of preaching the gospel out in the streets, out in the open. [audio: acceptance speech given by Evangeline Booth, upon being elected as General of The Salvation Army.] It's rooted in a verse that's been echoing personally in my own heart, which is Matthew 10:27 - "What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight. What is whispered in your ear. Proclaim from the roofs." That is the heartbeat of this podcast. Every episode will feature unscripted, authentic conversations with guests who are serving in all kinds of ways; some in ministry, motherhood, some in the workplace, behind the scenes, but all of them showing up with faith and grit right where God has called them to be. We'll talk about what it really looks like to serve with your whole heart. We'll share stories of joy and struggle, of calling and obedience and transformation. This season will feature some incredible guests, including our very own Territorial leaders, Commissioners Kelly and Donna Iglehart, in our very first full length episode. We'll explore the blessings and burdens of service and the beauty of community and how to remain faithful to Jesus when life just goes a different way than what we thought and what we planned. If you've ever wondered if you've ever asked yourself, does what I have to bring to the table matter? This podcast is for you. If you're tired, if you're hopeful, if you're somewhere in between those two, I hope you'll find encouragement here. Open air launches officially in July 2025. We are so excited and we would love for you to follow along. Subscribe now! Share this with a friend and get ready for some real, honest, Jesus centered conversations. Until then, keep showing up, friends, the world needs your light out in the open.