Jennifer Eburuoh, a PhD student in international relations at American University. Jennifer shares her journey, detailing her Nigerian American faith background, her work with the UN Refugee Agency, and her study of environmental science. She discusses how her faith motivates her service and advocacy work and provides insights into her experiences in Uganda and the importance of being a good listener. The episode concludes with advice for young adults on navigating career paths rooted in service and justice.

In this episode, we sit down with Albarka Wakili, a Master of Divinity student at Drew Theological School and a 2025 GreenFaith Rising Leader Fellow. Originally from Nigeria, Albarka shares how his name—meaning blessing—guides his path, and how his journey across continents has deepened his faith. He opens up about witnessing climate change firsthand, the hope that sustains him, and the moment he realized faith, justice, and the environment are inseparable. From tending Drew’s Theo Community Garden to engaging in global initiatives and meeting leaders like Ban Ki-Moon, Albarka reflects on how working with the soil reveals God’s presence in creation. With wisdom and humility, he offers practical steps for young people who want to care for the earth, bridging the sacred and the practical in everyday life.

Jeremiah Paltan, a singer-songwriter from the Bronx, New York, shares his journey intertwining faith and music. Paltan shares his experiences as a pastor's kid, his early introduction to music, and how his faith has shaped his musical career. He highlights the importance of community in sustaining faith, his path to finding his spiritual identity, and the humbling experiences of having his music featured on television. Jeremiah also reveals his upcoming album 'Found in Lost City,' set to release on November 14th, and discusses how making music has been a way for him to overcome struggles and inspire hope in others.

Hosts Neftali Rodriguez and Ocean Marshall interview Dallin Bundy, a 2025 Truman Scholar and a senior studying political science at BYU. The discussion covers a range of topics, including Dallin's love for silent discos, his interest in epic fantasy literature, and his journey to winning the Truman Scholarship. Dallin shares valuable insights on the importance of civil discourse, the impact of political violence on community cohesion, and his commitment to fostering peacemaking and political engagement. The episode concludes with actionable advice for young people to stay politically active, show up in their communities, and maintain a balanced life.

In this episode of Take A Leap, host James talks with Carolina França, a Gordon College graduate and science teacher, about how faith and environmental stewardship intertwine. From conservation research to the classroom, Carolina shares how her sense of calling fuels both her teaching and climate advocacy. She highlights the power of small, community-driven actions, the role of faith in caring for creation, and her experiences leading initiatives from school clubs to international conferences.

Find more from Carolina on Instagram: c.franca24

In this episode of Take A Leap, James sits down with Kenzie Meyer and Neftali Rodriguez. Kenzie shares how her path shifted from studying music education at Montana State to becoming a campus minister at Southern Utah University. From life-changing experiences in Kenya to her work with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, Kenzie opens up about helping students embrace faith during the pivotal college years—offering wisdom on overcoming fear, seeking purpose, and leaning into the unique journey of student life.

In this episode of Take A Leap, host James is joined by Ocean Marshall and Saigel Ghotra, a Sikh American senior at UC Berkeley. Saigel shares how Sikh values inspire her studies in political science, social welfare, and public policy, fueling her mission to create opportunities for marginalized communities. She reflects on her personal journey, her time as a Sikh Lead DC intern with the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund, and the challenges that have shaped her path. Along the way, Saigel highlights the power of empathy, open-mindedness, and interconnection—reminding us that what unites us is often stronger than what divides us

What does it mean to blend purpose with style?

In this episode, we revisit our conversation with Nava Esmailizadeh about how fashion can be a tool for change. Nava is the Head of Brand at Ambercycle and the creator of the cycora® brand, where she works to bring circularity and sustainability to the center of fashion design. Guided by her Bahá'í faith, Nava shares how our generation can make the world a better place in new and unique ways. She inspires us to think about how we can make a difference, and look good doing it.

What do hiking boots, gas station snacks, and a deep love for the earth have in common?

In this episode, we sit down with Becca Black—ecologist and senior in BYU’s Wildlife and Wildlands Conservation program—for a conversation about faith, stewardship, and finding God in the natural world. From long hikes in Wisconsin to getting snacks at Kwik Trip, Becca shares how she came to see ecology as both a calling and a spiritual practice. Now serving as Communications Co-Director for Grow the Flow, a nonprofit working to preserve the Great Salt Lake, Becca opens up about the personal experiences that led her to environmental advocacy. Together with the Josh and Lia, she reflects on sacred experiences in nature and what it means to care for creation.

So, grab your favorite trail mix, touch some grass, and enjoy this episode of Take a Leap.

What happens when legal briefs, late-night self-care, and radical faithfulness all show up in the same story?

In this episode, we revisit our conversation with Sarah Johns—lawyer, advocate, and recent graduate of BYU’s J. Reuben Clark Law School—for a conversation about faith, resilience, and taking care of yourself. From working with the Êzidi people in the wake of trauma to building bridges between the LGBTQ+ community and people of faith, Sarah brings both heart and legal insight to everything she does.

Sarah was recently awarded the 2024 LGBTQ Advocacy and Service Award, and her voice is one you’ll want to remember—especially if you’ve ever wondered how to hold fast to both justice and joy.

So, pop on a face mask, make some hot chocolate, and enjoy this episode of Take a Leap.