The young adults we know wonder why everyone seems so nervous about the ideas, questions, and perspectives they’ll encounter in college. Falon and Rachel are talking to Christina Littlefield — a journalist and church history expert — about how to approach new ideas with curiosity, wisdom, and faith, and how the college experience can deepen rather than threaten a young adult’s spiritual journey.

The young adults we know wonder why prayer feels so different (and even overwhelming) during this stage of life. Falon and Rachel sit down together for an “Ask Us Anything” mini-episode about how to explore new ways of praying to God during seasons of transition and stress, including practical prayer practices for experiencing peace, honesty, and the presence of God.

The young adults we know wonder why, in the midst of everything they have going on, they should bother with serving others. Falon and Rachel are talking to Dr. Christin Shatzer Roman — a nonprofit and student life professional — about how generosity with time and energy for the sake of others can shape the lives, careers, and faith of young adults.

The young adults we know wonder why they and their peers often feel depressed and anxious. Falon and Rachel are talking to Shaya Aguilar — a therapist and young adult mental health expert — about how to navigate mental, emotional, and spiritual health and offer support to others.

The young adults we know wonder why they aren’t connecting with God in the ways that used to “work” for their faith, and they feel at a loss for what to do about it. Falon and Rachel sit down together for an “Ask Us Anything” mini-episode to talk about how to navigate the spiritual disconnection and dryness that often characterize faith in young adulthood.

The young adults we know wonder whether faith is really only about souls, or if their bodies matter to God, too. Falon and Rachel are talking to Jonathan Opsahl — a personal trainer, fitness coach, and gym owner — about how to think about spirituality holistically, integrating faith, body, fitness, nutrition, and health, especially on a college campus.

The young adults we know wonder whether the stories they encounter in their everyday lives, in their favorite shows, movies, books, and even podcasts, can help shape their faith and identity for the better. Falon and Rachel are talking to Jess Wall-Smith — an English teacher and devoted follower of Jesus — about how even the most unlikely stories can help us better know God, the world around us, and even ourselves.

The young adults we know wonder why tensions seem to rise between them and their families as they go through the college years. Falon and Rachel are talking to Gus Peterson — a conflict mediator and student life professional who has lived and worked on college campuses for two decades — about how to prepare for and navigate changing family dynamics as young people emerge into adulthood.

This episode of Emerge is lovingly dedicated to Seymour the Dog.