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.
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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.
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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