A new year and a new semester are here—and for Switch, 2026 is all about grounding students in God’s Word. In this episode, Josh Baldwin and James Meehan unpack the heart and vision for the Spring 2026 semester, including a yearlong journey through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. They explain why helping students read the Bible more days than they don’t is the single most powerful driver of spiritual growth, walk through the upcoming Old Testament series, and share practical ways leaders can model and cultivate Bible engagement in their own lives and groups.

In the final episode of The Essentials series, Josh Baldwin and Kaitlyn Caffrey talk about what it really means to own your own development. They unpack why growth isn’t passive, how knowing who you want to become and where you are now matters, and why pressing forward is essential for every leader and follower of Jesus. This episode will challenge you to take responsibility for your growth and intentionally pursue becoming more like Christ. 

In this episode, James Meehan and Josh Baldwin introduce our new Switch series, Reconciled, and talk about what biblical reconciliation really looks like in our lives and relationships.

When your small group just won’t engage, it doesn’t mean you got a bad group—it means you’ve got a big leadership opportunity. In this episode of our Leader Essentials series, Josh and Kaitlyn walk through five practical ways to go deeper even when students are distracted or shut down: managing your expectations, changing the conversation, using simple tools to re-engage, developing student leaders, and stepping in with a Holy Spirit–led mindset. You’ll leave encouraged, equipped, and ready to turn “off nights” into some of your most meaningful ministry moments. 

In this episode of The Essentials, Josh Baldwin and James Meehan talk about why truly knowing your audience is essential for effective student ministry. They break down the spiritual, cultural, and technological realities shaping Gen Z and Gen Alpha—and how leaders can meet students where they are while leading them toward Jesus. From understanding post-Christian culture to building connection before correction, this conversation will equip you to lead with empathy, awareness, and purpose.

Josh Baldwin and James Meehan unpack why partnering with parents is essential in youth ministry and share practical ways to build trust, communicate well, and help families win together.

What does it really mean to lead small? Kaitlyn and James unpack five practical ways to make a big impact by focusing on the few students God has entrusted to you. Learn how to be present, create safe spaces, partner with parents, make it personal, and move students out to live their faith boldly.

In this episode, Josh Baldwin and Kaitlyn Caffrey kick off The Virtuous Life—a five-week series all about how the Holy Spirit shapes us to live and love like Jesus. Together, they unpack the meaning behind the fruit of the Spirit, as well as the 5 virtues that will be covered in this series—love, joy, peace, patience, and self-control—and share how each one transforms us from the inside out.   From discovering how real peace is found in the presence of God (not the absence of problems) to learning that true joy endures even in hard times, this conversation will challenge and inspire you to partner with the Holy Spirit as He grows these virtues in your life, and it will help prepare you for the Switch series ahead. 

Josh Baldwin and Kaitlyn Caffrey challenge leaders to rethink how they see their role in developing students. What if your small group isn’t just a weekly hangout—but a training ground where students learn to lead, fail safely, and grow in confidence?   In this episode, Josh and Kaitlyn unpack practical ways to hand over ownership, celebrate growth, and help students embrace their God-given leadership potential. You’ll walk away inspired to coach, empower, and send out the next generation of leaders.

Host Josh Baldwin sits down with James Meehan to talk about how leaders can re-engage students after a break and make Switchfest a powerful comeback night. They share simple, practical ways to communicate effectively, involve parents and students, and create the personal connections that bring every student back into the rhythm of Switch.

What happens when Switch isn’t meeting in the building? In this episode, Josh Baldwin and James Meehan dive into how leaders can turn off-campus nights into some of the most meaningful moments of the semester. From ice cream hangouts to pickup basketball to simple conversations that go deeper than a typical Wednesday night, you’ll hear practical ideas for creating connection, building trust, and strengthening relationships with students. Whether two students show up or ten, these gatherings can set the stage for lasting impact and momentum that carries into future Switch experiences.

In this episode of the Switch Leader Podcast, Josh Baldwin and Kaitlyn Caffrey unpack what it really means to “make it personal” as a Switch leader. Ministry is more than big events—it’s about showing students they are known, seen, and deeply cared for.   Kaitlyn shares personal stories of leaders who impacted her life, and together she and Josh highlight three practical ways to make it personal: Learn and remember students’ names Care about what matters to them Call out the potential you see in them   Packed with biblical insight, real-life examples, and practical tips, this episode will challenge and encourage you to go beyond surface-level connection and create lasting impact in the lives of your students.

In this episode of the Switch Leader Podcast, Josh Baldwin and Kaitlyn Caffrey unpack The Bash—a party with a purpose designed to launch the fall semester with energy, excitement, and eternal impact. Together, they explore why this night matters, how it partners with Stay Here to fight for a suicide-free generation, and what leaders can do to help students experience the hope of Jesus.   Josh and Kaitlyn share: The vision behind The Bash and why it’s catalytic for students. Three practical ways leaders can prepare: welcoming first-time students, setting the energy, and prioritizing follow-up. How to navigate conversations about suicide prevention with clarity, compassion, and the gospel. Action steps for students and leaders, including the ACT Suicide Prevention Training.   Whether you’re leading your first Bash or your tenth, this episode will equip you with the vision, tools, and encouragement you need to create a night where students feel seen, loved, and pointed to the hope of Jesus.

In this week’s episode of The Switch Leader Podcast, Josh Baldwin and James Meehan unpack one of the most vital essentials in leadership and faith—integrity.   Together, they explore: Why integrity is the foundation of true influence and authority. How Jesus’ example shows us that who we are speaks louder than what we say. Practical ways to live with integrity in both the small and big moments of life. How integrity (or the lack of it) directly shapes the students and people we lead.   You’ll be challenged to reflect on your own life, discover areas that may need realignment, and be encouraged to pursue wholeness in Christ. Because when it comes to integrity—if you have it, nothing else matters. And if you don’t, nothing else matters.

In this episode of The Switch Leader Podcast, Josh Baldwin and James Meehan unpack what it truly means to lead the way Jesus modeled. Together, they explore three essentials for sustainable and impactful leadership: staying centered on Christ, staying connected to others, and staying relaxed under pressure.   Through personal stories of burnout, resilience, and community support, they highlight why servant leadership isn’t just a strategy—it’s the essence of Christian leadership. Whether you’re leading in ministry, at home, or in your workplace, this conversation will challenge and encourage you to embrace practices that keep you healthy, faithful, and effective for the long haul.

In this episode of the Switch Leader Podcast, Josh Baldwin and Kaitlyn Caffrey unpack three essential building blocks of Switch: the What, the How, and the Why. The What – our mission: leading students to become fully devoted followers of Christ. The How – our strategy: bringing in the lost, building up the found, training disciples, and sending them out. The Why – the purpose behind it all: helping students discover Jesus as the true answer to life’s biggest questions.   Whether you’re brand-new to Switch or a long-time leader, this conversation will remind you of the heart of what we do and reignite your passion for investing in the next generation.

In this first installment of The Essentials series, Kaitlyn Caffrey and Josh Baldwin discuss the foundational importance of a leader’s private faith in supporting their public ministry. They explore how integrity, personal devotion, and spiritual consistency are essential—not just for effective leadership in Switch, but for sustainable impact in any area of life. With scripture, personal insight, and honest reflection, this episode challenges leaders to pursue Jesus wholeheartedly and lead from the overflow of a thriving relationship with Him.

In this kickoff episode of the new Switch semester, Josh Baldwin and James Meehan set the tone for what’s ahead by casting vision, challenging leaders, and previewing the first Switch series: Fakers or Followers. They unpack the difference between cultural Christianity and true discipleship, the danger of comfort, and why small group leaders aren’t “just volunteers”—they’re spiritual leaders with lasting influence. Whether you’re a Switch veteran or just starting out, we're glad you're with us!

In this heartfelt episode, Josh and Kaitlyn unpack the powerful imagery found in Joshua 4—when God commands the Israelites to pick up stones from the middle of the Jordan River as a lasting memorial. Together, they dive deep into what it means for us today: sometimes we’re asked to pick up small stones—simple, faithful steps—and sometimes we’re called to lift something heavy, something that stretches our faith.   You’ll hear honest reflections about how God’s tangible presence often meets us on the other side of obedience, and how the act of remembering His faithfulness isn’t just about looking back—it’s preparation for trusting Him again in the future.   This episode is a rally cry to look back at all God has done this past school year, to dream with faith about what’s to come, and to carry those stories forward—not just for ourselves, but for the next generation.   So as summer begins, take time to reflect, remember, and recommit to being a leader who carries the stones—and tells the stories—of God’s faithfulness.

In this episode, Josh Baldwin sits down with Kennadi Foster, Youth Pastor at the Catoosa campus, to explore what it looks like to lead well while resting well during the summer. As the school year ends and rhythms change, many youth leaders face the tension between resting well and staying relationally engaged with students. Josh and Kennadi discuss how summer isn’t a time to shut down—it’s a time to shift gears.   You’ll hear practical ideas for staying connected with students during the break, ways to pursue spiritual rest and renewal, and why maintaining momentum over the summer matters more than we think. Whether it’s planning low-key hangouts, encouraging students in their faith, or simply showing up with intentionality, this conversation will equip you to embrace the season and lead with purpose.