BE THE 25

Dr. Sharon O'Hara

This is the place where teens and young adults come to explore how to live the Christian life in a non-Christian world - and thrive. 

  1. 2D AGO

    What Really Happened to Jesus' 12 Disciples? | Be The 25

    Send In Your Question for the Podcast Have you ever wondered what actually happened to the original 12 disciples after Jesus rose from the dead? 🤔Did they stay faithful when following Jesus became dangerous? And if they did… what did it cost them?  📖 Episode Highlights ✨ The disciples weren’t superheroes — they were ordinary people ✨ They went from hiding in fear to preaching in public ✨ Most were hunted down, tortured, and killed for their faith ✨ John was the only disciple to die of old age — after persecution and exile ✨ Following Jesus was never about comfort — it was about obedience 🧭 Big Takeaway Following Jesus isn’t about being comfortable or convenient. It’s about: CONVICTION — believing Jesus is worth following, no matter the costCOMMITMENT — continuing to live for Him even when it’s hardCOURAGE — speaking up, standing firm, and sharing Jesus when it’s riskyThe disciples didn’t just believe in Jesus — they followed Him, facing real consequences. Their stories show us what true faith looks like today. 💬 Reflection Question 👉 Are you willing to follow Jesus — no matter the cost? 📜 Scriptures Used in This Episode 📖 Matthew 27:3–5 — Judas’ remorse and tragic end 📖 Mark 16:15 — “Go into all the world and preach the good news” 📖 Matthew 28:19–20 — The Great Commission 📖 Acts 5:29 — “We must obey God rather than men” 📖 Acts 5:41–42 — Rejoicing in suffering for Jesus’ name 📖 Acts 12:1–2 — The martyrdom of James, son of Zebedee 📖 John 21:18–19 — Jesus tells Peter the cost of following Him 📖 Acts 4:29 — The disciples pray for boldness Thanks for stopping by! 75% of Christian teens and young adults in local church youth groups walk away from the church – and many from Christ – after graduating high school. This is a call to Be the 25 who don't. We're here to tackle your tough questions, share relatable guest interviews, and offer practical advice and strategies so you can gain the confidence and courage you need to Be the 25. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes, bonus episodes and giveaways... and invite your friends. Episodes drop BI-WEEKLY ON TUESDAYS. Need help? For additional resources, go to BeThe25.com. Experiencing doubt or have questions? Email drsharon@BeThe25.com and your doubt or question may be selected for the show. For speaking engagements contact: drsharon@BeThe25.com. Follow Dr. Sharon O'Hara on: BeThe25.com Instagram @drsharonohara Twitter @drsharonohara YouTube @BeThe25 Thanks for listening! Be The 25! -Dr. Sharon

    20 min
  2. JAN 27

    Conspiracy Theories: 7 Tactics that Pull You In | Be The 25

    Send In Your Question for the Podcast Conspiracy theorists are really good at grabbing your attention, pulling you in, getting your hooked for more, and trying to make you believe something is true. We'll identify 7 tactics they use and look at what the Bible says —so you can slow down, think critically, and filter everything through God’s Word. 🔍 The 7 Tactics Conspiracy Theorists Use TACTIC #1: Grabbing Attention Through Shock & Conflict Shocking headlines, fear-driven claims, and dramatic language designed to trigger emotion and curiosity fast. TACTIC #2: Making You Feel Like an Insider Creating a sense of secrecy and exclusivity—making you feel like you’re part of the “informed few” who know the “real truth.” TACTIC #3: Using Teasers & Cliffhangers Hinting at big reveals, unnamed sources, or “proof coming soon”—but rarely delivering real, verifiable evidence. TACTIC #4: Using Strong Rhetoric Over Solid Facts Relying on fear, outrage, and emotional language instead of clear, credible, and checkable facts. TACTIC #5: Using “Us vs. Them” Framing Dividing the world into “those who get it” and “those who are blind,” while treating disagreement as betrayal or persecution. TACTIC #6: Backpedaling When Wrong Avoiding accountability by shifting blame, reframing failed predictions, or quietly deleting content instead of admitting mistakes. TACTIC #7: Cashing In on Chaos Exploiting fear, tragedy, and confusion for clicks, views, donations, merchandise, and paid content—where attention equals money. 📖 Scriptures Used in This Episode Matthew 24:4 “Watch out that no one deceives you.” Matthew 24:36 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” Proverbs 14:15 “The naive believes everything, but the sensible person considers his steps.” 1 Thessalonians 5:21 “Test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good.” Acts 20:30 “…some will rise up and distort the truth in order to draw a following.” 2 Peter 2:3 “In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories.” Romans 16:17–18 “Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith… By smooth talk and glowing words they deceive innocent people.” 🧠 Final Takeaway God never asks His people to shut off their brains. He calls us to use them. Thanks for stopping by! 75% of Christian teens and young adults in local church youth groups walk away from the church – and many from Christ – after graduating high school. This is a call to Be the 25 who don't. We're here to tackle your tough questions, share relatable guest interviews, and offer practical advice and strategies so you can gain the confidence and courage you need to Be the 25. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes, bonus episodes and giveaways... and invite your friends. Episodes drop BI-WEEKLY ON TUESDAYS. Need help? For additional resources, go to BeThe25.com. Experiencing doubt or have questions? Email drsharon@BeThe25.com and your doubt or question may be selected for the show. For speaking engagements contact: drsharon@BeThe25.com. Follow Dr. Sharon O'Hara on: BeThe25.com Instagram @drsharonohara Twitter @drsharonohara YouTube @BeThe25 Thanks for listening! Be The 25! -Dr. Sharon

    21 min
  3. JAN 13

    Conspiracy Theories: What They Are & Why You Need to be Careful | Be The 25

    Send In Your Question for the Podcast Ever scroll online and see a story so wild you think, “No way… but what if it’s true?”  From UFO cover-ups 🛸 to cloned celebrities and hidden agendas, conspiracy theories are everywhere—and they spread fast. In this episode of Be the 25, we take a clear, biblical look at: 🧠 What conspiracy theories are📲 How they spread so quickly online⚠️ Why they can be dangerous—even for Christians📖 What the Bible says we should doSome conspiracy theories have turned out to be true—but that doesn’t mean every claim should be believed or shared. 🔍 What Is a Conspiracy Theory? A conspiracy theory is the belief that powerful people are secretly controlling events and hiding the “real truth.” These ideas often claim only a few people are “in the know,” which can make them feel convincing—and tempting to believe. 🚨 Why Christians Need to Be Careful Stories we believe shape how we think, how we act, who we trust—and even how we view God and others. Unhealthy conspiracy thinking can lead to fear 😨, division 💔, distraction, and a shift away from Jesus, damaging our Christian witness. ✝️ A Biblical Response Jesus warned us about deception for a reason. Scripture calls believers to slow down, test what we hear, and hold tightly to what is true. 📖 Scriptures Used in the Episode Matthew 24:4 – “Watch out that no one deceives you.” Proverbs 14:15 – “The naive believes everything, but the sensible person considers his steps.” Proverbs 18:17 – “The first to speak seems right, until another comes along and examines him.” 1 Thessalonians 5:21–22 – “Test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. Stay away from every kind of evil.” 🔜 Coming Next on Be the 25 We’ll expose 7 common tactics conspiracy theorists use—so you can spot them quickly and stay grounded in truth 👀 Thanks for stopping by! 75% of Christian teens and young adults in local church youth groups walk away from the church – and many from Christ – after graduating high school. This is a call to Be the 25 who don't. We're here to tackle your tough questions, share relatable guest interviews, and offer practical advice and strategies so you can gain the confidence and courage you need to Be the 25. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes, bonus episodes and giveaways... and invite your friends. Episodes drop BI-WEEKLY ON TUESDAYS. Need help? For additional resources, go to BeThe25.com. Experiencing doubt or have questions? Email drsharon@BeThe25.com and your doubt or question may be selected for the show. For speaking engagements contact: drsharon@BeThe25.com. Follow Dr. Sharon O'Hara on: BeThe25.com Instagram @drsharonohara Twitter @drsharonohara YouTube @BeThe25 Thanks for listening! Be The 25! -Dr. Sharon

    16 min
  4. 12/16/2025

    AI and Your Job Future: What You Need to Know | Be The 25

    Send In Your Question for the Podcast Have you ever wondered if AI is GOING TO STEAL YOUR FUTURE JOB? 😬💼 Are you feeling a little STRESSED — maybe even a little SCARED — about what the future holds? 😟 You might even be wondering HOW GOD’S PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE fits into this A-I age. ✝️🤔 Well, there is a way you can MOVE FORWARD WITH CONFIDENCE instead of FEAR. 🙌➡️💪 Let's dive into it!  🎧 In This Episode, We Talk About: 😟 Why so many teens and young adults feel stressed about AI and future jobs 📊 What studies reveal about Gen Z and AI-related job anxiety 🪜 How disappearing entry-level jobs can impact confidence and career growth ✝️ How a Biblical worldview helps us see AI, work, and our future differently 🕰️ What history teaches us—from the Industrial Revolution to the rise of the Internet to COVID-19 🔑 The 3 Things to Remember: 1️⃣ God is still IN CONTROL. No matter how fast technology changes—or how uncertain the job market feels—God has not lost control, not even for a moment. 2️⃣ God already has a PLAN for your life—and it’s GOOD. AI doesn’t rewrite God’s plans. His purpose for your life is still intentional, hopeful, and moving forward. 3️⃣ God already has your WORK lined up for you. Before AI, before job worries, before you were born—God prepared meaningful work and opportunities for you to walk into. 📖 Scriptures Mentioned: Isaiah 46:9–10 Psalm 46:10 Jeremiah 29:11 Ephesians 2:10 Psalm 37:23 Matthew 6:31–33 1 Corinthians 2:9 🙌 Bottom Line: Don’t stress about AI taking over. Your future isn’t in AI’s hands—it’s in GOD’S hands. Thanks for stopping by! 75% of Christian teens and young adults in local church youth groups walk away from the church – and many from Christ – after graduating high school. This is a call to Be the 25 who don't. We're here to tackle your tough questions, share relatable guest interviews, and offer practical advice and strategies so you can gain the confidence and courage you need to Be the 25. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes, bonus episodes and giveaways... and invite your friends. Episodes drop BI-WEEKLY ON TUESDAYS. Need help? For additional resources, go to BeThe25.com. Experiencing doubt or have questions? Email drsharon@BeThe25.com and your doubt or question may be selected for the show. For speaking engagements contact: drsharon@BeThe25.com. Follow Dr. Sharon O'Hara on: BeThe25.com Instagram @drsharonohara Twitter @drsharonohara YouTube @BeThe25 Thanks for listening! Be The 25! -Dr. Sharon

    18 min
  5. 11/18/2025

    5 Ways Teens Use AI – And 5 Things to Watch Out For | Be The 25

    Send In Your Question for the Podcast AI — Artificial Intelligence — is EVERYWHERE 📚🎧📱💬 — in your schoolwork, your music playlist, your social media feed, and even your conversations. We break down HOW young people are using AI and WHAT you need to watch out for so AI works FOR YOU, not AGAINST YOU. ⚠️🤖 🤖 5 WAYS TEENS ARE USING AI1️⃣ Schoolwork & Studying 📚 Teens use AI to simplify complex readings, create study guides, explain tricky concepts, brainstorm project ideas, and polish their writing. 2️⃣ Creativity & Content Creation 🎨🎧 From generating art and music to making videos, stories, and social posts, AI gives creators quick inspiration and professional-looking results. 3️⃣ Career & Skill Development 💼 Older teens use AI to write emails, build presentations, learn new skills, analyze data, or even write resumes. 4️⃣ Managing Life & Staying Organized 🗓️✨ AI helps with planning your day, setting reminders, managing deadlines, and building habits. 5️⃣ Companionship & Conversations 💬🤝 Teens sometimes chat with AI for support, advice, or practicing conversations. ⚠️ 5 THINGS TO WATCH OUT FOR1️⃣ AI Makes Mistakes ❗  It can give wrong info, outdated facts, or even made-up details. Always double-check, verify, and think for yourself. 2️⃣ AI Can Influence Your Worldview 🧠👀 If you’re not careful, it can shape what you think is normal or right. 3️⃣ AI Can’t Give You God’s Wisdom 🙏✨ AI can give information, but only God gives WISDOM. 4️⃣ AI Can’t Replace REAL Community 👥❤️ AI bots validate more than they challenge. They can’t give you honesty, accountability, love, prayer, or real spiritual support. 5️⃣ AI Can Impact Your Mental Health 🧡⚠️ Some AI companions can isolate teens, distort emotions, or respond in unsafe ways — especially during emotional crises. 📖 SCRIPTURES USEDHere are the verses referenced in today's episode: Proverbs 4:23 — “Above all else, guard your heart…” ❤️Romans 12:2 — “Do not be conformed to this world…” 🔄Colossians 2:8 — Warnings against deceptive philosophies 🌪️Acts 17:11 — The Bereans examining Scripture daily 📘James 1:5 — Ask God for wisdom and He will give it generously ✨🔍📊 LINK For more on how and why teens use AI companions, check out this research from Common Sense Media: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/research/talk-trust-and-trade-offs-how-and-why-teens-use-ai-companions Thanks for stopping by! 75% of Christian teens and young adults in local church youth groups walk away from the church – and many from Christ – after graduating high school. This is a call to Be the 25 who don't. We're here to tackle your tough questions, share relatable guest interviews, and offer practical advice and strategies so you can gain the confidence and courage you need to Be the 25. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes, bonus episodes and giveaways... and invite your friends. Episodes drop BI-WEEKLY ON TUESDAYS. Need help? For additional resources, go to BeThe25.com. Experiencing doubt or have questions? Email drsharon@BeThe25.com and your doubt or question may be selected for the show. For speaking engagements contact: drsharon@BeThe25.com. Follow Dr. Sharon O'Hara on: BeThe25.com Instagram @drsharonohara Twitter @drsharonohara YouTube @BeThe25 Thanks for listening! Be The 25! -Dr. Sharon

    25 min
  6. 11/04/2025

    Overwhelmed by "IT?" Here's Where to Turn for Help | Be The 25

    Send In Your Question for the Podcast  💬 Episode Summary Ever feel like you just CAN’T HANDLE “IT” anymore? 😩 Whether “IT” is school stress 📚, family drama 🏠,  work issues, anxiety 😔, loneliness 💭, or pressure about your future 🎯 — we’ve all been there. 🔑 In This Episode You’ll hear: • 💡 Why God never meant for you to handle “IT” alone • 👀 The difference between looking in, looking out, and looking up • 💪 Real-life moments when crying out to God brought strength and relief • 🌈 How giving “IT” to God lifts the weight and brings peace • 🙏 A closing prayer for anyone feeling like “IT” is just too much ✨ Key Takeaway Stop trying to control “IT.” ⛔ Start trusting God with “IT.” 🙏 When you do, He’ll bring the relief you’ve been looking for. 💖 📖 Scriptures Used 📜 Psalm 121:1-2 – “I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” 📜 Matthew 11:28 – “Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” 📜 Psalm 46:1 – “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” 📜 Psalm 62:8 – “Pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.” 📜 Matthew 6:8 – “Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.” 🙌 Final Thought Whatever “IT” is — give it to God. 💗 He’s not distant — He’s right there with you, ready to carry “IT.” 💪   Thanks for stopping by! 75% of Christian teens and young adults in local church youth groups walk away from the church – and many from Christ – after graduating high school. This is a call to Be the 25 who don't. We're here to tackle your tough questions, share relatable guest interviews, and offer practical advice and strategies so you can gain the confidence and courage you need to Be the 25. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes, bonus episodes and giveaways... and invite your friends. Episodes drop BI-WEEKLY ON TUESDAYS. Need help? For additional resources, go to BeThe25.com. Experiencing doubt or have questions? Email drsharon@BeThe25.com and your doubt or question may be selected for the show. For speaking engagements contact: drsharon@BeThe25.com. Follow Dr. Sharon O'Hara on: BeThe25.com Instagram @drsharonohara Twitter @drsharonohara YouTube @BeThe25 Thanks for listening! Be The 25! -Dr. Sharon

    14 min
  7. 10/21/2025

    Can Your Prayer Change God's Mind? | Be The 25

    Send In Your Question for the Podcast 🙏 Can your prayer really change God’s mind? Or does His will always happen no matter what? This is the BIG question we’re tackling in today’s special Q&A episode. We’ll look at: ✨ What the Bible says about God’s unchanging character. ✨ Why passages like Jonah and Nineveh look like God “changed His mind.” ✨ How prayer actually works — not by changing God, but by changing situations. ✨ Why your prayers really do matter more than you think. ⚡ Stick around — this one will clear up confusion, deepen your faith, and encourage you to pray with confidence. 🔑 Key Takeaways 🙌 God’s character and plans never change — He is perfect and sovereign. 🙌 Our prayers don’t change God’s mind, but they can create new situations that He responds to. 🙌 Stories like Nineveh, Moses, and Hezekiah show us that prayer changes outcomes. 🙌 God invites us to partner with Him through prayer — it’s powerful and necessary. 📖 Scriptures Used in This Episode Malachi 3:6James 1:171 Samuel 15:29Revelation 22:13Isaiah 46:9-11Matthew 6:10Luke 22:421 John 5:14-15Jonah 3:8-10Jeremiah 18:8Thanks for stopping by! 75% of Christian teens and young adults in local church youth groups walk away from the church – and many from Christ – after graduating high school. This is a call to Be the 25 who don't. We're here to tackle your tough questions, share relatable guest interviews, and offer practical advice and strategies so you can gain the confidence and courage you need to Be the 25. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes, bonus episodes and giveaways... and invite your friends. Episodes drop BI-WEEKLY ON TUESDAYS. Need help? For additional resources, go to BeThe25.com. Experiencing doubt or have questions? Email drsharon@BeThe25.com and your doubt or question may be selected for the show. For speaking engagements contact: drsharon@BeThe25.com. Follow Dr. Sharon O'Hara on: BeThe25.com Instagram @drsharonohara Twitter @drsharonohara YouTube @BeThe25 Thanks for listening! Be The 25! -Dr. Sharon

    19 min
  8. 10/07/2025

    Be the Change: How 25% Can Shift the Majority | Be The 25

    Send In Your Question for the Podcast Do you ever wonder if REAL CHANGE is even possible—at your school 🏫, on your team 🏀, at work 💻, or in your community 🌍? Maybe you feel like your Christian faith ✝️ gets drowned out by all the other voices and beliefs around you. I get it. But what if I told you that even a SMALL, COMMITTED GROUP could actually flip the majority—and that YOU could be part of it? 🙌 In this episode of Be The 25, we’re exploring the 25% Rule—a principle from social science that shows how a minority of committed voices can influence the majority to flip 🔄—and what that means for YOUR life, right where you are. 💡 You don’t have to be the loudest voice. You don’t have to be the most popular person. All it takes is conviction, consistency, and courage. 🔑 Main Points 1️⃣ Conviction – Know what you believe and why it matters. Stand firm in your faith and in God’s truth. ✝️ 2️⃣ Consistency – Live out your faith daily, in big and small ways. People notice when you live what you believe. 🔁 3️⃣ Courage – Speak up and take a stand for what’s right, even when it’s unpopular or uncomfortable. 💪 📖 Scriptures in This Episode Matthew 5:13 – “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.”Matthew 5:14 – “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.”James 1:22 – “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”James 4:17 – “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.”1 Corinthians 16:13 – “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.”✨ Takeaway Even if you feel like the minority, you’re NOT powerless. 💥 Being the 25 means you can spark revival, influence culture, and shine Christ’s light in a world that desperately needs hope. So… what step will YOU take this week to Be The 25? 🚀 Thanks for stopping by! 75% of Christian teens and young adults in local church youth groups walk away from the church – and many from Christ – after graduating high school. This is a call to Be the 25 who don't. We're here to tackle your tough questions, share relatable guest interviews, and offer practical advice and strategies so you can gain the confidence and courage you need to Be the 25. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes, bonus episodes and giveaways... and invite your friends. Episodes drop BI-WEEKLY ON TUESDAYS. Need help? For additional resources, go to BeThe25.com. Experiencing doubt or have questions? Email drsharon@BeThe25.com and your doubt or question may be selected for the show. For speaking engagements contact: drsharon@BeThe25.com. Follow Dr. Sharon O'Hara on: BeThe25.com Instagram @drsharonohara Twitter @drsharonohara YouTube @BeThe25 Thanks for listening! Be The 25! -Dr. Sharon

    15 min

Trailer

4.9
out of 5
71 Ratings

About

This is the place where teens and young adults come to explore how to live the Christian life in a non-Christian world - and thrive. 

You Might Also Like