The Creators Behind YouTube Tv’s ‘Jesus Freaks’

HOW THEY MET

Ally grew up in upstate New York, then lived in Charlotte, NC.  Though her family went to church sporadically, especially holidays, faith wasn’t the main focus, and she didn’t take it seriously until her mid-20’s.  She was involved in social media for two years before “falling in love with Jesus,” she says.  A move to Los Angeles proved the City of Stars just wasn’t for her.

Ashley is from Nashville and a loving home, though not one seeking God in her younger years.  “The Lord found me,” she says of her faith in Christ, which her family now shares.  A few years out of college, she went to a conference focused on production with Christian values.  It occurred to her that there were great Christian TV programs and dramas, like The Chosen, being produced, but nothing that showed people simply living life today with Jesus.  Ashley talked to her family and friends about how to fill such a need, but the idea went nowhere, so she surrendered it to God.  Later, she met a Christian gal named Ally Yost on Instagram, and they kept in touch.  Ally had decided to move to Nashville, not knowing that Ashley lived there.  Once they discovered it, the pair met for coffee and hit it off as friends.  

JESUS FREAKS

The second time the two new friends got together, Ally made a comment about wishing there was a way to show people their age how to walk with God on a daily basis.  Ashley couldn’t believe her ears, as that’s what had been on her heart for months.  She shared her thoughts with Ally, and they started to talk about how to do it, assuming it would take place in Nashville.  Later, they travelled to LA together for a podcast interview, and also spent a fun week touring around.  The one week became three as both gals sensed the Lord direct them to move there, produce their series, and pray for revival.  Despite Ally’s previous experience, in May of 2024, they packed their belongings and moved west.  They planned and prayed, and formed a crew of 4-5 friends to produce a series they decided to call Jesus Freaks.  In just three months, the girls and their team had produced five episodes, which debuted on YouTube in late December 2024.
 
THE GOAL

The bottom line for Ally and Ashley is to point young adults to Jesus, and birth a revival, starting in LA, known for being spiritually dark.  “We’d like to see many more ‘Jesus Freaks’ living everyday life to please the Lord,” Ashley says.  Their strategy for the series is to vulnerably discuss how to follow Jesus in today’s culture, addressing everyday life, relationships, work, conflict, and any other relevant topic.  They talk together and with

others about these issues, revealing their own doubts, fears, and struggles with temptation.  Sometimes they
show mundane life, other times fun activities, all while discussing a topic that resonates with young adults.  The direction each episode takes is seeking Jesus for one’s identity and purpose, as well as His wisdom and guidance.  The response they’ve seen in the two months since Jesus Freaks was released has been heartening to the young women.  Ally says it’s encouraging to see the pictures and videos online of people reposting it, schools watching it, etc.  Each episode has received between 100k and 300k views. 
 
WHAT’S NEXT

Season Two of Jesus Freaks is in the works for this year.  Ally says they are aiming at more episodes, and increasing their production value as they get to know more people they can hire for shooting and editing.  Though the episodes are planned, she says, there’s always room for spontaneity and the leading of the Holy Spirit.  Ashley points out that after the horrific fires in the LA area, there are thousands of people needing hope and that they want to reach them with the gospel.  
 

To Watch 'Jesus Freaks' on YouTube click the LINK! 

CREDITS

Ally: Co-creator of Jesus Freaks' with Ashley/ lifestyle and faith-based digital creator / podcast host, Christ with Coffee on Ice / and independent singer/artist / Through TikTok videos, YouTube vlogs, and Instagram posts, it’s Ally’s mission to spread laughter, light, and the Love of Jesus through the internet to the world.  

Ashley:  Co-creator of Jesus Freaks' with  Ally / author, The Joy of the In-Between / speaker / digital content creator / Jesus lover and bookworm /  Founder, The Tree, an online community of women to connect with God and His Word, encouraging and equipping young women to grow in their faith and reach for their full potential in God / podcast host: The Secret Place /  / B.A., Journalism and Interactive Media Studies, Miami University / enjoys cooking, listening to music, fitness, and spending time with family and friends