Episode Description
There are seasons when you’re not just tired…
You’re emotionally stretched thin.
Running on fumes.
Trying to keep going while carrying pressure, responsibility, fear, trauma, and expectations all at once.
And sometimes… faith feels tired too.
In this deeply honest conversation, Laura sits down with Atlanta-based alternative hip-hop artist Ashton Stevens to talk about emotional exhaustion, spiritual pressure, fatherhood, healing, identity, and the tension of trying to hold yourself together while standing at the edge emotionally.
Centered around Ashton’s powerful song Edge, this conversation explores:
- emotional regulation and overwhelm
- spiritual exhaustion
- pressure, anger, and emotional control
- trauma and survival patterns
- faith in the middle of mental fatigue
- fatherhood and responsibility
- healing without pretending everything is okay
- what it means to stay grounded when life feels heavy
Ashton shares openly about the emotional tension behind his music and the importance of honesty, reflection, and trusting God while navigating difficult seasons.
This episode is not about pretending life is easy.
It’s about learning that even at the edge… you are not alone there.
There’s a difference between being at the edge…
and being alone there.
Counter Pause
Let’s pause for a moment.
Take a slow breath in…
and let it out gently.
If you can, rest your hand over your heart.
And just notice:
Where do you feel stretched too thin right now?
Not where you should be stronger.
Not where you need to fix something.
Just… where you’re tired.
(breathe)
God is not absent in that place.
Even if it feels quiet.
There’s a difference between being at the edge…
and being alone there.
Blessing
May you be honest about where you’re tired.
May you release the pressure to hold everything together alone.
And may you discover that even at the edge…
you are still held.
About Ashton
Ashton Stevens is an Atlanta-based alternative hip-hop artist originally from the Florida Panhandle. Known for his introspective style, Ashton creates music rooted in faith and real-life experiences. His work centers on emotional regulation, purpose, and personal growth, using music as a tool for healing, reflection, and truth.
Connect with Ashton:
https://www.ashtonstevens.com/
His single Edge - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hb-IrWD_RYo
If this episode met you where you are, I’d love to hear from you. What stayed with you?
The counter is always open.
If you’d like a quiet place to sit with what this stirred, A Seat at the Counter: A Soul Pause Journal is available here: https://amzn.to/4c4RSIv
*****
Considering being a guest on At the Counter With the Baking Pastor?
I invite you to listen to 1–2 recent episodes first to get a feel for the tone and heart of the conversations.
If it feels like a good fit, you’re welcome to reach out to me directly on PodMatch and share a bit about what you’d love to bring to the counter: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/atthecounterwiththebakingpastor
I’m especially drawn to conversations that are honest, reflective, and rooted in real-life experience.