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.
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44:46
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44:46
I Graduated...Now What?
In this episode, I’m getting real about one of the biggest transitions in life...graduating college and stepping into the “real world.” I share my own post-grad journey and talk about what it’s really like to be in your 20s trying to figure it all out. If you’re feeling a little lost or unsure of your next step, I want you to know that you're in the right place. I open up about the decisions I’ve made, what’s worked, what hasn’t, and how I’ve started to build a life that feels right for me. I give some honest advice and reminders for anyone in this season: it’s okay to not have it all figured out, and it’s okay to grow and change along the way. Most importantly, I talk about how I’ve seen God’s hand through it all and how His plan has always turned out better than anything I could’ve come up with on my own.
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32:12
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32:12
Your Past Does Not Define You
In this episode, I’m joined by Grace Pekovich, a friend whose story is a true testament to God’s perfect timing. Grace and I first met at a party in college. With our lives never crossing again after that, we never would’ve imagined that five years later, we’d be reunited in the same Bible study! Completely unexpected, but it’s clear God was at work. We dive into what it’s like to carry shame from the past, how the enemy tries to use that against us, and what it means to truly experience forgiveness through Jesus. Grace shares her story of coming to faith in college, and we reflect on how following Jesus has reshaped our lives. No matter where you've been or what you've done, Jesus meets you with forgiveness, mercy, and grace. This conversation is full of truth, redemption, and the beauty of a God who never gives up on us.
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1:00:42
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1:00:42
The Wait Is Worth It
I’m so excited to finally bring this podcast to life, and I couldn’t think of a better way to start than with my friend BK Obi, who actually helped inspire me to start this journey. BK and I met through mutual friends at GCU, and after some time apart, we’re reconnecting to catch up on life, faith, and the lessons we’ve learned in seasons of waiting. BK shares his journey of life after college volleyball, applying to law schools, job changes, and leaning on God to guide his next steps. We discuss the fear of failure, tension between humility and pride, and why waiting isn’t wasted time. We explore God’s truth, the importance of patience, and how to make the most of every season, even when the way forward feels uncertain. Join us for an honest, faith-filled conversation about trusting the process, embracing growth, and allowing God to guide your steps.
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1:08:13
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1:08:13
Welcome to The 20 Effect
Welcome to The 20 Effect Podcast! In this trailer episode, I introduce who I am, share the purpose of this podcast, explain the meaning behind its name, and give you a glimpse of what’s to come. I’m so excited to have you here and hope you’ll stay for the journey!This episode is dedicated to Leo Doyle. An incredible husband, father, grandfather, friend, pastor, and man of God.
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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