Open Air Podcast

About Open Air Podcast

→ Open Air is a podcast inspired by The Salvation Army’s bold tradition of preaching the gospel in the streets—out in the open. Rooted in Matthew 10:27 (NIV): “What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs,” this podcast brings that same spirit into the digital space. The name is a nod to both the historic open air meetings and being on air—a fresh take on sharing faith out loud. Each episode features unscripted, authentic conversations with a variety of guests as we explore stories of faith, service, struggle, and hope. Open Air inv

Publisher

The Salvation Army USA Southern Territory Ministry to Women

Category

religion & spirituality

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

25 Jun 2025

Latest episode

13 Aug 2026

Latest episodes

18 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   13 Aug 2026

   More Than A Refugee with Sandra Pawar

   In this episode, Ashley sits down with Major Sandra Pawar who serves as the leader of the Mission, Cultural and Evanglism department in the USA Southern Territorial Headquarters for The Salvation Army. Major Sandra is a woman with God's heart for justice.

2. 

   13 Aug 2026

   Faith Beyond Boarders with Anne Westmoreland

   In this episode of Open Air Podcast, Ashley sits down with Major Anne Westmoreland to explore how living and serving across cultures has shaped her faith, leadership and understanding of justice. From her Salvation Army upbringing in Denmark to two formative years in Bangladesh and her life as an immigrant in the United States, Major Westmoreland shares how each experience expanded her view of God and taught her to listen, remain curious and recognize the dignity and potential in every person. Their conversation examines the danger of confusing cultural Christianity with biblical truth, the importance of holding joy and lament together, and the need to depend on the Holy Spirit more than buildings, programs or resources. She encourages the next generation to keep learning, lead with openness and intentionally seek out people whose stories and experiences differ from their own—trusting God to transform the space between them.

3. 

   13 Aug 2026

   International Day of The Girl (part one)

   Celebrating & discussing International Day of the Girl and it's importance on a foundational and spiritual level. Ashley Escobar, host, is joined by Melissa Powell and Gloria Diavangama from the USA Southern Territorial Youth Department.

4. 

   13 Aug 2026

   Say It Anyway with Janet Munn

   In this episode of Open Air Podcast, Ashley sits down with Colonel Dr. Janet Munn to explore faith, justice and the vital role of women in leadership. Dr. Munn reflects on the spiritual legacy of her mother and grandmothers, the devastating loss of her mother as a teenager and how God used The Salvation Army’s community and mission to bring healing and purpose from her pain. Drawing from decades of global ministry, theological study and justice advocacy, she explains why women and men must lead together to fully reflect God’s image—and why the Church must confront the systems that keep women from using their God-given gifts. She also shares the powerful call God gave her when she feared her voice would not be heard: “Say it anyway.” Her story encourages women to remain close to Jesus, keep developing their gifts and speak the truth faithfully, trusting God with the outcome.

5. 

   13 Aug 2026

   Anchored Leadership with Shelley Hill

   In this episode of Open Air Podcast, Ashley sits down with Commissioner Shelley Hill, World Secretary for Women’s Ministries, to discuss what it means to remain anchored through changing seasons of leadership and service. Drawing from more than 30 years of ministry, Commissioner Hill shares how God’s Word, her covenant and the assurance of His presence have sustained her across diverse appointments around the world. Their conversation explores the difference between platform and calling, leading boldly while remaining humble, mentoring through both encouragement and honest conversations, and caring for your soul without guilt. Commissioner Hill reminds listeners that rest is essential, unfinished tasks can wait and the greatest joy of ministry is seeing people transformed by Jesus. To every woman who feels tired, unseen or uncertain of her impact, she offers this assurance: you are loved, valued and appreciated for everything you do for God’s Kingdom.

6. 

   13 Aug 2026

   Holding Tension with Sheena Evans

   In this episode of Open Air Podcast, Ashley sits down with her coworker Sheena Evans for an honest conversation about motherhood, advocacy and the sacred tension of caring for both our homes and the world around us. Sheena shares how raising her daughters has reshaped her understanding of service and strengthened her commitment to educating others about injustice and human trafficking. Together, they explore common misconceptions about trafficking, the vulnerabilities traffickers exploit and the importance of learning how to recognize and respond to injustice. They also speak candidly about working-mom guilt, compassion fatigue and the pressure to be everything to everyone. This conversation offers a meaningful reminder that justice belongs to God, we were never meant to carry the work alone and faithful service begins by giving Him what feels too heavy for us to hold.

7. 

   6 Mar 2026

   Mini-sode: Women Preach

   In honor of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, we’re sharing a special mini-sode celebrating the voices of women who have faithfully proclaimed the Gospel. From the early days of the Church to the legacy of leaders like Catherine Booth—who boldly argued that women were called to preach and share the message of Christ—women have carried the story of hope to the world. This short conversation is a reminder that God continues to call, equip, and send women to speak truth, share hope, and point others to Jesus. 🎧 Listen to the mini-sode now and celebrate the women who have gone before us—and those still answering the call today.

8. 

   2 Mar 2026

   Unalterable Promo!

   Something powerful is coming out of The Salvation Army International Headquarters. A new limited series that doesn’t just tell history, it confronts it. Produced in collaboration with the Canada & Bermuda and USA Southern Territories, this four-part limited series explores The Salvation Army’s early, unwavering commitment to women in leadership — and asks what it means to carry that conviction forward today. Rooted in the bold theology of Catherine Booth and the Army’s founding vision, Unalterable reflects honestly on the realities women face in ministry right now, while looking ahead with clarity and courage. This isn’t just a history lesson. It’s a call to remember who we are — and who we’re becoming. If God poured out His Spirit on sons and daughters, then that promise wasn’t temporary. It wasn’t cultural. And it certainly wasn’t accidental. Stay tuned: this series will be available for you to listen on your favorite podcast platforms Tuesday, 3 March!

9. 

   10 Feb 2026

   Love & Leadership with the Hofers

   Nearly 40 years of marriage.Global ministry.One unwavering center: their shared faith. On this episode of the Open Air Podcast, Colonels Allan & Fiona Hofer share what it looks like to lead together across cultures, seasons, and nearly four decades of marriage. This is a conversation about covenant over career, forgiveness over resentment, and choosing love, again and again. If you’re navigating marriage, ministry, or shared calling, this one will stay with you.

10. 

    8 Jan 2026

    A Calling Cultivated with Janet Munn

    In this powerful and deeply reflective episode of Open Air, host Ashley Escobar sits down with Colonel Dr. Janet Munn—holiness teacher, justice advocate, global leader, and lifelong Salvationist—for a conversation that feels both prophetic and pastoral. From her early formation shaped by strong women of faith, to her journey into The Salvation Army through grief, resistance, and ultimately calling, Janet shares how God weaves redemption through even the most painful seasons. Together, they explore the intersection of holiness and justice, the biblical foundation for women’s leadership, and what it truly means to belong in the Kingdom of God. Janet reflects on her leadership at the International Social Justice Commission, her time representing The Salvation Army at the United Nations, and the sacred responsibility of using power rooted in love. This episode also names the hard truths—where institutions fall short, where women are still held back—and offers a compelling vision of what the Church could become if women’s full calling was embraced without hesitation. Tender, challenging, and hope-filled, this conversation speaks directly to the next generation of women in ministry: stay close to Jesus, say it anyway, and don’t forget those whose voices still need to be heard.

11. 

    12 Nov 2025

    More Than A Refugee with Major Sandra Pawar

    🌍 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", (https://a.co/d/je8WW1K) 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.

12. 

    23 Oct 2025

    Pass The Mic

    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. 💫

13. 

    8 Oct 2025

    S1 Ep5: International Day of the Girl (part 1)

    💗 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.

14. 

    20 Aug 2025

    Faith Beyond Borders with Major Anne Westmoreland

    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.

15. 

    6 Aug 2025

    Anchored Leadership with Commissioner Shelley Hill

    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.

16. 

    23 Jul 2025

    Holding Tension – Motherhood, Justice, and the Call to Serve with Sheena Evans

    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.

17. 

    9 Jul 2025

    Side by Side with the Iglehearts

    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.

18. 

    25 Jun 2025

    Open Air Pilot

    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.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

4 ratings