The Launch Mission

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...

In this Summer Rewind episode, we revisit a leadership-focused conversation with William Vanderbloemen, author of Be The Unicorn. William shares six key habits that set exceptional leaders apart—qualities that make people not just successful, but truly influential in their communities and relationships. He encourages high school seniors to begin developing these traits now so they can grow into le...

In this Summer Rewind episode, we revisit a conversation with Trace Hamiter, founder and director of All Things Ministries. Trace shares why building Christian community in college is so important—and how campus ministries can help students grow spiritually, build meaningful friendships, and find support during a major life transition. He also talks about the impact of the freshman retreats led by...

In this Summer Rewind episode, we revisit a conversation with author and speaker Mark Matlock about one of the most important qualities a student can develop before college: wisdom. Mark unpacks what wisdom really looks like in everyday life and why it’s so crucial during the transition from high school to adulthood. As students begin making more independent and life-shaping decisions, learning to...

In this Summer Rewind episode, we revisit a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Jonathan Morrow, Director of Cultural Engagement and Student Discipleship at Impact 360 Institute and adjunct professor of apologetics at Biola University. As an expert in Christian worldview and Gen Z culture, Dr. Morrow shares why it’s essential for students to understand what they believe and why—especially as t...

This episode from our Summer Rewind series features Pete Hardesty and Josh Burnette, co-authors of Adulting 101: #Wisdom4Life. As students prepare for life after high school, Pete and Josh offer practical advice on what it really means to step into adulthood. From managing responsibilities and setting goals to making wise decisions, this conversation is full of helpful insights for anyone navigati...

We’re continuing our Summer Rewind series with part two of our conversation with Dennis Stemmle, bestselling author and Lecturer at Coastal Carolina University. In this episode, Dennis takes a closer look at procrastination—what it really is, why it happens, and how students can overcome it. He also unpacks how setting intentional goals can help college students move from simply surviving to livin...

We’re continuing our Summer Rewind series by revisiting another practical and encouraging conversation for incoming college students. In this episode, we talk with Dennis Stemmle, bestselling author and Lecturer at Coastal Carolina University. As a nationally recognized college success expert, Dennis shares real-world advice on how to thrive in college—starting with something every student needs:...