I JUST DON'T UNDERSTAND!

We’re kicking off Series Two of our podcast by digging intothe beliefs we inherited from our families, churches, and Southern rural communities, and how those early lessons shaped us. In this episode, we reflect on the sayings, traditions, and expectations we grew up with, and the ways they became tangled with our understanding of faith and identity. From family dynamics to church culture to the “...

This is the final episode of Series One and it has been an incredible journey! AJ and Ally share their praises (and some technical challenges!) while navigating this new world of podcasting. Listen as they share their favorite stories from each of the earlier episodes as well as answer some questions that were posted on social media! Towards the end, there is an unexpected but always welcomed and...

In this episode of I Just Don’t Understand with AJ and Ally , Ally unpacks a topic we’ve all encountered but don’t always talk about out loud: judgment . From the obvious moments—like walking into a room and knowing you’re being sized up—to the more subtle, internal battles we face when we compare ourselves to others in faith or family spaces, this episode explores how judgment shapes us. We’ll ta...

In this episode, AJ and Ally wade into the prickly thicket of judgment—where it comes from, why it sticks, and how it morphs into the heavy cloak of shame. From questioning long-standing religious doctrines to re-examining biblical scriptures that many take at face value, the duo pull back the curtain on conversations often left unspoken. They dive into what it means to challenge rigid traditions...

Ever felt like you’re not measuring up, spiritually, culturally, or in your own community? In this episode, we talk about the ways shame creeps in when we don’t live up to the expectations around us. Whether it’s struggling with addiction, mental health, or sexuality, too many of us have been told to just "pray about it" as if that alone will fix everything. We unpack how religious tradi...

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 st...

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...

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—esp...

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—...

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

AJ & Ally introduce themselves and discuss the origins of the podcast concept! Please extend graciousness as this is our very first podcast and we are learning the ropes. The sound quality in this first episode is not the best. We have learned from our mistakes and have greatly improved the quality in the upcoming episodes.