Young Adult Diary explores unfiltered stories of young adults navigating life, careers, relationships and everything in between. Each episode dives into the ups and downs of early adulthood - featuring creators, entrepreneurs, and everyday people figuring out life in real time.
In your 20s, it’s easy to focus on hustle, titles, or clout. But the real advantage isn’t external — it’s internal.Drawing from John C. Maxwell’s The 21 Irrefutable Qualities of a Leader, this episode dives into why character is the most underrated cheat code for long-term success. If you want to stand out and stay standing, this is where it starts.
17 Sept 2025
Diary Entry for Charlie Kirk
In this episode, I pay tribute to the late Charlie Kirk—not by mourning, but by examining the impact he made and the boldness he lived with. Charlie didn’t hold back, and whether people agreed with him or not, he left a mark because he dared to speak, lead, and act with conviction.
We talk about what it means to live with that same kind of courage in our own lives. To stop shrinking back. To stand firm in what we believe. And to realize that influence doesn’t come from playing it safe—it comes from being bold.
This is more than a reflection; it’s a challenge. A call to live louder, lead stronger, and chase purpose with urgency.
28 Aug 2025
Cancer, College, and Choosing Faith with Hugh Mitchell (ep 16)
The day before leaving for college, Hugh Mitchell got news that would completely shift his plans—he was diagnosed with cancer. Now, while going through chemo, he’s learning lessons about resilience, perspective, and what faith really looks like in hard times. In this episode, Hugh shares the unexpected ways his journey has shaped him, and why his story is more than just about cancer—it’s about hope, growth, and discovering strength you didn’t know you had.
14 Aug 2025
Faith, Seizures, and Breaking the Mold - A Conversation on Purpose with Tyler Brueckner (ep 15)
In this episode, Dawson shares parts of his personal journey with seizures, Tyler opens up about his relationship with Jesus has shaped his life, and together we dive deep into the pressures young adults face to follow a "standard" path. We talk openly about chasing dreams, pursuing passions, and what it really means to step outside the box society tries to put us in. It's a raw, honest conversation about faith, resilience, and carving your own lane -- even when it feels like the odds are stacked against you.
5 Aug 2025
Cognitive Dissonance in Your 20s: Money, Mental Health & Social Media Pressure
Your 20s are basically a nonstop identity crisis — one minute you're preaching mental health boundaries, the next you're doom-scrolling TikTok at 2am comparing your life to strangers. In this episode, we get into the cognitive dissonance that defines young adulthood: chasing money but craving peace, posting highlight reels while quietly struggling, and trying to grow while still lowkey caring what people think.
We ask the hard (and weird) questions — like would you rather date someone who vapes… or someone who claps when the plane lands?
From failing publicly to feeling stuck, from self-reflection to side-eyeing your own habits — we’re unpacking the contradictions that no one warns you about.
🎧 Press play if you've ever told yourself one thing and done the opposite five minutes later.
22 Jul 2025
Worship, Ministry, Cancer, & Red Flags with Corinne Schneider (ep13)
Corinne’s got stories — from the highs and lows of leading worship, to the challenges of being in ministry at a young age, to walking through a health scare that changed her outlook. Dawson and Tom sit down with her to talk about what’s been hardest, what’s been most worth it, and the standards she refuses to lower when it comes to dating. You’ll laugh, you’ll think, and you’ll probably send this to a friend by the end.
15 Jul 2025
Can I Trust God in My Life Circumstance? (Jonah Lewis)
This episode isn’t just another story—it’s a raw, powerful journey that’ll leave you rethinking what trust in God really means. Jonah Lewis opens up about the odds he never should’ve survived: nearly aborted, complications during birth, and adopted into a new life that still came with its own questions and pain.
But through every twist in his story, Jonah wrestles honestly with the big question so many of us ask: Can I really trust God with my circumstances—especially when they feel like they’re falling apart?
Whether you're questioning your purpose, feeling abandoned, or wondering why God would allow certain things in your life, this conversation is for you. Jonah’s story doesn’t tie everything up with a bow, but it does point to something deeper—hope.
🎧 Hit play. This one will stay with you.
8 Jul 2025
Is It Too Late To Start Over? (Dawson Poling)
Dawson Poling explores the common young adult fear of starting over, sharing his personal journey of leaving unfulfilling paths and finding courage to move forward.
1 Jul 2025
Is it Godly or Just Comfortable? (ep 10)
Hosts Dawson and Tom explore how daily habits build confidence, debate relationship standards, and examine expectations, offering listeners a thought-provoking discussion on faith and relationships.
24 Jun 2025
Relationships, Red Flags, Faith, and First Homes (ep 9)
The hosts answer listener questions about navigating relationships, identifying red flags, pursuing homeownership, and practicing Christian faith during young adulthood in this Q&A episode.
17 Jun 2025
Does God Still Love Me, Even in My Addiction? (feat. Tyler Brueckner)
Tyler Brueckner discusses his personal journey through addiction, exploring feelings of shame and unworthiness, and discovering the unwavering love of God in this interview.
10 Jun 2025
Stop Trying to Fit In with Noah Lewis (Ep 6)
Noah Lewis discusses identity, purpose, and resisting the pressure to conform, also exploring pornography's impact and the essence of healthy relationships in this interview.
3 Jun 2025
Handling the Unexpected in Your 20's with Lizzy Taylor (Ep 5)
Lizzy Taylor discusses navigating unexpected challenges in your twenties, such as relationship struggles and surprise sickness, while maintaining faith and emotional stability in this interview episode.
27 May 2025
Episode 4: Finding Purpose & Identity with Cameron Guzman
Cameron Guzman discusses discovering purpose and identity, navigating social pressures, and finding fulfillment through faith in an interview with the hosts of Young Adult Diary.
20 May 2025
Episode 3: Muscles, Myths, & $1 tips with Taylor Strandt
In this episode, fitness coach Taylor Strandt joins us to break down the unrealistic expectations social media has created around health, fitness, and body image. We dive into how misinformation spreads online, what young adults really need to know about getting fit, and how the American healthcare system impacts our approach to wellness. Oh—and we definitely get into tipping culture at your local coffee shop. Whether you're trying to navigate the gym or just life in your 20s, this one's packed with straight talk and real value.
13 May 2025
Episode 2: Risk, Reward, & Gorillas with Corey Phillips
In this episode, I sit down with Corey Phillips — a young entrepreneur and thought leader who's making waves in the business world. We dive into the mindset behind starting something from nothing, what it really means to take risks, and why tipping your barista might say more about you than you think. Oh, and yes — we even talk about gorillas. From business strategy to life philosophy (with a few unexpected turns), this conversation is real, unfiltered, and full of insights.
Whether you're an aspiring founder or just here for the gorilla metaphors, you're in for a good one.
7 May 2025
1 & a half - No Structure, No Promos, No Problem
In this loosely organized episode, Dawson & Tom touch on everything from Chinese child labor from Nike, whether tipping your barista is an obligation or scam, Joe Rogan’s podcast empire, video games that raised them & old personal vendettas. It’s honest, unfiltered, and probably going to get Tom canceled.
30 Apr 2025
Episode 1: Pilot with Tom & Dawson
We kick things off by sharing why we started this podcast, a bit about who we are, and some real talk on comparison, failure, and taking chances in your 20s. It’s honest, unfiltered, and just the beginning.
Who has been a guest on Young Adult Diary
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Dawson Poling
Tyler Brueckner
Noah Lewis
Lizzy Taylor
Cameron Guzman
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
5 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 22 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
30
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
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