The Launch Mission

In this Career Series episode, we sit down with a physical therapist to help you understand what this career actually looks like. If you’re interested in the medical field but not sure what direction to take, this conversation breaks down what physical therapy involves, how it’s different from other healthcare paths, and what kind of person tends to thrive in it. He explains the education process...

In this episode, Elean shares his journey from building his identity around soccer to discovering that only Christ could truly fill the void he was carrying. After multiple serious injuries, broken expectations, and seasons of anxiety and loneliness, he began pursuing a real relationship with the Lord instead of waiting until “later” to take faith seriously. Through prayer, community, mentorship,...

In this episode, three college freshmen reconnect after their senior year of high school and reflect on what freshman year has actually been like. They talk honestly about homesickness, building friendships from scratch, learning how to study, managing time, missing assignments, figuring out independence, and growing spiritually without the structure of high school. Each of them shares what surpri...

College gives you the chance to decide who you’re going to be — and Sutton’s story shows how meaningful that choice can be. In this episode, Sutton shares her journey from navigating faith and temptation in high school to starting college out of state and rebuilding community from scratch. She talks honestly about loneliness, homesickness, and the pressure to figure everything out quickly — and wh...

Starting college means starting over in a lot of ways — new people, new routines, and new decisions about who you want to become. In this episode, Turner shares what his first year at college has really been like, from staying rooted in faith to intentionally building community early. He talks honestly about choosing relationships that don’t just make college feel less lonely, but actually make yo...

Moving across the country for college can feel exciting and terrifying at the same time — especially when you don’t know a single person. In this episode, Aubrey shares what it was really like leaving a small high school, starting over at a massive university, and learning how to find community when everything felt overwhelming and lonely. She talks honestly about saying yes before she felt ready,...

College doesn’t just bring new classes and freedom — it brings the question of who you’re doing life with . In this episode, the conversation centers on why finding the right community early in college matters more than almost anything else. From the shift away from structured youth group to the need for intentional faith and friendships, this episode unpacks why community doesn’t just happen — it...

In this solo episode kicking off the second half of the season, Tommy welcomes the Class of 2026 and casts a vision for the year ahead. Rather than treating senior year as something to simply “get through,” he challenges students to see 2026 as a year of intentional preparation. The episode focuses on preparing spiritually, relationally, and practically for life after high school, while previewing...

In this recap episode, we pull together some of the most meaningful moments from students who joined the podcast this semester. Through a collection of short clips, students reflect on faith, calling, gap years, college transitions, community, leadership, and what it looks like to follow Jesus in real, everyday decisions. Their stories offer honest insight into navigating uncertainty, stepping int...

In this episode, we pull together some of the best clips from every mentor who joined the podcast this fall semester. These highlight moments revisit themes like finishing senior year well, overcoming burnout, strengthening faith, choosing community, discovering calling, and preparing for college. Listeners will hear practical wisdom and honest encouragement on identity, life skills, and trusting...

In this solo episode, Tommy explains why preparing for life after high school matters so deeply—because most students enter their first major life transition without the support systems that shaped them. Using the parable of the prodigal son and his own college story, Tommy highlights the common struggle students face when they lose their familiar influences of family, friends, church, and mentors...

This conversation explores the pressure high school seniors feel as they face huge decisions—choosing a college, a major, and the direction of their future—often for the very first time. Eli talks about why this stage can feel so overwhelming, especially when students haven’t had to make major life decisions before. He encourages students to remember God’s past faithfulness, look to Scripture, and...

In this episode, Tommy and Eli dig into what it really means to stand firm in your faith once you step onto a college campus. Eli breaks down the cultural and intellectual pressures students face—whether at a Christian university or a public school—and why genuine, personal conviction matters more than inherited beliefs. From developing deep habits of Bible engagement (“scuba diving” instead of “s...

In this episode, Eli Byrd joins the conversation to talk about what it really means to own your faith as you move from high school to college. He shares his personal journey of learning to take responsibility for his relationship with God, emphasizing the importance of building consistent spiritual habits like prayer and Bible study. Eli also discusses how community, church involvement, and intent...

High school senior Rob Ashworth joins the conversation to share how faith grows strongest in life’s in-between moments — between valleys and mountains. He reflects on how pressure and uncertainty can deepen spiritual connection, and why gratitude and trust in the Lord matter in every season, not just the hard ones. Visit our website Follow us on Instagram Follow us on Facebook

This week’s episode dives into the real-life skills every high school senior needs before heading to college. From time and money management to self-care and setting healthy boundaries, this conversation breaks down how to handle independence well and avoid common first-year mistakes. Visit our website Follow us on Instagram Follow us on Facebook

In this episode, Tommy sits down with Thomas West to unpack The Gospel Way Catechism and how it shapes faith during the transition to college. They explore what it means to find identity in Christ, live out the kingdom of God, and stay rooted in the church. Thomas challenges students to recognize what’s forming their beliefs, lean into community, and serve others as an expression of God’s love. Vi...

In this episode, Tommy talks with Scott Carlson and Ned Scott Laff, authors of Hacking College: Why the Major Doesn't Matter―and What Really Does , about rethinking the traditional college experience. They explore the flaws in conventional pathways, the concept of “empty degrees,” and how aligning your field of study with your passions can shape a meaningful career. The conversation dives into the...

In this episode, Will Hardin shares his journey from high school to college, highlighting the gap year that shaped his calling to ministry. Through mission trips to South Africa and Uganda, Will experienced personal growth, deepened his faith, and learned the value of community and accountability. Now navigating college life, he reflects on how God used his gap year to prepare him for new opportun...

This episode dives into the Impact 360 Fellows Program—a nine-month gap year designed for students aged 18–20 who want to grow deeper in their faith before college. Built on the pillars of knowing Jesus, being transformed in character, and living with kingdom influence, the program blends academic rigor, discipleship, and real-world experiences. In this conversation, we hear from two former studen...

Senior year can feel like a blur of excitement, stress, and exhaustion. In this episode, Tommy and Richard Jones unpack “senioritis” and the burnout that often comes with the high school–to–college transition. They share stories, explore the role of faith in managing anxiety, and offer practical ways for students to stay motivated and finish strong—while highlighting how parents and mentors can su...

Starting college can feel like stepping into a whole new world—and it is! That’s why Tommy sits down with author and professor Alex Chediak to unpack what makes the transition from high school to college such a big leap. From time management and self-discipline to faith, community, and even finances, Alex shares practical wisdom for students (and parents) on how to thrive, not just survive, during...

Mark Hall—member of Casting Crowns and longtime youth pastor—offers heartfelt encouragement to high school seniors as they prepare for life’s next chapter. He highlights the importance of building a personal relationship with Jesus, leaning on prayer for guidance, and surrounding yourself with a strong community of faith. Mark also speaks directly to parents and youth pastors, urging them to inves...

In this Summer Rewind episode, we revisit a helpful conversation with Dr. Guy Chmieleski, author and Vice President of Student Affairs at Friends University, all about adjusting to campus life. Starting college can be both exciting and overwhelming. Dr. Chmieleski offers insight into what students can expect as they move onto campus for the first time—how to find key resources, who to talk to when...

In this Summer Rewind episode, we revisit a timely and honest conversation with Joel and Kitty Hurdle of Cru at Ole Miss about Greek life and faith. Many Christian students wrestle with whether joining a sorority or fraternity aligns with their beliefs. Joel and Kitty offer insight into how students can stay rooted in their faith while being part of Greek life, and how these communities can even b...