Young Adult Diary

Dawson Poling & Tom Jing
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Society & Culture

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.

  1. 10/27/2025

    Character - The Foundation for Young Adults

    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.

  2. 09/17/2025

    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.

  3. 08/28/2025

    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.

  4. 08/14/2025

    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. 08/05/2025

    Cognitive Dissonance in Your 20s: Money, Mental Health & Social Media Pressure (ep 14)

    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.

  6. 07/22/2025

    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.

  7. 07/15/2025

    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. 07/08/2025

    Is It Too Late To Start Over? (Dawson Poling)

    In this solo episode, Dawson gets real about something many young adults wrestle with: the fear of starting over. What do you do when life doesn’t go the way you planned? When you feel stuck, unsure, or like you're falling behind? He opens up about his personal journey — walking away from something that wasn’t working, dealing with failure, and finding the courage to move forward. Dawson dives into the mental roadblocks that keep us from making changes: fear, insecurity, and the pressure to have it all figured out. But here’s the thing… There’s a part of his story you haven’t heard yet. And it might just change how you see your own.

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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Dawson Poling & Tom Jing
  • Years Active
    2025
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Young Adult Diary