And They Were Roommates

In this episode, I’m joined by Amanda Silvas, a dear friend who had a profound impact on my life in my early 20s and post-grad transition. Now in graduate school for counseling, Amanda has worked closely with clients and developed a research project focused on self-esteem in women in their 20s. We unpack self-esteem during this pivotal season of life and explore why so many of us struggle with the way we see ourselves. We explore how your sense of worth evolves over time and why it’s so easy to tie that worth to external validation. Amanda highlights the power of positive self-talk, and how shifting your inner dialogue can move you from self-doubt to greater confidence, resilience, and a more grounded sense of self-worth. In a world that constantly tells us who we should be, building self-esteem from within can change everything.Amanda Silvas Instagram: @iam_amandasilvasLink to Research Study

In this episode, I’m celebrating a big milestone...one year of The 20 Effect Podcast! This past year has been full of growth, change, and self-reflection. Like many people in their 20s, I’ve experienced what I like to call a 'Quarter-Life Crisis': questioning my path, navigating uncertainty, and learning how to show up and improve just 1% each day. I reflect on the mountaintops and valleys of the past year, the seasons of change that forced me to take a hard look in the mirror, and the moments when I had to let go of what no longer served me. I also explore how facing failure can build real confidence, and how releasing unrealistic expectations allows you to grieve the life you once imagined for yourself. Ultimately, this episode is about giving yourself grace, trusting the process, and remembering that building a life takes time, and chances are, you’re doing better than you think.

In this episode, I’m joined by Brian and Cheri Beltramo, two incredible mentors that greatly impacted my life when I lived in Arizona. The Beltramos share their experience of working in Young Adult Ministry and helping guide 20 somethings through their most pivotal years. We explore why as humans, we get so caught up in the worry trap. In today’s fast-paced world, it's easy to become overwhelmed with worries about relationships, finances, jobs status, or our future. When we turn worry into worship this perspective shift can help alleviate the burden of worry and replace it with hope and faith.

In this episode, I'm joined by KayDianna Mackenzie Davis Garza, a sweet friend and such a truly authentic person. KayDianna and I met through my cousin, Camryn, and were bridesmaids together in her wedding. She shares her story of growing up a dancer and ultimately going on to become a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader for four incredible seasons. We discuss how life doesn’t always unfold the way we expect, and more often than not, we find ourselves in the messy middle. We talk about what it looks like to grow through uncertainty, release the pressure to have everything figured out, and how to trust God’s plan, even when it doesn’t make sense. KayDianna opens up about how she’s walked through this season of her life and shares thoughtful advice for anyone navigating transition, identity shifts, or waiting on what’s next. This conversation is honest, encouraging, and a reminder that even in the silence, God is still working.

In this episode, I'm talking about a big life update...I moved to Austin, TX! I'm currently going through a big season of change and have been navigating the ups and downs that come with it. The past few months have been filled with incredible blessings, but also moments of doubt, uncertainty, and growing pains. I open up about what this move has looked like for me, what I've learned along the way, and how these seasons of change shape us into the next best version of ourselves. I share ways to remain grounded when everything around you is shifting, along with encouragement for anyone navigating transition, change, or the unknown. Sometimes it's about letting go and trusting that God is always going to show up and provide a way.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.