Life's Unexpected Path: A Journey Back Home, Leading to Love and Purpose with Ashley Early

Welcome back to another episode of Holy Smokes! I'm your host, Steve Reiter, and today, we have a very special guest joining us: Ashley Early. In this episode, Ashley shares their personal journey of making a significant life change, one that involved leaving their job and moving back to their hometown. They open up about the emotional process of making this decision, as well as the deep sense of duty and respect they feel towards their parents. Ashley's story is filled with moments of reflection, self-discovery, and faith, reminding us of the importance of family, community, and finding our true purpose in life. So grab your headphones and get ready for an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation. Let's dive in!

Outline:

(01:35) Grew up near farms, Mennonite community, split.
(06:41) Coaches wanted to be like Bobby Knight, but struggling to win got old. Need to get tougher for success.
(13:54 Exchanged life for something better, understood verse.
(17:18) Remote court officer with extensive powers. Ideal job.
(25:43) Lawyers in small towns make money off something they know, not practicing law. Reoccurring revenue allows for client turnover and limitless potential. Liked being in control and creating my own business.
(27:02) The Head of the firm engages with employees openly.
(35:12) Transformation through challenging debates and incidents.
(40:42) Reluctantly moving back home to care.
(44:00 Dad in apartments, smoking grass, finding a job.
(48:18) Building relationships with guys through lunches and breakfasts.
(56:43) Striving for apostle calling, supporting, encouraging, and connecting through cigars and bourbon to help neighbors find hope and freedom.
(01:01:21) Meeting in graveyard secures successful account deal.
(01:07:34) Doctor J, MJ, and the cool factor.
(01:12:23) Concerned about kids' success, but it's about me.
(01:18:53) Charlie introduced new friends, all-black churches, and preaching. Transitioned from partying to Christianity lost friends. Charlie threw a 21st birthday party in a black neighborhood.
(01:20:25) Dad succeeded without college and selflessly gave.
(01:26:53) Fast folding, odd plans, hospital, medical university, ambulance. Asleep, dream.
(01:30:23) Anger turns into realization of lifelong presence.
(01:35:42) "Holy Smokes fosters men's authentic community engagement."

About the Guest: "Ashley Early" grew up in a rural community surrounded by farms. Half of the community consisted of Old Order Mennonite or Anabaptist families, while the rest were a few generations removed from that background. In elementary school, Ashley had friends from both backgrounds, but by 8th grade, the Mennonite children would no longer attend school with the rest. Despite this separation, Ashley would still cross paths with them while driving their cars, while the Mennonite families traveled in horses and buggies.