In this episode, I’m joined by two incredible friends, Paityn Frye and Dustin Crenshaw, who are currently engaged and will be getting married next fall. Paityn and Dustin share their story of first meeting at a Fellowship of Christian Athletes event and open up about their journeys through singleness, dating, and engagement. They share what they’ve learned in each season and how those experiences have shaped the way they love and support one another now. We have an honest conversation about what it means to build a strong, Christ-centered relationship rooted in intentionality and growth. We talk about what it looks like to pursue each other well, how to keep God first, and how to recognize the difference between a relationship that’s from God and one that isn’t. Whether you’re navigating singleness, waiting on the right relationship, or growing in one, this episode is full of real insight and encouragement about what it looks like to honor God and each other, in every stage of love.
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49:04
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49:04
And They Were Roommates
In this episode, I’m joined by my roommate, Karrera Nevins, as we record on our last night in the apartment together. While sitting among boxes, we reflect on the past two years of living together. We talk about what it’s been like to go through life in similar seasons, the laughs, late-night talks, and the hard moments that pushed us to grow. We open up about the challenges we faced as roommates, how communication made all the difference, and the lessons we’ve learned from one another along the way. As we step into new chapters, we share some advice for others in their 20s who are figuring out how to navigate living with roommates. Through it all, we reflect on how God has been at the center of our friendship, guiding us, teaching us, and reminding us that He places the right people in our lives at just the right time.
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45:38
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45:38
Knowing Your Purpose
In this episode, I’m joined by Kelly Schmidt, an incredible mentor in my life and in the lives of so many college students navigating their 20s. Kelly shares her own story of being at a crossroads and having to decide between playing professional basketball overseas or stepping into coaching. At the time, it felt like a “right or wrong” decision, but over the years she’s learned that either path would have ultimately led her to where she is today. We discuss how, as believers, our ultimate purpose is already known, yet God often places people, opportunities, and experiences in our lives to guide us along the way. We talk about decision-making in seasons of uncertainty and how to recognize the difference between our own selfish desires and the desires God places on our hearts. Kelly shares wisdom on how important it is to find, know, and live out your purpose, because when you do, it becomes a guide for your life and the foundation for every choice you make.
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57:22
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57:22
The Pursuit of Identity
In this episode, I’m joined by Kinsey Vollendorf, one of the coolest, kindest, and most genuine people I know. Kinsey and I met through mutual friends at GCU, and she’s been a big supporter of this podcast since day one. She shares her journey playing softball at the University of Oklahoma, winning a national championship, and then transferring to GCU where she was able to walk out life with amazing girls. We dive into what it’s like to place your identity in things that can’t truly satisfy whether thats sports, relationships, a career, social media, or even the opinions of others. Kinsey also shares about being newly married and navigating life after college athletics. We talk about how no level of success or approval can give us lasting peace, and how real identity and fulfillment can only be found in Jesus.
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46:34
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46:34
The Beauty of Being Known
In this episode, I'm joined by Ariel Thompson, a sweet friend who truly embodies joy, warmth, and light. Ariel and I met through a mutual friend and immediately felt like we had known each other for years. She shares her journey of transitioning out of college softball, stepping into coaching, and now navigating a season of uncertainty while fully trusting God with what’s next. We dive into the beauty of friendship, the importance of finding your people, and the comfort that comes with being deeply known. We talk about how we’ve grown through seasons of uncertainty, and what it means to embrace life even when the path ahead isn’t clear. This episode is full of laughter, love, and real conversations that remind us that even when life feels unknown, we are never alone.
The 20 Effect is a podcast for anyone who’s feeling a little lost or overwhelmed in their 20s. Hosted by someone navigating the same messy, unpredictable chapter of life, it’s a space where identity crises, career shifts, and spiritual questions are tackled head-on. As I approach my own quarter-life mark, I’m here to offer advice, share stories, and walk through the tough stuff with you. Whether you’re wrestling with who you are, what you want, or how to trust God in the process, let’s navigate these years together—no judgment, just real conversations and a lot of grace!
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