The Launch Mission

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 you better. You’ll hear why knowing your values before you arrive matters, how finding church and Christian community early shaped his experience, and why saying yes to leadership — even when it’s uncomfortable — can change everything.
Visit our website

Follow us on Instagram

Follow us on Facebook

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, trusting God in moments of uncertainty, and learning that identity doesn’t come from majors, organizations, or social status. You’ll hear how loneliness didn’t mean something was wrong — it became the space where God built real friendships, deep faith, and a purpose bigger than herself. This episode is a reminder that college doesn’t have to be about drifting or surviving — it can be about intentionally building a life rooted in faith, community, and mission.

Visit our website

Follow us on Instagram

Follow us on Facebook

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 has to be pursued. You’ll hear why Christian community should be the foundation of college life, not just another activity, and how surrounding yourself with the right people shapes your faith, choices, and direction long-term.

Visit our website

Follow us on Instagram

Follow us on Facebook

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 what’s coming this spring and summer on the podcast. The central encouragement is clear: don’t drift, don’t wait, and don’t do this transition alone—start preparing now.

Visit our website

Follow us on Instagram

Follow us on Facebook

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 into independence, and learning how God meets them in new environments. Together, these testimonies form a powerful picture of what it looks like to grow, wrestle, and take ownership of faith during seasons of transition.

Visit our website

Follow us on Instagram

Follow us on Facebook

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 God through transition. It’s a powerful, big-picture look at what matters most as you step into what’s next.

Visit our website

Follow us on Instagram

Follow us on Facebook

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. He challenges listeners to enter college with four clear goals—lasting memories, deep friendships, clear vision, and a fruitful faith—and to carefully choose which one will become their foundation.

Visit our website

Follow us on Instagram

Follow us on Facebook

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 bring the deeper fears beneath their anxiety to God in prayer. He unpacks how trusting God grows through experience, hindsight, and honest dependence on Him. The discussion also highlights the importance of mentors who can speak truth, ask hard questions, and help students make wise decisions with clarity rather than fear.

Visit our website

Follow us on Instagram

Follow us on Facebook

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 “snorkeling”) to responding with humility, love, and truth when challenged, this conversation equips seniors to prepare their hearts, minds, and convictions before college.
Visit our website

Follow us on Instagram

Follow us on Facebook

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 intentional discipleship can help students stay grounded in their faith during one of life’s biggest transitions.

Visit our website

Follow us on Instagram

Follow us on Facebook