The Launch Mission

Jeffrey Ashurst joins the conversation to discuss the topic of staying healthy in college, specifically addressing the myth of the Freshman 15.He explores the factors that contribute to weight gain in college, such as the removal of structured environments and the prioritization of social activities over health. Jeffrey also discusses the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle in college, i...

In this conversation, Heather Holleman discusses the struggles that teenagers face during the transition from high school to college. She highlights four main areas of struggle: loneliness, time management, identity in Christ, and the ability to engage in meaningful conversations. Heather emphasizes the importance of developing curiosity and interpersonal skills to form warm connections with other...

In part two of our conversation with Dr. Andrea Malkin Brenner, she discusses the differences between high school teachers and college professors, emphasizing the need for students to take initiative and establish connections with professors. She explains the importance of planning and preparation for college, and the need for students to take responsibility and start acting like college students...

In this episode, Dr. Andrea Brenner discusses the challenges that high school graduates face when transitioning to college. She highlights the struggles in socio-emotional, physical, and academic aspects, particularly in terms of study skills and independent learning. The conversation also explores the importance of identity and reinvention in college, as well as the significance of preparing for...

Allison Sligh, a psychology professor, discusses the challenges that college students face when transitioning from high school to college. She highlights the lack of control and unfamiliarity with new environments as major issues. Sligh emphasizes the importance of building a community and finding support systems to navigate these challenges. She also addresses the differences between high school...

Blake Smith, a football player at Huntington College, reflects on his faith journey from high school to college. After multiple sports injuries in high school, Blake began to question God but eventually grew closer to Him, prioritizing Bible reading and church involvement. In college, he faced loneliness and temptation but found community through church and his team. Leading Bible studies and stay...

In this conversation, Tommy and Jordan Acer discuss financial preparedness for college students. They address common misconceptions about college students and money, such as the belief that all college students are broke. They also talk about the dangers of credit card debt and the importance of having a budget. Jordan emphasizes the need for financial discussions between parents and high school s...

In this episode, Brent Latta, director of counseling at Briarwood Christian School, discusses the main challenges high school seniors face, including tension with parents, college uncertainty, and future anxiety. She advises students to prioritize faith, take things one step at a time, and focus on upcoming deadlines. Latta highlights important college factors like major, location, affordability,...

Katie Bulmer, the host of the Truth For Your Twenties podcast, joins the conversation to share her passion for helping college students navigate the challenges of comparison and finding their purpose. She emphasizes the negative impact of social media comparison and encourages students to focus on their unique circumstances and passions. Katie also speaks to sorority women about their power of inf...

Hello, Class of 2025, and welcome to The Launch Mission Podcast! Season 3 is here, with new episodes dropping every Monday. In today's episode, Tommy and Kelsey share exciting updates from The Launch Mission, along with a sneak peek at this season's guests and the wisdom they have to offer. Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! And don't forget to check out our blog at www. TheLaunchM...

Kairos is a grace-based community of college students that freely shares the soul-satisfying love of Jesus! Kairos offers opportunities to connect, worship, grow, and serve alongside other college students. In this episode, Kairos Coordinator Nicole Embree joins the conversation to discuss the Kairos church campus ministry and how to get involved. We also discuss the college transition and advice...

The Episcopal Campus Ministry (ECM) is a Christian community focused on worship, prayer, service, and hospitality for students, faculty, and staff at local colleges and universities. University Ministry invites students and members of the UNC community to "come and see," offering companionship as they explore their faith during a time of academic study, vocational discernment, and learning essenti...

 Baptist Student Ministries staff member Jeff Kennon joins the podcast to share more about this campus ministry. BSM is an organization that provides opportunities for spiritual growth, friendship, leadership, and missions. Where students connect in their college years (particularly during those first weeks) can significantly impact their college experience. Every campus looks different, but each...

RUF, or Reformed University Fellowship, understands that college is a time when beliefs are explored and helps connect the big truths of the Bible with the big questions college students face, reaching students from all backgrounds with the hope of Jesus Christ. On this episode of The Launch Mission Podcast, Ben Griffith joins us to talk more about this campus ministry. Ben is on staff with RUF in...

Campus Outreach aims to glorify God by building laborers on college campuses to reach the lost world through evangelism and discipleship. The ministry partners with local churches to develop Christ-centered leaders among university students. It operates on 122 campuses in the U.S. and around the world. In this episode, we hear from Campus Outreach Columbia staff member, Vaughn Volious.  The Launch...

The next college ministry we're discussing is Campus Crusade for Christ, commonly referred to as "Cru." The mission of Cru is to "win, build, and send Christ-centered multiplying disciples who launch spiritual movements." Cru is a remarkable ministry that reaches every corner of the globe and almost every college campus. In our interview with Clemson Cru staff member Matt Cooper, he shares what it...

Continuing our campus ministry spotlight series, this episode highlights YoungLife College. In our interview with Blake Spann, a staff member from YoungLife College Memphis, we discuss how Young Life operates on a college campus and how it welcomes all students to seek, question, and grow in their faith, within a community and alongside a YoungLife leader. The Launch Mission can be found online at...

The Campus Ministry Spotlight Series continues with a focus on the ministry of Chi Alpha, which is active on more than 300 campuses throughout the U.S. and around the world today. This episode features Chi Alpha staff members, Alex and Katie, from Iowa State University.  The Launch Mission can be found online at www.thelaunchmission.org  Follow us on Instagram at www.instagram.com/thelaunchmission...

The Navigators is a college ministry that is active on 160 campuses across the US. They offer encouragement, support, and discipleship to help college students know Scripture and deepen their faith. In this episode, we talk with Brian Hopp, who is on staff with The Navigators at the University of Nebraska Lincoln, and David Hoobler, who is on staff at Illinois State University.  The Launch Mission...

Michael “Ash” Ashburn has dedicated 50 years to working with Young Life and is the most compassionate and sincere communicator I know. He is a gifted storyteller, and has a special message to share with the class of 2024.  The Launch Mission can be found online at www.thelaunchmission.org Follow us on Instagram at www.instagram.com/thelaunchmission Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thelaun...

Join us on The Launch Mission Podcast for another special recap episode featuring some of the most insightful advice from the spring episodes. This is a great opportunity to hear insights and wisdom you might’ve missed!   The Launch Mission can be found online at www.thelaunchmission.org Follow us on Instagram at www.instagram.com/thelaunchmission Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thelaunc...

As we transition into summer, join us on The Launch Mission Podcast for a special recap episode featuring some of the most insightful advice from our episodes. It's the perfect opportunity to revisit key topics and insights you may have missed!    The Launch Mission can be found online at www.thelaunchmission.org Follow us on Instagram at www.instagram.com/thelaunchmission Follow us on Facebook at...

In this episode, Tommy and Kelsey discuss another four stories of college students facing challenges and provide solutions. The first story highlights the importance of finding Christian community in college, even during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic. The second story focuses on the fear of stepping out and taking opportunities for growth and community. The third story explores the...

In this episode, Austin Hipskind shares how community shapes the college experience. Austin takes us from wrestling with faith in high school to discovering his place and mission in college. He stresses the value of connecting with God and having an accountability partner. We also explore his time at the Grove retreat, a freshman retreat at Ole Miss, and how it's shaped his faith journey and impac...

In this episode, Tommy and Kelsey discuss real college stories and provide advice for incoming college students. The first story focuses on the challenges of leaving home and making new friends in college. The second story highlights the difficulties of managing a busy school schedule while being a collegiate athlete. The third story emphasizes how to have effective communication and conflict reso...