The Launch Mission

What happens when you leave the routines, people, and structure you’ve known for most of your life? Austin Gentry talks about what he learned when he went from a Christian school to a state university and found himself navigating new ideas, new experiences, and new responsibilities. Together, Tommy and Austin talk about making your faith your own, working through doubt, choosing your community, fi...

Russell encourages seniors to look beyond graduation and start taking ownership of the areas of life they will soon be responsible for on their own. Rather than coasting through senior year, students can be intentional with their faith, family, friendships, future, finances, and time. He also challenges seniors to recognize the influence they have as the oldest students in their school or youth gr...

Matt Douglas, author of Unlocking College Admissions: Your Step-By-Step Workbook For Finding The Right College And Getting In , joins Tommy to unpack the college admissions process and help students and families approach it with less stress and more intentionality. He explains how to identify the best-fit college by considering academics, location, campus life, cost, and other factors. Matt also s...

Senior year can feel like a race to make sure students know everything they need before they leave home, but Tommy emphasizes that being ready and being prepared are not always the same thing. Students may be excited for independence while still needing to develop practical skills like managing money and time, communicating with professors, building healthy community, and taking ownership of their...

Hear a preview of the Season 5, made specifically for the high school class of 2027. Season 5 will start with a special episode for parents on Labor Day and the first episode for students on September 14th.

Finding community in college isn't just about joining a student organization—it can also mean finding a local church that invests in college students. In this episode, we're wrapping up our Campus Ministry Spotlight series by talking about church-based college ministries and how they differ from campus organizations. We answer questions like: What is a church college ministry? Why should you get c...

Starting college comes with a lot of questions—including where you'll find community. In this episode, we're continuing our Campus Ministry Spotlight series by exploring BCM (Baptist Collegiate Ministry/Baptist Student Ministry). We answer questions like: What is BCM? What does it offer college students? And how does it help students grow spiritually while building meaningful relationships? Join u...

College is full of new opportunities, but finding a community that helps you stay grounded can make all the difference. In this episode, we're continuing our Campus Ministry Spotlight series by exploring RUF (Reformed University Fellowship). We answer questions like: What is RUF? What makes it unique? And how does it help students grow in their faith while navigating college life? Join us as we in...

Starting college means stepping into a completely new environment, and finding the right community can make all the difference. In this episode, we're continuing our Campus Ministry Spotlight series by sharing highlights from past conversations about InterVarsity. We answer questions like: What is InterVarsity? What makes it unique? And how does it help students grow in their faith while navigatin...

In this episode, we're continuing our Campus Ministry Spotlight series by sharing highlights from past conversations about Chi Alpha, a Christian ministry found on college campuses across the country. We answer questions like: What is Chi Alpha? What makes it unique? And how does it help students build community and grow in their faith during college? Join us as we explore another opportunity for...

College is about more than earning a degree—it's also a time when many students grow personally, spiritually, and relationally. In this episode, we're continuing our Campus Ministry Spotlight series by sharing highlights from past conversations about Campus Outreach. We answer questions like: What is Campus Outreach? What opportunities does it provide students? And how does it help students grow i...

Starting college means making a lot of decisions—including how you'll find community and continue growing in your faith. In this episode, we're continuing our Campus Ministry Spotlight series by sharing highlights from past conversations about the Navigators. We answer questions like: What are the Navigators? What makes their approach to ministry unique? And how do they help students grow spiritua...

College can feel like a fresh start, but it can also leave you wondering where you'll find your people. In this episode, we're continuing our Campus Ministry Spotlight series by sharing highlights about Young Life College and answering questions like: What is Young Life College? What makes it different from other campus ministries? And what kinds of opportunities does it offer students? Through st...

Starting college can feel exciting, overwhelming, and sometimes lonely as you try to figure out where you belong. In this episode, we’re kicking off our Campus Ministry Spotlight series by sharing highlights and clips from past conversations about Cru (Campus Crusade for Christ). We answer questions like: What is Cru? What does Cru look like on a college campus? And why do so many students choose...

We’re ending the semester with one final recap episode featuring some of the best advice and insights shared by students throughout the season. From friendships and faith to independence and growth, these conversations are full of reminders you may need heading into your next season. Visit our  website Follow us on  Instagram Follow us on  Facebook

Join us for a special recap episode featuring some of the most insightful advice from this semester's mentors!  It's the perfect opportunity to revisit key topics + insights you may have missed.  Visit our  website Follow us on  Instagram Follow us on  Facebook

This episode is Part 2 of our College Stories series , where we read real stories from college students so you can learn from their experiences before you ever step on campus. In this episode, we dive into three new situations: settling for easy friendships instead of meaningful ones, falling into credit card debt due to lack of financial discipline, and staying silent in class out of fear. Each s...

As you get closer to graduation, it’s easy to assume you’ll just “figure it out” when you get to college—but these stories show how quickly things can feel overwhelming without a plan. In Part 1 of this 2-part series, we’re reading real college stories from students so you can learn from what they experienced before you step on campus. Saying yes to everything can stretch you too thin, avoiding ho...

You’re about to step into a new level of independence, and this episode walks you through how to stay safe while doing it. Scott Thurmond explains that campus police aren’t there to “catch” you—they’re there to help you succeed and make it to graduation. Most safety issues on campus come down to simple things like being aware of your surroundings, locking your doors, and making wise decisions, esp...

You’re about to step into a completely new environment, and this episode helps you know what actually matters from the start. Orientation isn’t just something to get through—it’s your first chance to meet people, ask questions, and set yourself up well. Getting involved early and finding the right community can shape your entire college experience, while learning how to communicate and live with a...

Tommy sits down with John Decker to talk about the heart behind Every Student Sent and why so many students lose their faith in the transition to college. They unpack how early connection, intentional community, and a clear sense of purpose can completely change a student’s college experience—and why preparing before you arrive on campus matters more than you think. Visit our  website Follow us on...

This Career Highlight episode breaks down the journey into nursing, from college to advanced roles like anesthesia. We discuss the different entry points into the field and how career paths can evolve over time. You'll get a realistic look at daily responsibilities, both as a bedside nurse and in a specialized role. The conversation also highlights key traits like assertiveness and empathy, which...

In this Career Highlight episode, Tommy sits down with a military colonel who built a 30+ year career in the service to explore what that path can look like after high school. You’ll hear how joining the military can help pay for college, provide structure, and open doors to long-term opportunities. This conversation highlights the wide range of roles available and how your responsibilities grow o...

In this episode, Tommy sits down with a Certified Public Accountant and managing partner of an accounting firm to learn what a career in accounting really looks like. He explains the difference between basic accounting and becoming a CPA, what college preparation involves, and what entry-level work in the field is like. They also talk about the skills that make someone successful in this professio...

In this Career Highlight episode, we sit down with a coffee company founder and entrepreneur to explore what building a business can actually look like. He shares how an unexpected path after college eventually led him to launch a coffee company focused on community, relationships, and purpose. Instead of chasing success through money alone, he explains how a bigger life mission shaped the way he...